Story: Ballet

The close link between opera and ballet can be seen in this 1874 advertisement for the touring English Opera Company, with the presence of a 'corps de ballet' noted in capital letters at the bottom of the ad. In the later 19th century this was the way New Zealanders generally saw ballet. Companies presenting a burlesque version of operas and ballets, which employed many dancers, also toured the country from time to time. In the 20th century the J. C. Williamson chain of theatres was home to productions of both kinds.