International dancer/choreographer James O’Hara joins the team

Distinguished international performer, teacher and choreographer James O’Hara has accepted a full-time role at the NZSD as a contemporary dance tutor.

‘I’m so happy to be immersed in this wonderfully engaged and supportive environment, sharing with these immensely creative, curious and talented young people every day. Full of personality and with a unique identity, NZSD is quite the inspiring home.’ – James O’Hara

Originally from Fremantle, Western Australia, James has worked with renowned companies around the world with his recent career based largely in Europe. James began his career as a member of Ballet Junior de Genéve. Recipient of a Princess Grace Foundation Bursary in 2004, he has since worked with Ballet Preljocaj (France), Mathew Lutton and Chrissie Parrott (Malthouse Theatre Melbourne) and Ross McCormack (Muscle Mouth, NZ).

Dancing as guest artist with some of the world’s leading dance companies James has performed at some of the most prestigious venues in the world including with The Paris Opera Ballet at the Palais Garnier, The Bolshoi Theatre Moscow and at Sadler’s Wells theatre in London. Since 2006 James has worked extensively with Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui in Belgium and more recently in London with the National Youth Dance Company at Sadler’s Wells.

Having previously taught at NZSD as a guest, James makes a welcome return in a full-time capacity and it is of huge significance to the School to have on hand James’s experience of international companies and choreographic methods. This month James is performing at the Auckland Arts festival with Natalia Osipova in choreography by Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui. He then travels to Europe to work with Paris Opera Ballet before returning to NZSD. The students are fortunate to learn from a tutor of such international acclaim.