The Secret Lives of Dancers, which is the Royal New Zealand Ballet's major hit TV reality show, airs only in New Zealand on Tuesdays. However, some blessed angels, like Flowerbomb, have managed to load it on to YouTube and Vimeo so that we all can enjoy it - at least for a while until someone yanks it down.
Below is Season 2, Episode 3 when the company dancers find out that ABT's Stella Abrera is coming to town to dance Aurora in RNZB's massive new production of Sleeping Beauty. There is a short clip of one of her variations at about 2'35" but she doesn't actually arrive until Episode 4 which follows below. Our angel Flowerbomb has uploaded all of the Season 2 episodes so far broadcast to Vimeo. This show is addictive. But besides loving it for including Stella, the RNZB dancer who the producers seem to "go to" for his insight and ability to draw out responses from his colleagues, Jaered Glavin, is priceless.
The program's producers rightly refer to Stella as a "prima ballerina" and "one of the best dancers in America." Yes, she certainly is. What a shame it is that we don't get to see her dance more often.
The Secret Lives of Dancers S02E03 from flowerbomb on Vimeo.
Season 2, Episode 4.
The Secret Lives of Dancers S02E04 from flowerbomb on Vimeo.
Our profound thanks and gratitude to Flowerbomb.
This is great! Seems Stella enchanted the RNZB dancers. I hope we get some decent video of her debut (though the actual dancing parts of the show seem limited, a gal can dream!).
Posted by: K | February 29, 2012 at 12:43 PM
I hope so, too – at least some of the Rose Adagio and maybe a fish dive or two with Sergio.
Stiefel's management style is coming off VERY good in this program. Let's hope that will be noticed here. I just read that the company's opening performance of its NYC program last night in Auckland got a standing ovation for Larry Keigwin's new piece. All good news.
Posted by: Haglund | February 29, 2012 at 01:22 PM
Yeah, this show is addictive.
Posted by: robin | March 01, 2012 at 07:56 PM
Totally. I want a New Zealand accent.
Posted by: Haglund | March 01, 2012 at 11:19 PM
right? plus i have to start saying "she's so beautiful it makes me want to spew".
Posted by: robin | March 02, 2012 at 06:50 AM
Well, she is.
Posted by: Haglund | March 02, 2012 at 10:25 AM
True that.
Posted by: robin | March 02, 2012 at 04:13 PM