New Zealand fashion and lifestyle blog

Kate Venables of RNZ Ballet

Thread loves the Royal NZ Ballet costumes, so we talk to Kate Venables, an ex-dancer who works for Weta and makes her own jewellery as well as creating those stunning ballet costumes…

Thread loves the Royal New Zealand Ballet costume designs, so we talk to Kate Venables, an ex-dancer who is now in costume, works for Weta and makes her own jewellery as well as creating those stunning ballet costumes…

What gets you out of bed in the morning Kate?

Inimitable Wellington coffee aside, what gets me out of bed in the morning is wonder and intrigue. I’m genuinely interested in learning and experience and creating as full a life that I can from the stimuli I am free and able to gain every day. I condense so much into my days because I find the vastness of the world that we can experience so inspiring. One of my favourite artists believed that ‘art is energy’ and I believe this to be completely true. My energy is derived from this sense of wonder and I attempt to make the most of my time and opportunity.

Are you living the dream? Why?

I consider myself fortunate that I live in a place and circumstance that I am able to pursue my goals and dreams and also that I have developed the focus and determination that has enabled me to do so. My dreams are always evolving though. Much of my career progress has taken a lot of compromise and the realities of pursuing an artistic career are certainly present. At certain points in my creative life I have found myself suddenly in surreal moments of dreamlike success where I do pinch myself a little and I promise myself to never take these moments for granted however what I have liked most about my the various areas of my creative life are just the day to day practices. Whether it be the 4000 battement tendus per day as a professional dancer or the 10,000 beads that I hand sew together, the 14 hours of non stop chain linking or the 520th hole hand punched in a piece of leather, it is this that I actually find pleasure in. To know and enjoy something so intrinsically is to have done it 5,000 times and still not be bored of it. It is through this that I learn more about a process or material or action and am then able to take that knowledge and practice to a new place. To get that feeling and satisfaction out of my day to day existence is the real dream for me.

What are you working on now?

Currently I am designing costumes for Andrew Simmons’ ballet in the Royal New Zealand Ballet’s season of ‘MADE TO MOVE.’ I am also creating the bespoke leather belts for ‘Bier Halle’, choreographed by Ethan Stiefel and designed by Allan Lees which also features in the ‘MADE TO MOVE’ season. It is wonderful to not only be designing for the Royal New Zealand Ballet but also to have my own handwork featured onstage in the same production in their 60th year. Having been a dancer with the company for almost seven years and to now have the privilege of creating work for them in another artistic capacity is very fulfilling. I feel very connected to the Royal New Zealand Ballet as the company embodies an ethos and spirit that I align with and that I truly admire and believe in. Their standard of work and loyalty to their audience, employees and supporting parties is of the highest quality and integrity and to be a part of their creative energy is once again a delight for me.

What next?

I would like to continue working in costume manufacture for film, fashion and theatre both here in New Zealand and abroad also. Through this I am able to realize my potential and work on interesting projects with some truly inspiring people who I am able to learn so much from. I would also dearly like to be able to invest a solid block of time into furthering my own independent work. As an artist I am still refining certain techniques and skills that I endeavour to stream myself in, in particular my illustrations and elaborate beaded jewellery creations, and eventually I would like to reach the point of exhibiting my work as a solo artist in my own right.

Who inspires you?

What and who inspires me is endless. I tend to find inspiration in a broad spectrum of places from the gentle appreciation of the structure of objects in nature to the admiration I hold for artists who are able to transcend perceived technical limitations and break boundaries in their creative pursuits and thinking. I have thankfully worked with many artists who are able to maintain their artistic integrity and also their good humour along the way and who are strong in their artistic vision but also humble enough to let their work be guided and influenced somewhat by their medium. I’m incredibly inspired by those who find joy and pleasure even in the most difficult circumstances and remote of places. Beauty, wisdom and connection are all around so I just try to keep my eyes open enough to see it and my heart willing enough to channel it, as often as possible.

Made to Move – three world premieres, one night. It tours Wellington, Napier, Auckland, Takapuna, Palmerston North, Dunedin, Ashburton from 27 February to 24 March 2013. For more information see nzballet.org.nz

By Sally-ann Moffat, 10 February 2013


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