Workshop & Tutor Info
Michael Parmenter
Masterclass Tutor and Forum Participant
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My dance life began with the exploration of my world. At primary school I loved the challenge of the school jungle gym: the precarity, the danger and the sense of achievement when I mastered it's demands. At intermediate School I became a gymnast, but only after an inauspicious exit from university, did I discover modern dance, and fell under the influence of the fabulous Shona Dunlop MacTavish.
From Eric Hawkins, who was in his late 70's when I danced with him in his company, I learned how life moves, with grace, strength and ease. From Min Tanaka, who continues to explore the threshold of dance and the world in his 8th decade, I learned that nature is sometimes violent, ugly and disconnected. |
And from Renaud Barbaras, my 'prof de philo' at the Sorbonne, I learned that we are creative moving beings because we are called into existence by a world that is ceaselessly 'innovant et exigeant' (innovative and demanding).
My latest major choreographic work was OrphEus - a dance opera, created in 2018 for The New Zealand Dance Company.
I am currently in rehearsal for Lucy Marinkovich's production Strasborg 1518, for the 2020 New Zealand Festival.
I regularly dance tango, swing and Balfolk.
My latest major choreographic work was OrphEus - a dance opera, created in 2018 for The New Zealand Dance Company.
I am currently in rehearsal for Lucy Marinkovich's production Strasborg 1518, for the 2020 New Zealand Festival.
I regularly dance tango, swing and Balfolk.
WORKSHOP : Relational Movement Masterclass
Maintaining an active dance life into the mature years, rests for me on 3 key principles, derived from the knowledge of HOW LIFE LEARNS: RELATIONAL MOVEMENT- NEW GRAMMARS AND PERSONAL PRACTICE.
In the European tradition of individual subjectivity, we tend to focus on the movement of personal identity and creative expression, often removed from any environmental context. I prefer to think of self creation in terms of the demands of a constantly restless and challenging world. I maintain that the fundamental tenant that we learn, as living beings, through our relationships with others, and with the world (most evident in infancy and our earlier years) is no less imperative in our advanced decades. I focus on relational movement, and the challenge of new movement grammars as a practice to keep my body moving and my mind dancing.
I will share 3 approaches to movement exploration : Piloting, Tactics and Balfolk, that I explore with others of all ages as a means of perpetual renaissance of mind and body.
Maintaining an active dance life into the mature years, rests for me on 3 key principles, derived from the knowledge of HOW LIFE LEARNS: RELATIONAL MOVEMENT- NEW GRAMMARS AND PERSONAL PRACTICE.
In the European tradition of individual subjectivity, we tend to focus on the movement of personal identity and creative expression, often removed from any environmental context. I prefer to think of self creation in terms of the demands of a constantly restless and challenging world. I maintain that the fundamental tenant that we learn, as living beings, through our relationships with others, and with the world (most evident in infancy and our earlier years) is no less imperative in our advanced decades. I focus on relational movement, and the challenge of new movement grammars as a practice to keep my body moving and my mind dancing.
I will share 3 approaches to movement exploration : Piloting, Tactics and Balfolk, that I explore with others of all ages as a means of perpetual renaissance of mind and body.
Julia McKerrow
Somatics
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IJulia is a Christchurch based Contemporary Dance Artist and Movement tutor. She is a graduate of the Unitec School of Performing and Screen Arts, and a recipient of the New Zealand TUP LANG Choreographic Scholarship. Julia has danced and choreographed for New Zealand's leading dance festivals including The Christchurch and Otago Arts Festivals; The Body; Wellington Fringe; and Tempo.
Julia has been fortunate to have worked with Christchurch Choreographer Fleur De Thier over the last 20 years whilst working for Footnote Dance Company, Michael Parmenter, Body Cartography, Southern Lights Dance Company, Rebound Dance Company, the Unity Creative, Jolt Integrative Dance, and Epic Entertainment. Julia invests in the Ōtautahi dance community through her teaching and choreographic work with Movement Art Practice, Hagley Dance Company, Anneliese Gilberd Academy, St Margaret's College, and Cashmere High School. Over the past few years she has rediscovered and developed a regular somatic movement practice which she investigates and shares with movers and dancers training in all abilities. his work influences her new teaching appointments and choreographic work. Julia is committed to investing in the growth of local dance students and artists in their professional development and continued movement practice. Julia presented her latest dance work "She is called Virago" at the inaugural Ōtautahi Tiny Performance Festival, and will feature in the 2020 3D Arts Festival at The Arts Centre Te Matatiki Toi Ora. |
WORKSHOP
After years of professional training dancing and teaching Julia experienced injury and chronic pain which forced her to take a break from dance. This lead her into a process of rediscovering body awareness, regaining strength, mobility and training in a new way. Julia rediscovered and adopted movement principles around alignment, imagery, adaptive strength and release through a variety of somatic movement approaches. This regular practice has been significant in enabling her to teach choreograph and perform again. Julia loves to continue to investigate, share and facilitate this work with others. Her somatic movement class is adaptive to any group of movers. This class incorporates dynamic imagery, kinesthetic touch, sensory awareness and improvisational exploration. Julia offers material which will interest challenge and expand individual movement ranges by facilitating an experiential learning practice.
After years of professional training dancing and teaching Julia experienced injury and chronic pain which forced her to take a break from dance. This lead her into a process of rediscovering body awareness, regaining strength, mobility and training in a new way. Julia rediscovered and adopted movement principles around alignment, imagery, adaptive strength and release through a variety of somatic movement approaches. This regular practice has been significant in enabling her to teach choreograph and perform again. Julia loves to continue to investigate, share and facilitate this work with others. Her somatic movement class is adaptive to any group of movers. This class incorporates dynamic imagery, kinesthetic touch, sensory awareness and improvisational exploration. Julia offers material which will interest challenge and expand individual movement ranges by facilitating an experiential learning practice.
Jan Bolwell
Contemporary
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Jan is a performer, choreographer and director of Wellington's popular 45 strong dance company for mature women "Crows Feet Dance Collective.
She has created more than 25 works for Crow's Feet over 20 years. The Collective has performed at events all around the country. Their latest production "The Witch Project" was staged in 2019 at Te Papa, the Globe Theatre in Palmerston North, and Ngā Purapura in Otaki. As a Fullbright Scholar Jan studied cross cultural dance in the United States and this led to 3 seminal bi-cultural dances theatre works: "Wāhine Toa", "Takitoru", and "Sing Whale! He Apakura Tohorā", that she co-created in the 90's with Keri Kaa, and Sunny Amey. "Takitoru" won a Chapman Tripp Theatre Award in 1995. After experiencing breast cancer in 1998, Jan began writing plays. Her solo play "Here's Hilda" was nominated for a Chapman Tripp Theatre Award in 2006. In March 2018 at the Dunedin Fringe Festival, Jan premiered "Once Upon A Dance", co-written with Mona Williams, a Guianese professional story teller and dancer. In 2019 Jan premiered her latest play "Welcome to the Death Cafe" at BATS Theatre in Wellington. |
WORKSHOP
Jan will teach a 2 hour workshop which is open to all participants regardless of their dance experience. She will model the session on how she works with her group Crow's Feet Dance Collective.
It will be divided into 4 sections
1) Floor and standing/travelling and warming up.
2) Learning a piece of Crow's Feet Repertoire
3) Improvisation leading to creation of short dance pieces
4) Sharing and discussion of the work created.
Jan will teach a 2 hour workshop which is open to all participants regardless of their dance experience. She will model the session on how she works with her group Crow's Feet Dance Collective.
It will be divided into 4 sections
1) Floor and standing/travelling and warming up.
2) Learning a piece of Crow's Feet Repertoire
3) Improvisation leading to creation of short dance pieces
4) Sharing and discussion of the work created.
Lisa Wilkinson Kai Tahu
HIP HOP
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Kia ora, I have been teaching hip hop for 30 years now and still loving it - albeit needing to adapt to the changes in the body over time. I've seen hip hop move and develop into what it is today and I love the creativity coming out of the young hip hop champions in the world.
I started teaching dance in Christchurch at Dance Corporate, which was the best studio to ever exist in my opinion. Inclusive and diverse and where my love of dance was encouraged by some fantastic people - Barbara Franks, Ginny Ayson, Sheryl Robinson, Fleur De Their, Andrew Shepard. I moved to Dunedin when I was 24 and completed a Bachelor of Performing Arts and a Bachelor of Education, and then started my own School - RASA School of Dance, modeled on my love of Dance Corporate, and my dance whānau in Christchurch. At RASA I teach Hip hop, Contemporary, Jazz Hands, Musical Theatre, Bollywood and Jazz. I have over 600 students who keep me very busy and I feel lucky to have made a career in dance. At RASA my favorite class is the over 60's class - called "Rhythm of Life" as these students are so appreciative and aware of what dance can offer in terms of wellness of body mind and spirit. |
WORKSHOP
My class will be inclusive and fun with an old school vibe. We will do some hip hop progressions and a fun set - suitable to those new to hip hop, as well as anyone wanting to have a dance off with me. Basically it will be a hip hop dance party! See you there.
My class will be inclusive and fun with an old school vibe. We will do some hip hop progressions and a fun set - suitable to those new to hip hop, as well as anyone wanting to have a dance off with me. Basically it will be a hip hop dance party! See you there.
Sean James
Ballet
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Sean started ballet training at the age of 8, and spent several years as the only male ballet dancer on the West Coast, before graduating from the NZSD in 1988. He went on to dance with the RNZB and Southern Ballet, and toured with the musicals Chess and Cats. He taught and choreographed as well as building up a repertoire of technical skills in lighting, sound, video and photography.
A current member of Rebound Dance Company, Sean also teaches ballet and contemporary Dance at several Christchurch Dance Schools, and occasionally ends up on stage with his students in Ballet Character roles. In his technical career he has worked with Raewyn Hill, Michael Parmenter, Fleur De their, Julia Sadler, The World Buskers Festival, Jennie Gillies Colourful Company and many other local and touring productions. In 43 years of dancing he has never dropped a partner. |
WORKSHOP
This class is for those with ballet experience at an intermediate to professional level, with a short barre to get going, and plenty of centre work including turns and jumps. Challenge the brain and body through the strength, grace and artistry of classical ballet.
Developpé over 90 degrees not required - love of dance essential.
This class is for those with ballet experience at an intermediate to professional level, with a short barre to get going, and plenty of centre work including turns and jumps. Challenge the brain and body through the strength, grace and artistry of classical ballet.
Developpé over 90 degrees not required - love of dance essential.
Jennifer De Leon
Lyrical Contemporary
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Jennifer de Leon, dancer-choreographer, director of Povema Dance; also a registered Psychotherapist, a practitioner of Bikram Yoga, and holds a masters degree with first class honors in Health Science. She is a mother of two young 20's children.
Trained in classical ballet at the NZ School of Dance, then in London and for 10 years trained and worked with Mr Bill Evans of the Bill Evans Dance Company in the USA. Presently Jennifer is a freelance artist, performer, choreographer, teacher and writer. Her focus is to share/communicate discipline, ecstasy, prayer, sweat and joy. jennydeleondancer@gmail.com. |
WORKSHOP
As a dancer-choreographer whose manner of dance has developed over 55 years, the present style is lyrical with a strong emphasis on fluidity, line and grace.
My class begins with grounding and lengthening; earth to sky, and with "walking lightly upon the earth". Folding and unfolding and deep stretching follows. The movement evolves with a combination that can be danced alone or in a partnership with another.
I am also a dancer with a reconstructed knee, 2 hip replacements, and a spinal injury, so the movement strongly emphasises core strength, postural accuracy, energy economy, presence and mindfulness. The work is distinctly about core power and healing power.
As a dancer-choreographer whose manner of dance has developed over 55 years, the present style is lyrical with a strong emphasis on fluidity, line and grace.
My class begins with grounding and lengthening; earth to sky, and with "walking lightly upon the earth". Folding and unfolding and deep stretching follows. The movement evolves with a combination that can be danced alone or in a partnership with another.
I am also a dancer with a reconstructed knee, 2 hip replacements, and a spinal injury, so the movement strongly emphasises core strength, postural accuracy, energy economy, presence and mindfulness. The work is distinctly about core power and healing power.
Molly Chapman
Tap
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'I have been teaching tap since the age of 13, which is a long time.
I have such a passion for tap dance and love sharing it with predominantly older women aged from 38 to 77. I created Molls Dolls about 6 years ago, and we have grown from 6 to 36, mostly ex-tappers but also beginners. I love watching the new dancers evolve into dancers with style and flare, plus the girls that have tapped before love being able to take up their passion again, and this gives me so much pleasure. I do teach private lessons to younger children as well, but the oldies are what I enjoy most. Molls Dolls have such a lot of fun performing at competitions, masters games (as well as winning several gold medals as well as others) and at concerts. In October 2019 they even competed in the Showcase Cruise - dancing around the Pacific which was very exciting. Molls Dolls don't sweat, they sparkle, and have a wonderful time doing it. |
WORKSHOP
Tap class! Although intricate tap is hard to teach in a class situation, this 60 minute class will suit beginners and dancers who have learnt other forms of dance. I will be teaching some basic tap steps, and will teach a small routine. The object is to have fun and you are NEVER to late to learn tap dance! We will do old style tap and maybe introduce some props like a cane. Have you ever wanted to dance like Fred and Ginger? This will be your opportunity!
Tap class! Although intricate tap is hard to teach in a class situation, this 60 minute class will suit beginners and dancers who have learnt other forms of dance. I will be teaching some basic tap steps, and will teach a small routine. The object is to have fun and you are NEVER to late to learn tap dance! We will do old style tap and maybe introduce some props like a cane. Have you ever wanted to dance like Fred and Ginger? This will be your opportunity!
Fleur De Thier
Advanced Contemporary Dance
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Fleur has been working professionally in the dance industry for the last 29 years. She trained for 3 years full time at Auckland Performing Arts School ( now Unitec), graduating in 1991. Fleur worked as a freelance dancer in Auckland before returning to base herself in Christchurch in 1993.
Fleur is an established New Zealand Choreographer and has works featured nationally in Arts Festivals throughout the last decade. Fleur is known for her diversity and connections with many different companies including JOLT Dance Theatre, Rebound, Southern Lights Dance Company, Unitec, Footnote and Hagley Dance Company. Fleur has most recently been exploring collaborations with visual artists presenting works with sculptor Robyn Webster and puppet maker Simon Van Den Sluiis. |
WORKSHOP
INSIDE OUT. Fleur will lead you through a series of tasks in the studio to generate some movement ideas, then you will move outside in groups to explore the environment and create a site specific piece to share with other groups. This will be a fun informative workshop accessible for all dancers.
INSIDE OUT. Fleur will lead you through a series of tasks in the studio to generate some movement ideas, then you will move outside in groups to explore the environment and create a site specific piece to share with other groups. This will be a fun informative workshop accessible for all dancers.
Marlene Le Cren
Mature Movement
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It has been over 70 years since I took my first dance class and there hasn't been any time in my life when I haven't been involved in the dance world in some way.
I was trained in ballet, tap and Highland Dance, and was part of the competition circuit as a young dancer, and then in musical theatre and teaching. I developed the performing arts department at Linwood High School, and helped form the exCeL Dance Company. All of these projects have been immensely rewarding but it is working with the mature dancer that has given me the most enjoyment and fun. I teach in retirement village, and choreograph and rehearse the Zimmers Dance Company for their performances. |
WORKSHOP
The class I'm offering at "Seasoned" is for the trained or non-trained dancer over 65, who is willing to take some risks with their body in a safe and new way, with a fun approach to movement.
We will be looking at everyday opportunities to move and challenge the body without leaving your home.
The class I'm offering at "Seasoned" is for the trained or non-trained dancer over 65, who is willing to take some risks with their body in a safe and new way, with a fun approach to movement.
We will be looking at everyday opportunities to move and challenge the body without leaving your home.
Serena Gallagher
Feldenkrais
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Serena graduated from the Feldenkrais Professional Teacher Training in Auckland 2002, after her interest was sparked in the method while studying her BA in dance at WAAPA, Perth.
She has tutored students from the Unitec programme as part of their Somatics training, before her move to Christchurch 12 years ago. She now runs her own massage clinic having completed a Diploma in therapeutic massage (1996). Serena currently also teaches a variety of massage courses for the holistic health Training Ltd. She has been a member of Rebound Dance Company since 2012 and loves performing many dance genres. Using Feldenkrais method has been an absolute lifesaver in finding ease and comfort in movement in a physically demanding choice of lifestyle! |
WORKSHOP
The Feldenkrais Method is named after it's originator, Moshe Feldenkrais (1904-1984). It is a form of somatic education that uses gentle movement and directed attention to improve the way you move. It allows your nervous system to reprogram inefficient movement habits and introduce new choices. this creates the potential for more ease, vitality and grace in everyday life. This lesson will include lying sequences, where the theme "less is more" will be explored. Open to all abilities.
The Feldenkrais Method is named after it's originator, Moshe Feldenkrais (1904-1984). It is a form of somatic education that uses gentle movement and directed attention to improve the way you move. It allows your nervous system to reprogram inefficient movement habits and introduce new choices. this creates the potential for more ease, vitality and grace in everyday life. This lesson will include lying sequences, where the theme "less is more" will be explored. Open to all abilities.
Steve Schapel
Tai Chi
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After working for many years in counselling and social work, Steve decided to follow his love of computers, and for the last 20 years has been self employed developing software.
Along the way he was attracted by a Tai Chi demonstration at a fair. With a few health worries at the time, he decided to give it a try - and instantly fell in love with a practice that is challenging while at the same time non-competitive. He trained as an instructor and was accredited in 2010. And he has been teaching Tai Chi in a voluntary capacity, at least one class per week, ever since. He has experienced many benefits himself, and witnessed many others who have gained greatly from the practice of Tai Chi, fuelling his enthusiasm for teaching. Since moving to Christchurch recently with his wife (also a Tai Chi student), and daughter, Steve has affiliated with the Tai Chi Internal Arts Society, under the mentorship of Banyin Lee in Western Australia. Currently he is presenting 2 classes per week in Woolston. |
WORKSHOP
Tai Chi is a slow gentle form of choreographed exercise, which is known for its many health benefits. It is suitable for people of all ages and all fitness levels. Participants in this class will learn about some of the principles of Tai Chi, its purpose, and how it differs from other forms of movement.
The bulk of the time will be devoted to learning and practising some Qigong exercises, and a selection of moves from our Tai Chi set.
Tai Chi is a slow gentle form of choreographed exercise, which is known for its many health benefits. It is suitable for people of all ages and all fitness levels. Participants in this class will learn about some of the principles of Tai Chi, its purpose, and how it differs from other forms of movement.
The bulk of the time will be devoted to learning and practising some Qigong exercises, and a selection of moves from our Tai Chi set.
Susan Jordan
Performance Techniques
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Susan Jordan has worked as a dance professional in many capacities over the past 5 decades - as a performer, choreographer, academic, teacher, writer and arts manager.
With "Jordan & Present Co" she choreographed 12 major works, funded by Creative NZ and many commissions 1982-2000. She founded Dance Studies at the University of Auckland in 1996 with both MA and undergrad programmes. In 2005 she established the DANZ Tamaki office and was regional manager for 10 years. She co-founded Dance Mobility 2011, rebranded as SeniorsDANCE in 2016, to address the needs of the aging population. Susan has also established a community performing group called SeniorsDANCE Company, and is the artistic Director, choreographer and producer for this group. Jordan has an MA in dance from American University DC, and is an elder of the NZ Dance Company, with a passion for creative aging. |
WORKSHOP
How to move the dance from the studio to the stage.
The workshop will include aspects such as:
How to move the dance from the studio to the stage.
The workshop will include aspects such as:
- Understanding stage directions
- Coping with stage lighting
- How to cover mistakes
- Dancing in unison
- Dancing as an ensemble
Panel Discussion "Longevity in Dance"
Moderator - Jan Bolwell
Guests:
Jamie Bull Wellington
Fleur de Thier Christchurch
Michael Parmenter Auckland
David McMicken Australia
Susan Jordan Auckland
Jamie Bull Wellington
Fleur de Thier Christchurch
Michael Parmenter Auckland
David McMicken Australia
Susan Jordan Auckland
