New Zealand School of Dance Archives - Page 4 of 6

NEW ZEALAND SCHOOL OF DANCE CHOREOGRAPHIC SEASON, AXIS, SET TO BE A DYNAMIC AND ECLECTIC SHOWCASE OF CONTEMPORARY DANCE.

The New Zealand School of Dance (NZSD) is proud to present this year’s choreographic season, titled Axis. The season celebrates the students’ creative process and offers an insight into the development of their choreographic skills.

· NZSD 3^rd Yr contemporary dance student – Caterina Moreno. Photo by Zoe Whaley

Third-year contemporary dance students collaborate to create their own individual works, guided by tutor, Holly Newsome. Eight short pieces are combined to create a full-length work, allowing students to showcase their talents and perspectives with Newsome’s expertise and guidance.

Newsome is a graduate of the School and has a profound appreciation for the importance of this choreographic undertaking. “Axis is a celebration of dance, where students can begin to find their voices both as artists and as performers. It is the culmination of years of training, and a testament to the many people who have guided and influenced the performers along their journey.” said Newsome.

3^rd Year contemporary dance student Elliot Gordon talks about his work with passion and dedication. His choreographic work, a duet, is a beautiful portrayal of love and the conversations that come with it. “The energy of the piece is centred around love and how it can relieve and comfort us during difficult times, which I wanted to capture through movement. Through this duet, I wanted to highlight the unique and special relationship that can be found between two people and how it can be life changing.”

NZSD 3^rd Yr contemporary dance students – Cate Leong & Deija Vukona. Photo by Zoe Whaley

After two years of using BATS theatre, the 2023 season is returning to its home base, Te Whaea: National Dance and Drama Centre, located in Newtown.

Choreographic Season will involve a thrilling partnership with Toi Whakaari: New Zealand Drama School. Toi Whakaari’s costume and production team will play an integral role in the development and execution of this exciting season. Additionally, emerging Scenographic Designer, Max de Roy, will lend his creative talents to the project, contributing to its lighting, costume, and stage design. With such a talented group of artists and designers working together, audiences can expect an awe-inspiring performance that resonates long after the last note of music falls away.

With its focus on exploration and experimentation, Axis is not merely a showcase of skill, but a celebration of the creative process itself. The season promises to be a memorable event that will inspire and captivate diverse audiences.

Axis opens at Te Whaea: National Dance and Drama School on 23 June and runs until 29 June 2023. Tickets are from $12 – $25.

Visit nzschoolofdance.ac.nz/events/choreographic-season-2023 for details.

Latest News

A long-awaited welcome: Australian and International Students Return to the New Zealand School of Dance

After a two-year hiatus due to Covid-19, earlier this month, the New Zealand School of Dance (NZSD) welcomed back a handful of international and Australian students. This includes students from Western Australia, Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland as well as the USA, Hong Kong, Singapore and Thailand. With their return, the School is able to tap into a new wave of talent and creativity.

Since its founding in 1967, the NZSD has welcomed students from all over the world to take part in its renowned world-class training programme. Led by some of the most experienced and talented tutors, the School offers students the opportunity to major in either classical ballet or contemporary dance, while maintaining a strong grounding in both disciplines. Additionally, the School benefits from the diverse cultural perspectives that international students bring to their studies and the increased mobility of students and professionals across the Tasman Sea.

During the past two weeks, we were able to sit down and talk to the students about why they chose to join the NZSD. Many of them already knew that it was the right choice, as it had been highly recommended by graduates they know as well as their dance teachers. Others were drawn to the School due to its excellent reputation for providing a comprehensive and high-quality education in dance. They want to learn from the best and gain the knowledge and skills needed to excel in their dance career. They are committed to taking their abilities to the next level and are determined to make the most of their time at the School.

1^st Year student Milly Maden decided to join the New Zealand School of Dance because of its reputation for promoting creativity, “The NZSD is very well-known for delivering a programme that develops and enhances one’s creativity. My dream is to come out and help shape the world of dance.”

With its unique location, the School provides students with the opportunity to experience New Zealand’s vibrant culture and dramatic landscape. Wellington is known for its creative and cultural heart, stunning scenery, and diverse population, with people from all around the world calling the city “home”. All these factors make the New Zealand School of Dance an ideal choice for anyone looking for a comprehensive and rewarding dance education.

NZSD 1^st Year students Hannah and Janelle, both from Singapore, think of Wellington as a “breath of fresh air”, not only because of its weather but also due to the openness and kindness of the people. One of their favourite things is to watch the sky at night, “You can see the stars!”. This will be, without doubt, an all-round experience for our new students.

Although their dance training at the NZSD has just started, many students already have a clear vision for their future. Most of them aspire to dance professionally and also become choreographers. For example, Hannah, who has a strong passion for painting, envisages creating a show based on her artwork.

With the reopening of the borders, more students will be able to experience what makes the NZSD so special – a unique combination of technical excellence and creative exploration that fosters growth.

– NZSD

Latest News

Celebrating 25 Years of Leadership: Garry Trinder’s Journey

This year, Garry Trinder is celebrating 25 years of directing the New Zealand School of Dance.

Garry’s impressive career began when he was 18, joining Scottish Ballet, as a dancer. In moving into management, he served six years as Artistic Director of Hong Kong Ballet & two years as Director of Dance for the Natal Performing Arts Council (NAPAC) in South Africa. He holds a Master’s degree from Trinity Laban Conservatoire & an Advanced Diploma in Education from Newcastle University.

Garry Trinder, Artistic Director, New Zealand School of Dance. Photo credit: Stephen A’Court. COPYRIGHT ©Stephen A’Court

Garry joined the New Zealand School of Dance on 15 January 1998, and since then, he has been a driving force in modernising the school and ensuring the highest quality of dance instruction. His direction has been instrumental in producing some of the world’s most accomplished dancers, with many NZSD alumni now appearing in top-tier dance companies all over the world.

Under his leadership, the School has extended its professional training reputation globally. Garry has forged relationships with acclaimed international ballet competitions and established exchange programmes with highly regarded conservatoires. In 2005, the School was endorsed by Youth America Grand Prix and, in 2006, became a Partner School of the prestigious Prix de Lausanne. These connections have helped further the reputation of the School as a world-class training institution.

In recognition of his services to dance, Garry was made a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit in 2013.

Garry has seen NZSD through significant milestones and successes, including the move from Cable Street to Te Whaea: National Dance & Drama Centre, launching The New Zealand School Of Dance Foundation and creating both the School’s Associates and Scholars Programmes.

Furthermore, his leadership during the last two years has been critical as the School navigated some of the most difficult and challenging times throughout the pandemic. Despite the immense disruptions, Garry ensured that students were able to continue their learning in a safe, secure and effective manner. The School would like to express its heartfelt gratitude and appreciation to Garry Trinder for his tireless dedication to the ongoing success and excellence of dance training in New Zealand. His unwavering belief in his students’ abilities to excel has been an inspiration to all. His commitment to providing the best possible training and resources to his students has been an invaluable asset to the School, as well as his leadership and guidance throughout the pandemic. We thank him for his continued commitment and contribution to the School and the cultural landscape of New Zealand.

– NZSD

Latest News

Prix de Lausanne Announcement

NZSD Ballet Student Accepted to Compete at the Prix de Lausanne 2023

Aidan Tully for the New Zealand School of Dance, April 2022. Photo credit: Stephen A’Court. COPYRIGHT ©Stephen A’Court

New Zealand School of Dance is proud to announce that Aidan Tully, a classical ballet student at the school, has been selected to take part in the 50th-anniversary edition of the Prix de Lausanne 2023. This is a tremendous achievement and a testament to Aidan’s hard work, dedication, and talent.

The Prix de Lausanne is an international ballet competition open to pre-professional dancers of all nationalities aged 15 to 18. Its goal is to discover, promote and support the finest talents around the world.

A total of 429 hopeful classical ballet students from renowned dance institutions across the globe applied to participate in the competition, with only 76 dancers selected from this process. Aidan is the only New Zealander to be included. This is the second year in a row that the New Zealand School of Dance has presented a student for the competition.

The competition’s raison d’être is to showcase the potential of exceptionally talented young dancers by having them perform before a panel of world-renowned dance personalities representing different countries and a broad range of ballet styles. The competition is scheduled to be held in Switzerland from 29 January to 5th February 2023.

The New Zealand School of Dance has enjoyed a formal relationship with the Prix de Lausanne since 2006, when we became one of the Prix’s Partner Schools.

“And just the fact I came from a small town where I could practically name everyone to this… just don’t ever think ‘it can never be me’, because that’s what I thought, and here I am.” – Aidan Tully

The School is very proud of Aidan’s success and wishes him all the best as he prepares for the Prix de Lausanne. We are confident that Aidan will put forth his best and make New Zealand proud.

– NZSD Director, Garry Trinder

Regional Performances – Southward Theatre

In this, our 55th anniversary year, the New Zealand School of Dance is thrilled to again be appearing at Southward Theatre from 4 – 6 November, with outstanding performances of both classical ballet and contemporary dance. The repertoire will feature exciting highlights and cutting-edge choreography.

Performances
4 Nov – 7.30pm
5 Nov – 1.30pm
5 Nov – 7.30pm
6 Nov – 1.30pm – CANCELLED

Ticket Prices
Adult: $25
Senior / Student/ groups of 10+: $19
Children 12 and younger: $15

Venue
Otaihanga Rd
Otaihanga, Paraparaumu

Click Here to book your tickets

Regional Performances – Whirinaki Whare Taonga

In this, our 55th anniversary year, the New Zealand School of Dance is thrilled to again be appearing at Whirinaki Whare Taonga from 20 – 22 October, with outstanding performances of both classical ballet and contemporary dance. The repertoire will feature exciting highlights and cutting-edge choreography.

Performances
20 Oct – 7.30pm
21 Oct – 7.30pm
22 Oct – 2.00pm
22 Oct – 7.30pm

Ticket Prices
Adult: $20
Children 12 and younger: $13.50*A booking fee will apply

Venue
Whirinaki Whare Taonga
836 Fergusson Drive, Upper Hutt

Click Here to book your tickets

Associate Auditions

The New Zealand School of Dance Associates Programme identifies classical ballet and contemporary dance students from all over New Zealand who have a talent for a career in dance performance. Students aged 13 – 16 are chosen by audition, ensuring those with aptitude can take class with similarly talented dancers.

City	Venue	Date
Wellington	Te Whaea	17 September 2022
Auckland	Wellesley Studios	18 September 2022
Christchurch	NASDA	2 October 2022

Applications are now open and close on Friday 26 August 2022 at 11.59pm NZST.

Learn more and apply

Graduation Season 2021 – Wellington

The New Zealand School of Dance is thrilled to return to the Whare Whakaari Theatre at Te Whaea for our 2021 Graduation Season from 19 – 27 November.

Current Level 2 guidelines require limited seating. Please book your tickets early to avoid disappointment. CLICK HERE to book.

This year’s programme is a proudly Kiwi showcase including seven newly-commissioned and two existing works , choreographed or restaged by acclaimed NZ-based artists. A thrilling season celebrating the talent and accomplished artistry of the New Zealand School of Dance contemporary dance and classical ballet students awaits.

Performances
19 – 27 Nov: 19.30
Sun 21 Nov: 14.00
No performances on Mon 22 Nov

Ticket Prices
Adult: $39
Senior / Students: $28
Children 12 and younger: $18

Please familiarise yourself with our Level 2 Performance Protocol, Events Policy & Privacy Policy

We thank the Stout Trust (proudly managed by Perpetual Guardian), the Australian High Commission, Peacocke Dance Trust and Pub Charity for providing funding towards this project.

Auditions, Events, Updates

Full Time Auditions Update

All of us at NZSD have been hopeful that the full-time auditions could go ahead as planned in Auckland. Regrettably we are no longer able to make the trip to Auckland for live auditions as the Level 3 lockdown in Auckland, Northland and parts of the Waikato continues.

Therefore we will be accepting digital auditions from applicants in these regions and look forward to receiving these as early as possible (31 October at the latest). This applies to those interested in our full-time programme and anyone wanting to join our Associates. Comprehensive Digital Audition Guidelines have been prepared. Please click on the button to view and download them.

Digital Auditions Guideline

We recognise that lockdown is a stressful time for everyone. But even in these uncertain times, although we are physically apart, we are in this together. Kia kaha Aotearoa!

Auditions, Events, Updates

Scholars & Associates Programme Auditions

The health and well-being of all our students, supporters and staff remain at the forefront of our planning. After careful consideration, we have decided to postpone auditions for our Scholars and Associate Programmes.

The postponement is to allow applicants the opportunity to spend as much time as possible in studio to prepare themselves before audition day.

Scholars Auditions: 30 October 2021, Wellington. Times to be confirmed

Associate Auditions:

30 October – Wellington
31 October – Auckland
7 November – Christchurch
Times for all auditions to be confirmed