2023 Workshop & Tutor Info
Mary Jane O'Reilly QSM A.R.A.D
Masterclass Tutor and Forum Participant
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Mary Jane O'Reilly has had a professional career spanning over 40 years both in New Zealand and internationally.
She has received numerous grants and awards including the $30,000 Allen Highet Award (1984) for outstanding achievement by a mid-career artist and was awarded a Queens Service Medal for her services to dance in 1990. She was a co-founder, dancer, teacher and choreographer with the Limbs Dance Company (1977 – 86) and held the position of Artistic Director from 1979 to 1986. Her choreography of the Opening Ceremony of the Commonwealth Games (1990) involved a cast of 6000 amateur performers and was viewed by over 500 million TV audiences worldwide. It was also in 1990 that she choreographed the 3 act 'Jean Batten' ballet about our most famous aviatrix for the Royal New Zealand Ballet. From 1996 to 2001 she directed the Auckland Dance Company, culminating in an outdoor event in Gisborne for the Millennium Dawn event with Kiri Te Kanawa January 1st 2000 and a Limbs Retrospective show in 2001. From 2001 – 2004 she was a founder and lecturer for the Dance Programme at the University of Auckland. |
As Artistic Director of Tempo, New Zealand's Festival of Dance, she was instrumental in building Tempo Festival into a substantial recognised event - creating and overseeing five dance festivals from 2007 - 11
Currently she teaches ballet to adults, is the ambassador for the NZ Royal Academy of Dance’s Silver Swans for the older learner and was commissioned in 2021 to create a contemporary ballet version of Giselle Act 2 – Ballet Noir for the Auckland Elemental Festival.
MaryJane and Phil have recently re-created their burlesque/cabaret show In Flagrante as Mouthfeel with whisky tasting and an MC - to be performed at the Auckland Cabaret Season at the Civic Wintergarden 21,22,24 September 2022.
Currently she teaches ballet to adults, is the ambassador for the NZ Royal Academy of Dance’s Silver Swans for the older learner and was commissioned in 2021 to create a contemporary ballet version of Giselle Act 2 – Ballet Noir for the Auckland Elemental Festival.
MaryJane and Phil have recently re-created their burlesque/cabaret show In Flagrante as Mouthfeel with whisky tasting and an MC - to be performed at the Auckland Cabaret Season at the Civic Wintergarden 21,22,24 September 2022.
WORKSHOP : TBA - Standby for an update!
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.
Glen Harris A.B.BO. (Hon) A.B.B.O. (Full Teacher Reg)
Ballet
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Glen Harris began his classical ballet training at the age of seven. Upon completion at the Southern Ballet and Australian Ballet Schools he went on to begin an extensive dancing career overseas. He first joined the Australian Ballet in 1981 and while there was a featured soloist in many roles dancing throughout Australia. His career then took him to Europe where he was invited to join the Opernhaus Ballet in Zurich. After two years in Switzerland he went to the U.S.A, where he joined the world renowned Joffrey Ballet based in New York, dancing with them for six years.
In 1994 Glen appeared on Broadway in the Lincoln Center Production of Carousel. He danced the lead role of the Fairground Boy choreographed by Sir Kenneth MacMillan. He then joined the Metropolitan Opera Ballet in New York and enjoyed nine years performing in a vast repertoire. Mr. Harris spent two years teaching and choreographing for the Miami City Ballet School. As well as setting the children dancers in Balanchine’s “The Nutcracker” On returning to New Zealand he was appointed the position of Senior Teacher /Choreographer for the Southern Ballet Theatre. He tutors boys' classes, Professional Open Classes and the very popular Adults Ballet Classes, and has created numerous ballets for the Senior Ballet Company. In 2012 Glen was guest Ballet Master for the Royal NZ Ballets season of Giselle For Showbiz Christchurch Glen has worked on the following production: The Full Monty (Choreographer), Chicago (Associate Choreographer), Phantom of the Opera (choreographer), Wicked {Choreographer} |
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
Contemporary Dance Improvisation
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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
Improvisation. 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.
Improvisation. 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:
Fleur de Thier Christchurch
Michael Parmenter Auckland
David McMicken Australia
Susan Jordan Auckland
Fleur de Thier Christchurch
Michael Parmenter Auckland
David McMicken Australia
Susan Jordan Auckland
