Ryman residents were delighted to see prima ballerina Rowena Jackson honoured at a wonderful portrait unveiling held at their Invercargill village.
Rowena’s recent passing, in August, brought heartfelt comments from many of the residents at the village who knew of her exploits on stage in both New Zealand and around the world.
Others, less familiar with Rowena’s life, learned that in her prime she was an influential figure in the world of performing arts. Later, with her husband Philip Chatfield, she helped shape the future of New Zealand ballet.
The painting captures Rowena at the height of her career when she moved gracefully around world stages, at one point setting a world record for pirouette-style turns.
GM Operations – South Island, Diana Hanafin, welcomed everyone into the village centre, on Wednesday, and then Ryman Chief Operations Officer Marsha Cadman opened the event. “I have to say it’s the most gorgeous day to have my first visit to Invercargill,” she said.
“So, thanks for welcoming me, I’m thrilled to be here... it’s an honour to recognise the name of Rowena Jackson, particularly as she passed away so recently.”
Rowena, who was 98, had lived on the Gold Coast after moving there with her husband. Both she and Philip had been artistic directors for the Royal New Zealand Ballet.
Rowena’s daughter Rosetta, who lives in Australia, wasn’t able to make the event, but she provided reflections of her family-focused mother, describing her as: “A lovely lady, leaving behind so many treasured memories.” Rowena had, even in her later years, maintained a strong connection with both the Southland and New Zealand performing arts communities.
Invercargill City Councillor Lesley Soper said since the Waikiwi village was officially opened, 28 years ago, many people had contributed to it becoming thriving community She’d had relatives in the village and noted the huge variety of events available. The council appreciated seeing residents and team members out and about taking full part in a range of activities, she noted.
“I think that the late Rowena Jackson would be very proud of the institution that carries her name, and the fact that it’s known as a warm and caring community where lifelong friendships are made and reaffirmed, and where residents, team members and volunteers can thrive.”
Marsha Cadman and resident Barb Walker (above) with the unveiled portrait, and (below) Invercargill city councillor Lesley Soper and Barb at the event.
Invercargill’s city vision is about creating a city with heart through community collaboration, Lesley said. Rowena of course was once an influential part of that community.
From the beginning of her onstage career, Rowena distinguished herself as an extraordinary ballerina, whose groundbreaking achievements have paved the way for countless others and left a lasting legacy.
She was born in Invercargill in 1926. At the age of four, after being prescribed exercise to treat bronchitis, Rowena began ballet and acrobatic lessons.
Rowena told her family she was often amazed at how, as a little "Kiwi girl," she became the internationally acclaimed dancer that she was. She recognised that she may not have had the ideal physique or the most refined technique, but her passion for dance was undeniable.
In 1940, Jackson set a world record by performing 121 fouettés sur place (pirouette-style turns). She was made an MBE in 1961 for services to ballet - the first dancer to receive the honour.
“In retirement she was able to impart advice to younger generations of dancers and, remarkably, at the age of 96, she could still demonstrate how to jump correctly,” Marsha said in her speech to residents.
The portrait is a work by Craig Primrose, who has carved out a reputation as one of New Zealand’s leading contemporary artists and was awarded the Queen’s Service Medal for his contribution to art in 2010.
This is Craig’s 20th Ryman namesake portrait. He described the portrait as full of colour, bringing out the theatrical vibrancy of stage and reflecting Rowena’s amazing talent but also, her wonderful character.
Resident Rev Barb Walker, who unveiled the portrait alongside Marsha, said her own move-in to Rowena Jackson Village followed a career that included midwifery, aid work, and more recently as a volunteer chaplain in Southland communities. She noted that the city and region brings out the best in people, as does the village.
“I’ve been here 25 months and I like it... Southlanders are very resilient people – hard working, straight-talking, and hospitable. It’s one of the only places in New Zealand where, as you walk down the main street, people smile and say hello. It’s like it used to be in the good old days.”