Exceptional Choreographic Mentor

Contemporary Dance tutor and NZSD graduate Victoria Colombus, who we all know as Tor, has directed the School’s Choreographic Season show for the past six years.

Each year for this season, third year students majoring in contemporary dance choreograph works to be performed by other students. Tor, who has been a tutor since 2010, mentors the choreographers to develop their individual pieces, and then works with them to create a full-length show from the material.

This year’s show ‘KARST’ puts the dancers in a different space, outside the usual theatre setting, with the stage design altering constantly during the performance. Tor said, “Changing the performance space means the students have to think outside the normal realms of traditional theatre. This process is developing their creativity, and challenging them to explore choreography in a unique way.”

Having choreographic talent like Tor’s at the School gives the students access to valuable knowledge and experience. Not only is she a graduate of the School’s full-time programme, but Tor is actively involved in other areas of the dance industry, influencing both performance and choreographic process.

Tor has worked with many leading contemporary dance companies. She has performed and toured with Black Grace Dance Company, Australian Dance Theatre, Michael Parmenter’s Commotion Company, the World of WearableArt (WOW). She has choreographed on Footnote Dance Company and is rehearsal director for company Muscle Mouth, staging their work ‘Age’ for the 2014 New Zealand International Arts Festival. In 2012 she was appointed principal choreographer for the World of WearableArt and toured the production to Hong Kong.

Choreographic Season 2015 ‘KARST’


NZSD Contemporary Tutors