Find out what’s happening this month in New Zealand dance news!
The New Zealand Dance Company (NZDC) will be hosting renowned choreographer and founder of Countertechnique, Anouk van Dijk, for a week-long Countertechnique, Repertoire and Creation workshop from 9 – 13 December.
Countertechnique is a movement system to encourage dancers to think about their dancing body, focusing on the process of incorporating information into action. The only Countertechnique workshop in New Zealand for 2019, this is a great opportunity for professional dancers and advanced tertiary dance students to learn from Anouk van Dijk herself.
Participation is through selection by Anouk van Dijk only. Space is limited, so applying early is strongly encouraged. Registration deadline is 27 September, and successful applicants will be notified by 11 October. For more information on the workshop and registration, visit www.nzdc.org.nz/countertechniqueworkshop.
International Ballet Workshops (IBW) Summer 2020 Earlybird Giveaway is now open. IBW will have two international guest teachers joining its Summer 2020 workshops. Katherina Markowskaja and Maxim Chashchegorov, both born and trained in Russia, and now based in Germany, will be teaching junior, intermediate and advanced level students in Auckland in January. Registering for the summer series by 27 September will not only secure a place in the workshop, but you will also automatically enter the Earlybird Giveaway and go in the draw to win prizes including a private lesson with international guest teacher Markowskaja, and prize packs from Capezio, En Pointe Orthotics, DanceSurance and IBW. The IBW Summer 2020 Auckland workshops will be held 13 – 15 January 2020, at Wellesley Studios. For more information and to register, visit www.ibwdance.com.
The Royal New Zealand Ballet (RNZB) has received the Wellington City Council Accessibility Champion Award for 2019. The Award recognises an organisation or individual who has made a significant contribution to improving access to the arts and culture in Wellington, and is supported by the Wellington Community Trust. The RNZB was honoured for its ongoing work creating inclusive and enjoyable experiences for audiences with hearing, vision and sensory challenges, who participate in touch tours and audio described performances, sign language interpreted backstage tours; and relaxed performances which have become a regular feature in recent years. RNZB Artistic Director Patricia Barker is proud to work with all of the individuals who worked tirelessly as a team to make this happen, saying, “A big congratulations on the efforts and achievements of everyone in our organisation.” For more on RNZB, visit rnzb.org.nz.
IDENTITY Dance Company dance crews brought home the gold and bronze medal from the World Hip Hop Dance Championship, held last month in Phoenix, Arizona. Hip Hop International had 4,000 dancers representing 52 countries in four divisions. IDENTITY Dance Company was once again New Zealand’s highest ranking company for the third consecutive year. Company director and choreographer Josh Cesan says, “The Swagganauts have come so close to winning a world’s medal for the last two years always being in the top six, but this was their year. They are a fantastically motivated and hardworking group of boys, who had their eye on the prize from the start.”
Dance Aotearoa New Zealand (DANZ) has announced two dance residencies in October and November. DANZ will offer the Māori Dance Residency (Te Kanikani Whakamātau) in partnership with Lakes Performing Arts Company in Rotorua, and a new DANZ Dance Residency in partnership with The Arts Centre Te Matatiki Toi Ora in Christchurch. As the national service organisation for the dance in Aotearoa, DANZ works to develop and deliver professional and creative development opportunities for artists. Residencies in particular are highly valued by artists, and play an integral part in supporting and growing a resilient dance sector in Aotearoa New Zealand. Sheryl Lowe, DANZ’s executive director, says, “DANZ is excited to be able to deliver these residencies in the provincial centres for the first time, and to be offering valuable platforms for artists to explore and expand their choreographic expression.” DANZ invites applications from dance artists of all backgrounds. Interested artists can find out more about each residency on the DANZ website.
By Laura Di Orio of Dance Informa.
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