Dance – Highlights of 2023

Trips to see amazing Dance shows – Ko Au by Projekt Team, Shel We by Tupua Tigafua in Tapac Theatre, He Huia Kaimanawa by Bianca Hyslop, TOMO by Gaby Thomas / Atamira Dance Company.

Fabulous guest tutors taught a range of dance styles and supported our dance kaupapa: former WSCW student Taniora Motutere (Popping & Street Dance), Sherrick Martin (Dance Hall and Afro), Megan Adams (Shakespearean Jig, Contemporary), B-Girl Nossy (Breakin), Richie Cesan (Hip Hop), and renowned choreographer Tupua Tigafua and his dancers (Contemporary). Year 13 students Angel Mendoza (Hip Hop) and Tamsin Theron (African) developed their teaching skills with excellent tutoring in junior Dance classes and lunchtime workshops.

Performances! performances! performances!! Year 11-13 performed 2 sell-out Dance Showcases plus 2 matinees for audiences of delightful intermediate students. Year 13s presented their own NCEA choreography in Tapac Theatre, and Year 12s and 13s shared their choreography at YouDance Festival. We took a Year 10 solo and Year 13 duet on tour to Pasadena Intermediate, Year 9 and 10 performed in the excellent Junior Arts Fest, and students at each level bravely performed at each of the WSCW prize givings. Ngā mihi nui to Tanniko Lyon-Elzen for performing his outstanding Hands On choreography in 4 of these shows!

A visit from Wellington’s Footnote Dance Company, including former WSCW student Ollie Curruthers, who taught a workshop to students from Y10-13.

Successes – we celebrated with Minh Anh Tran on her Top Scholarship award and Zara Wong on Outstanding Scholarship award. Feedback from dance industry professionals at YouDance Festival commented on our students’ own choreography – their strong use of structure and music, ability to communicate ideas, and create “intriguing” beginning and ending moments.