Get to know...The Dance and Drama Department

Get to know the Dance & Drama Department

Mandy Rowe - Head of Drama, Dance & Performing Arts Technologies

Why did you decide to become a teacher?

When I was at school I had an amazing, inspiring Drama teacher named Andy Price. He sadly died earlier this year of cancer. I enjoyed Drama and performing so much and I really wanted to teach so that I could be ‘that teacher’ who inspired others. I think it’s really important in life to ‘pay it forward’ and that’s what I’ve tried to do.

What is your background in Performing Arts and how did you first become interested in it?

As a kid I loved to dance, sing and act. I always got involved in every opportunity to perform. My family weren’t very wealthy so my parents couldn’t afford to keep paying for dance classes. As a result I switched to creative dance when I was 13 years old. I directed junior plays and ran a year 7 dance group in years 12 and 13. I then went on to study Drama and English at University and completed a 1 year post grad specializing in Drama.

Who has inspired / influenced you?

Andy Price (RIP). Also my students inspire me all of the time. They make me realize why I keep on doing what I do.

What is your best/most memorable teaching moment so far?

So many it’s hard to pick one. I always say to students that if a performance affects me as an audience member, it is effective as a performance. There have been so many effective performances over my 32 years of teaching. Probably the most memorable teaching moments have been more to do with personal growth though, those moments when you know you’ve made a difference to someone’s life, that will stay with them in the future. This is so precious.

What is one piece of advice you would pass on to students? Follow your dreams but always have a plan B. Be kind. Show respect. Laughter is the best medicine. Love is the most important thing you can give and receive. (Cheesy but true!)

Jane Harnett - Dance & Drama Teacher

Why did you decide to become a teacher?

I loved dancing and danced from the age of 5. When I left school I went to University to pursue a Science degree. I then changed to Primary teaching. During my 20 years of teaching primary school (as well as being Acting Principal) my roles included creating shows and dance performances also Jump Jam and cheerleading teams. An opportunity to teach secondary Drama was then offered to me. Shortly after this I took some Waikato University Dance and Education papers to upskill when dance became an NCEA subject. This led to picking up NCEA dance when Mandy Rowe introduced dance to Ōtūmoetai College. I have never looked back and feel very passionate about NCEA Dance and the creativity it can offer students. competitions. I taught junior dance classes and solo competition students throughout my dancing career, school and university years. I have been a Les Mills Aerobics instructor, and I was a Cheerleader in the USA during my senior high school year. I was also involved in all school shows as either a dancer or actor.

Who has inspired / influenced you?

Margot Fonteyn - a stunning Ballerina when I was just 4.

What is your best/most memorable teaching moment so far?

All of them. Every year is different and brings new challenges and successes. I guess one in particular was when my daughter choreographed our Ōtūmoetai College’s winning Stage Challenge entry. Choreographing the past 3 school musicals and the 3 LA Dance Tours.

What is your background in Performing Arts and how did you first become interested in it?

I have done all my BBO Ballet exams to solo seal. All the American Dupree Jazz exams and I competed in Dance

What is one piece of advice you would pass on to students, performing arts related or otherwise?

Follow your heart and never be afraid to believe in your creative self. Finally….C’s get degrees.

Why did you decide to become a teacher?

I had an inspiring performing arts teacher when I was in intermediate and I desperately wanted to have her job when I grew up. I ended up being the very person that replaced her when she finished working at that school.

What is your background in Performing Arts and how did you first become interested in it?

I have always danced, acted and loved performing, taking ballet and contemporary since I was young. I loved Kapa Haka growing up. I ended up studying a Bachelor of Applied Arts (Performing Arts) which focused on Māori, Samoan, Cook island and NZ contemporary dance. It was inspiring and led me to perform a lot overseas and in NZ.

Who has inspired / influenced you?

Definitely my performing arts teacher at intermediate and my amazing music and drama teacher at college. Also my Mum who always supported me to follow what I was interested in/loved and that anything was possible.

What is your best/most memorable teaching moment so far?

Writing, directing and finally watching a school production that I put together. To see all the hard work everyone did come together and seeing the students soooooo excited and hyped to perform. Amazing to see them so proud of themselves!

What is one piece of advice you would pass on to students?

Give everything a go, try it and see! You may just absolutely love it and if not it will help you become a more rounded person who can relate more to others’ experiences.

Ashleigh Yates - Drama Teacher

Why did you decide to become a teacher?

I got into teaching because I had a deep love of Literature and Theatre. I wanted to find a career that allowed me to explore both and teaching enabled me to share this passion with others. It is wonderful to be able to inspire and help cultivate young people’s interest in performing arts.

What is your background in Performing Arts and how did you first become interested in it?

I began my performing arts journey very young by constantly putting my hand up to be part of school productions and extra curricular plays. I took drama all throughout high school and loved every minute of it. I then studied it at university as part of my Bachelor of Arts. I have continued to perform on stage myself throughout university and currently.

Who has inspired / influenced you?

My high school drama teacher was a big inspiration for me as he demonstrated such care and enthusiasm for the subject and his teaching practice. He had a way of making each student feel valued and I wanted to be that person for other people.

My parents also inspired me by letting me choose my own path in life and supporting my decisions no matter what.

What is your best/most memorable teaching moment so far?

It is hard to choose just one moment as being the most memorable. But I will say that the moments that I enjoy the most and look at most fondly are the times when we are able to have a bit of a laugh. It is so valuable for students to have even the slightest bit of alleviation in their day, particularly with seniors who may be stressed with assessments. It is nice to have positive relationships with students and those are the times when I feel most impactful as a teacher.

What is one piece of advice you would pass on to students?

As cliché as this may be, I would say to never take anything too seriously. It can oftentimes, particularly in the performing arts industry, be difficult to keep a clear perspective. One can easily get caught up in the cycle of “I didn’t get the part I wanted” or “I did so poorly in that audition” etc. But it is so important to remember that these things happen, it is not a reflection on you, and to keep going. We can learn from shortcomings but it is necessary to push on and not sweat it.