Issue date: 
Tuesday, 12 February 2019

Rialto Distribution are thrilled to share with you the full theatrical trailer for The Heart Dances
- the journey of The Piano: the ballet.

The Heart Dances tracks the creation of The Piano: the ballet, commissioned by the Royal
New Zealand Ballet. Following its NZIFF 2018 screenings, The Heart Dances will have a
general release commencing April 4, 2019. Last year was the 25th anniversary year of the
release of the film from which the ballet draws its inspiration.


Director Rebecca Tansley comments, “It’s no exaggeration to say The Piano was a life-changing
film for me and I knew the process of creating a ballet inspired by Jane Campion's incredible
story would be a challenging one. Our film enables audiences to experience the pleasure and
the pain that went into that process – it’s a real ride that is way more than just a ballet film."


Rialto Distribution sales manager Kevin Gordon comments, “We’re very proud to help bring
this beautiful film to New Zealand cinemas. The Heart Dances has captured an important
moment in New Zealand’s rich performance landscape and will be enjoyed by audiences
around the country.”

 


When celebrated Czech choreographer Jiří Bubeníček and his production designer brother
Otto arrive in New Zealand to prepare their work The Piano: the ballet for the Royal New
Zealand Ballet, the stage is set for a voyage into uncharted territory for everyone involved.


For Moss Patterson, engaged by the RNZB as Māori advisor, the work epitomises cultural
appropriation. He challenges the concept of freedom of expression so important to the
Bubeníčeks while raising important questions about representation with the ballet company.


The dancers face challenges of a different kind as they come to terms with the famous
characters of Ada, Stewart and Baines and the love triangle they are caught up in.


As the whole company works to bring this memorable story to the stage, aspects of the film
that inspired the ballet continue to be played out – old world versus new, new relationships,
new challenges – while Jiří and Otto discover the responsibilities of storytelling in dance are
more complex than they ever imagined.


The film is produced by Robin Laing and Rebecca Tansley and funded by the New Zealand
Film Commission and a private investor.

The Heart Dances - the journey of The Piano: the ballet releases in NZ cinemas April 4, 2019.

Last updated: 
Tuesday, 12 February 2019