Learn the iconic Nelken Line - a rehearsal with Fleur de Thier

Image: Still from the Tutorial: © Pina Bausch Foundation

Ageing Positively Week (17 October – Saturday 24 October)
Celebrate life, stay connected and discover something new during Ageing Positively Week at Christchurch City Libraries. Across our city you'll find loads of opportunities to learn, create, play, explore and connect with others in welcoming library spaces. From technology and creativity to conversation, get moving and find community, there's something to spark every interest.  

Our week finishes with a unique experience! Join us for The Nelken Line – a gentle walking, movement-based community event inspired by Pina Bausch's iconic "carnation line".

You’ll learn a simple sequence of gentle movements and walk it together, side by side with others to the sound of a jazz band. All you need is curiosity and a sense of fun – guaranteed to leave you inspired! The event will take place on Saturday 24 October, at 2pm.

You can sign up to participate in the community event here:

With kind permission from the Pina Bausch Foundation.
Music supported by the Christchurch Jazz Band Festival.

Come and join us for a rehearsal to learn 4 iconic moves "Summer, Autumn, Winter and Spring" in preparation for the Nelken Line community event.

Fleur de Thier will be leading this session, come to one or both and get ready for our big day.

• Thursday 22 October, 6.30–7.30pm

• Friday 23 October, 2.30–3.30pm

Tautoru/TSB Space, Hapori | Community, Level 1, Tūranga
No previous dance experience is necessary.

More information: The Nelken Line | Christchurch City Libraries Ngā Kete Wānanga o Ōtautahi | BiblioCommons

About Fleur de Thier:

Fleur has been working professionally in the dance industry for the last 32 years. She trained for three years full time at Auckland Performing Arts School (now Unitec) graduating in 1991.  Fleur worked as a freelance dancer in Auckland for 5 years before returning to base herself in Otautahi. An established New Zealand choreographer, her works have featured nationally in Arts Festivals throughout the last couple of decades.  She is known for her diversity and connections with many different artists, companies and training institutes such as, Unitec, Footnote, Southern Lights and Jolt.

Currently Fleur is the artistic director of Rebound Dance Company. She tutors regular classes for mature dances from community level to advanced contemporary technique.

Her latest collaborations have been with artist and puppet maker Simon van der Sluijs   and she recently formed a new company 'The Leap Project' as a vehicle for the many trained professional dancers now choosing to base themselves in Christchurch.

Fleur is part of the new team running Lyttelton Arts Factory.

Some background from the inspirational Sadler's Wells Nelken Line earlier this year:

"Line sequences are a recurring characteristic element in many of Pina Bausch’s pieces, and the Nelken Line might be one of Bausch’s most famous. Featured in Nelken (1982), within the section “Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter”, the line recounts the change of the seasons, with the dancers moving in a long procession defined by few, concise gestures."

https://www.sadlerswells.com/elixir-festival-2026/the-nelken-line/