DANZ QUARTERLY

DANZ QUARTERLY ISSUE No 15 – April, May, June 2009

Editorial

If we want to make it outside this country, our isolation ensures the need to travel vast distances and venture into unknown territory. It is easy to jump into a plane, an idea, talent or goal stowed safely within the luggage, but to bring these to fruition takes courage and determination. While this is part of our national character, it should not be taken for granted.

This issue pays tribute to two highly talented New Zealand dance film-makers - Daniel Belton and Shona McCullagh, both of whom have received acclaim for their wonderful films in the highly competitive international dance film world.

We talk to Claire O'Neil who has made her name in Brussels as a celebrated contemporary dancer. Claire returns regularly to dance and make work, facilitating an exchange of ideas a vital element in the growth of dance. This time she was instrumental in bringing The Settlement dance project to Wellington.

This exchange of ideas is also evident in the story of Shona Dunlop MacTavish, our grand dame of modern dance, who recently visited Vienna to contribute to a festival devoted to the early pioneers of European modern dance.

Coming the other way, bubbling with new ideas are two Cuban dance stars, Greydis Montero and Vivio Ramos, teaching in Auckland and mounting a national tour of Cuban dance, and Tiina Alinen, the new head of contemporary dance at the NZSD. We also honour two resolute dance figures recently retired Jenny Stevenson (Wellington Performing Arts Centre) and Fleur de Thier (Christchurchs Scrambled Legs Dance Company).

Francesca Horsley
Editor

Cover Image: Still image from Shona McCullagh's award winning dance film "Fly"

DANZ QUARTERLY ISSUE No 15 – April, May June 2009

Contents

Weeds Find Settlement by Lyne Pringle
Community project ‘The Settlement’ held in Wellington December 2009.

NZ Dance Film
Daniel Belton Master Film-maker by Catherine Pattison
Shona McCullagh’s Film-making Success by Tania Kopytko and Francesca Horsley

 Footnote Choreolab 2009 by Shanon O’Sullivan
In its eighth year, Footnote Choreolab 2009, launched the beginning of the contemporary dance community’s event calendar.

Scrambled Legs by Nicola Muir
Fleur de Thier is an integral member of the New Zealand dance scene and a pillar of inspiration in the Christchurch dance community.

Dance Strategy by Tania Kopytko
What has developed in dance across the country following the launch of the New Zealand Dance Industry Strategy in September 2008.

Professional Development for Dance Educators
Expressions of Culture conference.
DANZ LEOTC workshops in schools.

Ausdrucktanz Festival by Bronwyn Judge
E xpressive dance at the ‘Touchings’ Festival in Vienna.

 Introducting Tiina Alinen by Tania Kopytko (part two)
A discussion with the head of contemporary dance at the New Zealand School of Dance about her career and work.

 For the Community by Lyne Pringle
Jenny Stevenson recently retired as the director of Wellington Performing Arts Centre after 20 years at the helm.

 Marketing Tips for Dance by Tania Kopytko
A simple checklist to help with marketing dance businesses or events.

DANZ resource – You’re in Business by Melanie Hamilton
Tax and business advice for dancers.

Claire O’Neil, Dancing between two worlds by Francesca Horsley
Dancer/choreographer Claire O’Neil has established a name for herself in Brussels – the dance capital of Europe.

International Dance Day, 29 April 2009, message by Akram Khan

Reviews
Tutus on Tour (Royal New Zealand Ballet), reviewed by Ann Hunt
Tertiary Dance Graduation Performances 2008 (AUT, Auckland University, Unitec and New Zealand School of Dance), reviewed by Briar Wilson
On Her Own Two Feet (Jolt Dance Company), reviewed by Nicola Muir
Here and Now (Claire Lissaman, Liana Yew, Bipeds), reviewed by Ann Hunt

Star-Studded Tours by Francesca Horsley
Two shows touring New Zealand – ‘Cuban Carousel’ and ‘PUSH’ with Silvie Guillem and Russell Maliphant.