Save The Last Dance Abigail's Swan Song
New Zealand Woman's Weekly|March 18 2019

The Lead Dancer’s at the Pointe of No Return.

Julie Jacobson
Save The Last Dance Abigail's Swan Song

Abigail Boyle gets the irony. For seven nights recently, a 20m-high image of the 33-year-old has been beamed into the sky above the water over Wellington’s Oriental Bay as part of an art installation using the capital’s Carter Fountain as a canvas. She is dancing an excerpt from Fokine’s Dying Swan.

An audience favourite and one of a core group of dancers who gained a raft of new fans following the fly-on-the-wall TV series Secret Lives of Dancers, Abigail will retire from the Royal New Zealand Ballet next month, stepping out of the spotlight after a 13-year career.

Her performance in Artemis Rising as the eponymous Greek goddess – a role that reflects Abigail’s whakapapa and was specially created for her by choreographer Sarah FosterSproull – will be her swansong.

It’s the culmination of a stellar career that has seen Abigail work with some of the world’s top choreographers and take on numerous lead roles, including Ada in 2018’s The Piano: The Ballet.

But it was her role as Giselle’s Myrtha, the vengeful, ballbusting, grand jeté-ing Queen of the Wilis, that Abigail found the most demanding.

“Stamina-wise, she is very hard and, character-wise, I couldn’t shake her,” she says. “I’d leave work, go home and still feel like a real b****. I couldn’t get rid of her!”

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM NEW ZEALAND WOMAN'S WEEKLYView all
Sweet SUCCESS
New Zealand Woman's Weekly

Sweet SUCCESS

Delicious twists on traditional favourites

time-read
6 mins  |
September 16, 2024
Calzone CRAVING
New Zealand Woman's Weekly

Calzone CRAVING

Anything you can put on top of a pizza can go inside these air fryer Italian turnovers

time-read
1 min  |
September 16, 2024
Kai & kindness - ‘OUR RECIPE FOR A GOOD LIFE'
New Zealand Woman's Weekly

Kai & kindness - ‘OUR RECIPE FOR A GOOD LIFE'

The foodie and her brother have dished up a cookbook full of comfort

time-read
3 mins  |
September 16, 2024
Kia Ora Dame! 'I HAD A BIGGER PURPOSE'
New Zealand Woman's Weekly

Kia Ora Dame! 'I HAD A BIGGER PURPOSE'

It could have taken a toll on her, but Naida's phone greeting started a legacy

time-read
3 mins  |
September 16, 2024
Dame Hinewehi's healing haka - 'IT'S GOING TO CHANGE LIVES'
New Zealand Woman's Weekly

Dame Hinewehi's healing haka - 'IT'S GOING TO CHANGE LIVES'

Beating a world record is personal for the music therapy founder

time-read
3 mins  |
September 16, 2024
Unbreakable Mamie - 'I'M READY TO FAMOUS!' BE
New Zealand Woman's Weekly

Unbreakable Mamie - 'I'M READY TO FAMOUS!' BE

The TV star and model is excited about what the future holds

time-read
3 mins  |
September 16, 2024
Below Deck detective - CAPTAIN LEE'S SEA CHANGE
New Zealand Woman's Weekly

Below Deck detective - CAPTAIN LEE'S SEA CHANGE

The superyacht hero's family tragedy has led him to navigate scary waters

time-read
3 mins  |
September 16, 2024
Swings & roundabouts - OWEN'S BIG KID PROJECT
New Zealand Woman's Weekly

Swings & roundabouts - OWEN'S BIG KID PROJECT

Playtime's a whole lot more fun thanks to the radio host

time-read
3 mins  |
September 16, 2024
Haunted by tragedy - KATE'S SHOCK LOSS
New Zealand Woman's Weekly

Haunted by tragedy - KATE'S SHOCK LOSS

The star is still dealing with the death of her dad when she was aged four

time-read
3 mins  |
September 16, 2024
Top-secret royal plan - BRINGING HARRY HOME
New Zealand Woman's Weekly

Top-secret royal plan - BRINGING HARRY HOME

Disillusioned with life in the US, the prince is reaching out to friends in the UK

time-read
3 mins  |
September 16, 2024