Fire alarm no match for Giselle ballet dancers at Aotea Centre in Auckland

Giselle is being performed in Auckland by the English National Ballet. Photo / Supplied

A fire alarm interrupted the second act, but the show went on for classic ballet Giselle after a 20-minute break, an organiser says.

The Akram Khan romantic ballet was underway at the Aotea Centre, in downtown Auckland, when the alarm went of about 9pm yesterday.

Fire and Emergency was called and patrons evacuated, but no sign of fire was found.

Giselle is part of the Auckland Arts Festival and festival spokeswoman Siobhan Waterhouse said she did not know why alarm went off.

"But [I} know there was no emergency, issue or fire. It was a false alarm. The show went on and the dancers were utterly professional, as were the Auckland Live staff.

"These things do happen from time to time and professional international companies like the English National Ballet and large venues like the Aotea Centre are well trained in making the situation as seamless as possible for guests."

As with the opening night, the dancers received a standing ovation at the final curtain.