SPEED OF LIGHT Set for Auckland Arts Festival in March 2016

Speed of Light, three larger-than-life contemporary classics showcasing the energy, precision and charisma of the Royal New Zealand Ballet under the leadership of artistic director Francesco Ventriglia makes its Auckland Arts Festival debut in March 2016.

Andonis Foniadakis's seductive Selon Désir, is inspired by the monumental opening choruses of the St Matthew and St John Passions. Created for Geneva Ballet in 2004, it's a gorgeous synthesis of colour, light, music and movement.

Described by The Guardian as 'the work that changed ballet forever', William Forsythe's In the Middle, Somewhat Elevated was initially commissioned by Rudolf Nureyev for the Paris Opéra Ballet in 1987, for a virtuoso cast of young stars.

Alexander Ekman's Cacti has taken the dance world by storm since its premiere in The Hague in 2010. It combines daredevil virtuosity and split second timing with a playful wit. In this celebration of physicality and the sheer joy of dance, the RNZB is joined onstage by the New Zealand String Quartet.

Auckland Arts Festival artistic director, Carla van Zon, says she is delighted the RNZB is part of the 2016 festival.

"What is really exciting is the high quality, international programme the company will be delivering," says Ms van Zon.

"Andonis Foniadakis, William Forsyth and Alexander Ekman are all iconic, groundbreaking choreographers whose works thrill and are loved by audiences around the world."