This aptly named series of films offers a smorgasbord of short dance works that will cater to everyone’s tastes. Several of the offerings are site specific and some are responsive to the work of a New Zealand visual artist, this adds context and texture to the viewing experience. Various sound tracks accompany each film from an eclectic range of sources.

I Deeply Know is an intriguing duet choreographed by Levi Teachout which features Saul Newport and Calum Gray dancing in a tattered lobby, Isolation Hotel, created by visual artist Heather Straka. In a choreographically effective response to the setting, the two dancers smoulder in a work that explores unease and internal horror. There is compelling softness as facades are stripped away.

Ana Gallardo Lobaina and Joshua Guillemont-Rodgerson sizzle in quirky billiard table tango entitled Ballroom Dancing, choreographed by Loughlan Prior.  In his second work Ultra Violet, dancers Katherine Skelton and Laurynas Vejalis are crisp and purposeful under the many hues of Tiffany Singh’s Internal Reflection room at Te Papa. The choreography is linear, positional and relational – full of playful experimentation as the camera becomes part of the dance.

There is nothing quite like the swirl of the kilt and the men of the company deliver a fine display as they cavort on the lawn at Government House in front of a gorgeous Atlantic cedar.  They elegantly conjure the Celtic spirit under Busby Berkley drone shots in this buoyant offering, Alba, from choreographer Shaun James Kelly.

Within Without by choreographer Andrea Schermoly anchors the entire series. It is a major work that deserves revisiting in a theatrical setting. The substantive choreography evokes a tussle, between the internal world of the emotions and the tensions of an external realm. The choreographer pushes the potentials of the nouveau classical form with interlocking double duets. The music is compelling as counterpointed movement builds tension. Through a series of solos, duets and a sublime trio, this accomplished craftswoman takes the watcher on an imaginative and visceral journey. It foregrounds the considerable talents of her cast in knock-out costumes designed by company director Patricia Barker whilst Laura McQueen Schultz directs the camera with assuredness.

Limerence is created by Annaliese Macdonald.  The quartet of dancers navigate the push and pull of intense desire in two intermingling couples.  They move in a narrow and spectacularly vibrant crimson space by artist Janna van Hasselt.  The camera  is used to good effect to capture layering and depth. Joshua Guillemont-Rodgerson and his dancers have fun in a long romp in the world of childhood imagination to discover who really is the King of the Castle.

Filmed in black and white, Alice Topp’s work Absence of Light stands out in the programme for its stark beauty, striking imagery and passionate performances. Dan Wilson creates lighting that glints on the skin like a love letter to the architecture of the body. Berceuse by Penny Saunders is a snappy duet and Artemis Rising choreographed by Sarah Foster Sproull highlights the dramatic power of the feminine. This is epitomized by Ana Gallardo Lobaina as she conjures magic from the air around her whilst a chorus augments her status.

These intimately filmed  works give the viewer a chance to get up close and personal with the dancers of the company.  The nearness of the camera allows us to experience their unique personalities and talents – something that the proscenium arch stage doesn’t always allow. It is a major undertaking to film and edit so many pieces in such variable settings. The various collaborators work with skill and invention. Sometimes the choreographers direct the work themselves and/or edit their work in collaboration with a specialist. This provides a fertile space for skill development and accounts for the variability of the quality in each film.

The crucial work of editing is by: Loughlan Prior, Dan Harris, Jeremy Brick, Annaliese Macdonald, Jono Tucker, Shaun James Kelly, Penny Saunders, Clytie Cambell and Laura McQueen Schultz. The works are filmed by: Dan Harris, Nicholas Schultz, Mink Boyce, Jeremy Brick, Dan Harris, Alex Holden and Alice Topp.  Each of the Ballet Bites are variously directed by: Nicholas Schultz, Annaliese Macdonald, Ross Brown, Levi Teachout, Joshua Guillemont-Rodgerson, Alice Topp, Jono Tucker, Laura McQueen Schultz and Sarah Foster Sproull. Drone footage is created by Simon Baumfield and Jess Charlton,

The Ballet Bites project draws together many collaborators: composers, visual artists, designers, film artists and choreographers to showcase the articulate skill of the dance artists art the heart of the Royal New Zealand Ballet. The choreographic development space, particularly for the women, is opportune.  It is a brilliant initiative, that keeps the dancers warmly visible and a stimulating way to spend an evening from the comfort of home.

The season is available until Sunday May 29^th at https://screen.rnzb.org.nz/

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Copyright © in the review belongs to the reviewer