This is the story of those 60 years; not a usual history written by one person - the RNZB does not deal in the ''usual''; never has, never will.
Rather it contains fascinating profiles and pithy vignettes from dancers and choreographers, artistic directors, friends and colleagues, patrons and supporters about themselves, about each other. It's a book of exciting texture.
The energy is palpable. The more than 300 photographs of the people, places, and countless performances provide a dazzling record of the RNZB's development. The innovative contemporary dances of New Zealand it has produced, along with overseas works and the classic 19th-century productions it has performed are all there.
The many anecdotes and personal stories from and about the courageous artistic directors, including founder Poul Gnatt, Russell Kerr, Philip Chatfield, Harry Haythorne and Gary Harris, are a revelation.
The excerpts from dancers, including stars such as the much-loved Sir Jon Trimmer (a founding company member and still performing) the elegant Ou Lou and ballerinas such as Kerry-Anne Gilberd, nail readers' interest.
In Wellington in 1976 I saw the then 16-year-old Gilberd in her first big role, a pas de deux, The Kiss, created for her by artistic director Philip Chatfield.
It was a memorable, stand-out performance. Gilberd danced with John Shields who lifted, tossed and caught her in a series of breathtaking moves all over the stage.
In her story she writes: ''From the beginning of the rehearsal period through to the completion of the work I was nervous, as I knew there would be a kiss put in there somewhere and I had never kissed a boy'' . . . Who would have known! These are the insights that add sparkle.
There will be many who love this book as they learn how much guts and effort has gone into shaping this resilient treasure. You see them at every RNZB performance.
There are the children with the shining eyes and the wonder on their faces - among them our future dancers and choreographers - and the older men and women with the gentle nostalgic smiles who have followed the journey from the start.
Jude Hathaway is an ODT features writer.
