Hailed by the New Zealand Herald for its ‘cheeky effervescence, irrepressible energy and beguiling wit’, Cacti by Alexander Ekman returns to Auckland after captivating audiences during the Royal New Zealand Ballet’s 2016 Speed of Light tour.

Auckland audiences now have the opportunity to see Cacti again, together with two additional works by Ekman: Tuplet and Episode 31. The Royal New Zealand Ballet is the first company in the world to present these works together.

All three works showcase the hallmarks of Ekman’s style: exuberant and complex rhythms in which the dancers are at one with the music; a deep pleasure in the human interactions of dance; and witty, stylish staging.

Tuplet, for just six dancers, is the most intimate of the three works, riffing off the split-second precision of contemporary ballet dancers at the top of their game. The work was created for Cedar Lake Contemporary Ballet and premiered at New York’s Joyce Theater, in 2012.

Episode 31 is larger in scale, a torrent of youthful vigour harnessing the energy of New York City. Originally made for the Senior Graduation Class at The Juilliard School, it premiered in 2011.

Cacti (2010) brings it all together, combining hilarious insights into the dancers’ innermost thoughts with a mesmerising musicality.

The Royal New Zealand Ballet will be joined by the New Zealand String Quartet onstage for all performances.

For all ticketing and timing information, visit rnzb.org.nz or asbwaterfronttheatre.co.nz.