Duck Pond is an intriguing piece of dance theatre by the Australian troupe Circa that melds together the story of the Ugly Duckling with the ballet Swan Lake. Using a little bit of dramatic license the story weaves its way through the key elements of both stories using a lively mix of ballet style movements, acrobatics, and the occasional dash of cirque such as aerial work and the odd hula hoop. The choreography and interactions are all superbly executed by a very strong and lithe cast full of cheek and personality who create both humorous and poignant moments.
Visually this is a stunning production, The costuming is lavish, and in the first part of the show most of the dancers wore black figure-hugging outfits that sparkled in the lights. A Cupid-like character wore a harlequin type of outfit with black and white wings attached. The Ugly Duckling’s apparel had an Elizabethan style complete with a ruff. Later in the programme the ducks/swans had transformed into pure white costumes.
The setting was simple but incredibly elegant with long and thin floor to ceiling drapes on the sides and across the back and so provided a backdrop to a stage devoid of any props or furniture. It was starkly beautiful and gave plenty of room for the performers to move and interact.
The climax of the main story was stunning to watch as a mountain of shimmering cloth rose to the sky and the now transformed duckling stands atop arms raised, a glorious swan taking her rightful place among her bevy.
At this moment, the main stage curtain came down, but, there was another unexpected turn. It rose again and the dancers removed their costumes and began striking the set by tearing up tape, and removing mats. The backing curtains fell and then after a clean up, another set of wondrous acrobatics and cirque routines began which included a fantastic hula hoop display and an exciting Cyr wheel. The cast even appeared in large boxes with humour poses. It was unusual, inventive and completely satisfying.
Duck Pond is a whimsical, beautiful night of magical dance that subverts its source material in a loving and creative way. It may be a touch tongue in cheek and naughty but the execution of this piece was flawlessly brilliant, reverent, and surprisingly romantic.
DUCK POND
12-13 March 2026
Aotea Centre – Auckland