What's On

Experience the beauty of La Sylphide, the ultimate romantic ballet. Photo / Royal New Zealand Ballet

CABARET
There's nothing like putting your glad rags on, and some people will use any excuse to do it. This Saturday a good reason presents itself at the Black & White event at the Bruce Mason Centre. Billed as a dinner and dance event to benefit Mairangi Bay's Apollo Theatre School, you get bubbles on arrival, performances from Tina Cross (above) and Will Martin, and then Leza Corben and her band Union.

Black & White - Bruce Mason Centre, Takapuna, August 22

BALLET
A ballet considered the quintessential work of the 19th century's Romantic period pirouettes into Auckland next week for five shows. Danish-born choreographer August Bournonville wrote La Sylphide in 1836. The ballet tells the tale of a young man about to marry who gets a little distracted following a sylph - a fairy-like creature - into the forest.

The Meridian Season of La Sylphide - Aotea Centre, August 26-29

COMEDY
One of New Zealand's funniest men invites you to laugh along with him early next week. Dai Henwood is consistently the most popular local act at the Comedy Festival, and has played countless live shows all over the country. Now he has put together a "Best Of" show of sorts, which he will also be filming for an upcoming DVD, Dai Another Day. Be a part of the jocularity at SkyCity early next week.

Dai Another Day - SkyCity Theatre, August 25/26

DANCE
For those who enjoyed the vibrant winners of Britain's Got Talent, dance troupe Diversity, a competition at Auckland's YMCA this Saturday could appeal. The fifth annual Toa Toa Secondary Schools Mix-It-Up Dance Champs pits talented teams of movers and groovers up against each other in front of a panel of judges. This year expect hip-hop-influenced dance fused with everything from Bollywood to Haka.

Toa Toa Finals - Auckland YMCA, August 22, 7pm

POP/POETRY
Find out what happens when you team a legendary Kiwi musician with a famous poet and raconteur. Musician David Kilgour - founder of The Clean - and poet Sam Hunt perform at Leigh this Friday, then at Toto's in Auckland on Saturday. From an acoustic set to poetry, then on to something more electric.

David Kilgour and Sam Hunt - Leigh Sawmill, Aug 21; Toto/Montecristo Room, Auckland, August 22

THEATRE
A special piece of New Zealand-created theatre is on tour this month and at Takapuna's Pumphouse this week. Directed by Sam Scott, Whero's New Net is adapted by Albert Belz from a short story by Witi Ihimaera about a young Kiwi musician (Whero) following her dreams. Original music by Tama Waipara.

Whero's New Net - The PumpHouse Theatre, Takapuna, to August 22


CLUBS/DJ
Dubstep is rising fast from the underground and into New Zealand's mainstream - dubstep gigs are packed out every weekend. And we are making our own, with plenty of talented local producers, many of whom are featured on Every Day Dubs, a new compilation out now. Join DJs Jason Howson, Frosty, Truth and more at the release party this Saturday.

Every Day Dubs Release Party - Zen, Albert St, August 22

ROCK/POP
Check out some fresh talent on the Auckland rock scene at Sale St tonight. Clap Clap Riot describe themselves as a "ferocious mix of duelling guitars, solid thumping drums and wild vocals", and have been touring a lot this year, so expect a tight show. Also on the bill are The Earlybirds, who think of themselves as a little bit Kings Of Leon, a touch of The Kooks, and a dash of OpShop.

Clap Clap Riot vs The Earlybirds - Sale St, 7 Sale St, Freemans Bay, 8.30pm tonight