On stage they are glamorous, ethereal characters who transport you into another world, but off-stage is an entirely different story.
Glamorous as it might look on stage, a lot of sweat and tears has gone into creating that impression.
Royal New Zealand Ballet dancer Abigail Boyle turned 30 last week but did not let that distract her from the daily class the company's dancers are required to attend.
''What you see on stage is glamorous. We feel glamorous with our hair and make-up done, but the training is quite grotty. We're dripping in sweat and have smelly feet.''
Hearing about calluses, patella tendonitis and lower back problems is not glamorous, she said.
''After this I'm going to use a blade to scrape the skin off between my toes.''
Playing Mercedes in Don Quixote for the second time, the dancer is no stranger to the ballet's challenges physically and emotionally.
''I felt like it was choreography [that] sits on my body; it's a role I've done before and was choreographed on me.
''Mercedes is energetic, flirtatious and naughty. I love the Spanish feel to the dance. That she's a street dancer and a bit of fun.''
Speaking the morning after opening night she was feeling a bit tired and nursing some sore leg muscles.
But it was all worth it, she said to hear the usually restrained Wellington audience enthusiastically clap and stomp.
''In my 10 years I have been here I've not heard them that crazy. It was such a lovely buzz.''
It was particularly special for Ms Boyle, who is from Auckland's North Shore, as she had spent last season out with a broken arm after she tumbled down some stairs while wrangling a suitcase.
''Really nice to do a curtain call in front of an audience again; yeah I'm back. It's still a bit sore, but you know you don't really notice it on stage, the adrenaline is almost like a natural painkiller.''
Looking on the positive side of the injury, she said it gave other parts of her body time to recover, for old injuries to heal and to correct other problems.
She was enjoying reprising the role of Mercedes now she was a bit more mature.
''I'm stronger in technique, not as nervous. I'm a bit more laid back, will wing it. That is the beauty of live dance.''
The ballet was technically difficult for the dancers, but also required quite a bit of acting or pantomime.
''I love the drama and I love the acting, it comes quite naturally. On stage I need to calm that down a bit.''
After performing the role, especially after opening night, it took a while to relax.
''I sewed my shoes, had a shower, watched Seinfield on my laptop.''
Having started dancing at 5 years of age and at 15 realising it could become a career, Ms Boyle still loves the art form and agreed with descriptions of it being like a ''drug''.
''I'm still a little girl at heart. I like shiny things, tiaras and tutus.''
For Don Quixote the whole company was on stage so it brought the group together, which was ''really cool''.
''We're a tight-knit group.''
Added to that she loved the athleticism of ballet and the challenge of getting a role or step right.
''You can see change if working for a role or step. You can physically feel your body change and I guess the drama as well.''
Now she was a bit older, she had to listen to her body and step back when needed.
''A dancer's career is very short so you have to make the most of it, but I'd like to keep going for another five years, but you never know.''
For her colleague Mayu Tanigaito, of Japan, dancing the lead role of Kitri has its own special challenges including the classic 32 fouettes (turns).
''It's physically quite hard. It's the hardest I have done.''
Despite that the role was a dream come true for the 27-year-old.
''Its one of my favourite ballets. It was my dream to do Kitri.''
The role required a lot of pantomime to get the story across, she said.
''It's hard to tell the audience when you can't use words. You have to find a way for the audience to understand.''
While she could practice the dance moves herself, the acting part required her to work with fellow dancers.
Opening night of Don Quixote was a nervous experience as there was a lot of pressure.
''My favourite time is at the end of the ballet when you bow to the audience. It's such good moment. That is why I do this job.''
It was hard work as weekdays they had class from 9.30am to 11am followed by rehearsals to 6pm. During show weeks class was pushed back to 12.30pm.
''It's a pretty long day and this season is quite hard.''
Like Ms Boyle, she was attracted to dance by the pointe shoes and tutus, but once beginning to dance, became enthralled with ballet.
Finding a company had been a tough process with endless auditions in the United States and Europe until the opportunity in New Zealand came up.
''It was the biggest surprise of my life.''
Moving to New Zealand was a change but a good one. She loved the country and touring with the company meant she got to see a good portion of it.
''I'm doing what I love. I'm pretty happy.''
