DANZ QUARTERLY Issue No 16 July, August, September 2009

This edition, as always, is alive with the diversity of dance; from the vitality of the Scottish Highland dance, still a very important expression of our Scottish heritage, to a very contemporary story of achievement by an Auckland salsa company which has catapulted itself to international honours, a glimpse into the reconstruction of a 19th century Danish masterpiece by the Royal New Zealand Ballet and a tenth anniversary celebration by a company for mature dancers.

What makes these endeavours distinctive is the energy that all have put into developing a consistent structure that underlies their achievements. This is something that often flies under the radar – a core ingredient for success, yet given less recognition than the creative outputs of a company. In New Zealand a consistent and sound dance infrastructure is a relatively new enterprise – many times achieved by the energies of a determined few. Yet without it the current vitality of our dance scene would evaporate as surely as any jilted sylph. The recently launched South Island Dance Network is an example of people coming together to build connections and grow a sustainable dance community. As a pointer for the future, Bronwyn Tweedle’s article on Belgium funding initiatives is a tantalising model.

Coincidentally, we all have an opportunity to contribute to the growth of our dance infrastructure. Last year the New Zealand Dance Industry Strategy was launched. DANZ has put the detailed Action Plan and Blueprint out for consultation on the DANZ website and is seeking input on actions that will influence future growth. Please respond – it is your opportunity to have a stake in your dance future.

Francesca Horsley
Editor

Cover Image: Tara Harris from Invercargill and Jeana Wheeler from Christchurch in the New Zealand 18 Years and Over Championships in Invercargill, March 2009. Photo: Southern Exposures

Issue No 16 July, August, September 2009

Contents

Scottish Highland Dance by Tania Kopytko
Scottish dance traditions and organisations in New Zealand.
 
Latinissimo by Francesca Horsley
Masha and Giancarlo Johansson - changing the shape of New Zealand salsa.
UPDATE 2011: Masha and Gian win 2011 Swedish National Salsa Chamionships
 
Hannah O'Neill by Briar Wilson
Winner of the Prix de Lausanne in 2008, sixteen year old Hannah ONeill is heading for the top.
 
Interactive Dance Sites by Jack Gray
Investigating the growth of dance online, specifically websites enticing people to record themselves dancing and upload it.
 
Sondra Fraleigh by Sue Cheesman
Somatic teacher and sage Sondra Fraleigh discusses somatics and butoh.
 
Pacific Dance Moving Forward by Sefa Enari and Tania Kopytko
DANZ Pacific Island Dance Advisory Committee and Pacific Dance Fono.
 
Matz Skoog's La Sylphide by Jenny Stevenson
Previous Artistic Director of the Royal New Zealand Ballet Matz Skoog returns to stage this Romantic ballet.
 
The Well-nourished Compost Heap by Bronwyn Tweddle
Kate McIntosh on the Belgian production system.
 
Crows Feet by Ann Hunt
Jan Bolwells Wellington-based, all-women contemporary dance group for older dancers.
 
Why Join A Union? By Frances Walsh
NZ Equity, the New Zealand union for performers.
 
In Running Order by Aya Nakamura
Dance Symposium at AUT University.
 
DANZ Resource
Saving your lower legs with a tennis ball by Tania Huddart.
 
Reviews
Wellington Fringe Festival 09, reviewed by Jenny Stevenson
Auckland Festival 2009, reviewed by Raewyn Whyte
Toxic White Elephant Shock (Alexa Wilson), reviewed by Francesca Horsley
WOMAD 2009 Dance Highlights, reviewed by Sue Cheesman
PUSH (Sylvie Guillem and Russell Maliphant), reviewed by Francesca Horsley
Carnival Hound (Maria Dabrowska), reviewed by Ann Hunt
Book: The People Have Never Stopped Dancing (Jacqueline Shea Murphy), reviewed by Jennifer Shennan
 
Strong dance presence in Christchurch Festival by Francesca Horsley
Four strong dance shows in the 2009 Christchurch Arts Festival programme.