Patricia Barker Resigns From Royal New Zealand Ballet

Patricia Barker Resigns from Royal New Zealand Ballet

After 5 and a half years as its Artistic Director, following the company’s Tutus on Tour program, Patricia Barker will retire from her leadership role at Royal New Zealand Ballet.

She will move back to the United States having accepted a board position of Seattle-based contemporary dance company Whim W’him and will work with Czech National Ballet Brno, Pacific Northwest Ballet, and Youth America Grand Prix for the rest of 2023.

“I turn 60 this year, and with 43 years working in classical ballet, 14 of them as an Artistic Director, it is time to pass the baton to the next generation. I am excited to start a new chapter and play a more supportive role. It is time for me to be an enthusiastic member of the audience, applauding the enormous efforts that create beautiful performances. I am proud of what has been achieved during my leadership of the RNZB. It came with its challenges by way of a global pandemic and a not-so-temporary change in our home and rehearsal space. We remained a resilient organisation through it all and worked to a brighter, more fruitful future. I wish the organisation every success and look forward to attending a performance in the US next time the company tours or the next time I visit New Zealand."

Patricia Barker

Outgoing Artistic Director of Royal New Zealand Ballet

Patricia Barker's Accomplishments at Royal New Zealand Ballet

Commissioned 12 new main stage ballets from New Zealand-based or born choreographers
Nurtured relationship with New Zealand School of Dance and other local ballet schools
Grown the number of New Zealand-born and trained dancers in the company
Established of a five-year partnership with the Department of Corrections to provide dance workshop rehabilitation programs

“I am grateful for the support of our audiences, in theatres and online, for the many journeys that we have taken together. The work of my brilliant artistic team and the many talented dancers I’ve worked with at the RNZB. During my time here, I have been inspired and deeply moved by the collective work from the wonderful magical creatives who have achieved inspirational moments both onstage and off.
I acknowledge the hard work of our staff and the many Board members with whom I have worked closely. An organisation’s strength is in its supporters and I thank all of them, and especially the RNZB Foundation for their constant support in the artform that inspires us all.
I would also like to thank our colleagues at Te Papa for their support in expanding our family performances over the last four years, including relaxed performances, New Zealand Sign Language and narration in te reo Māori.
A special thank you to former Chair Steven Fyfe and his wife Catherine who encouraged me to start this adventure and my journey with the RNZB and especially Catherine for her kindness and support as I navigated a new life in New Zealand,” Barker says.

Tickets For Royal New Zealand Ballet Performances ⤞

David McAllister AC Becomes Royal New Zealand Ballet's Interim Artistic Director

While the company begins the recruitment process for Patricia Barker’s replacement, former Artistic Director of The Australian Ballet, David McAllister AC, will take over the helm at Royal New Zealand Ballet beginning in March.