Story: Ballet

Returning home

Alexander Grant and Rowena Jackson, two of the best-known of the New Zealand dancers who went overseas to train, can be seen in this 1960 National Film Unit documentary. Also shown is Jackson's husband, the English dancer Philip Chatfield, well known in his own right. 

The exodus of which Grant and Jackson were part remained a feature of New Zealand ballet in the 2000s. Many dancers continued to go overseas, drawn by the better employment and creative opportunities available in larger countries. 

Using this item

Archives New Zealand - Te Rua Mahara o te Kāwanatanga
Reference: Our stars of ballet. National Film Unit, 1960

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How to cite this page:

Jennifer Shennan, 'Ballet - A national company emerges', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/video/43132/returning-home (accessed 29 March 2024)

Story by Jennifer Shennan, published 22 Oct 2014