ARTS + CULTURE THE NEW ZEALAND DANCE COMPANY LANGUAGE OF LIVING ASB Theatre, THE EDGE Friday 10 August – Gala Opening, 7.30pm; Saturday 11 August 7.30pm The New Zealand Dance Company (NZDC) exists with the genuine desire to change the way New Zealanders see and experience contemporary dance, to stretch the boundaries of what dance can be and to share its power, beauty and humour with a broad audience. The company’s first foray is a diverse programme of five exquisite works entitled Language of Living – inspired by the belief that dance is the most beautifully truthful language of living. Earthy, funny, brave and beautiful, the five works on the programme choreographed by Michael Parameter, Shona McCullough, Sarah Foster-Spruill, and Justin Haiku showcase some of New Zealand’s finest dancers: Ursula Robb, Alex Leonhartsberger, Craig Bary, Sarah Foster-Sproull, Justin Haiu, Hannah Tasker-Poland, Tupua Tigafua and Lucy Lynch as artistic athletes in innovative and relevant choreography. The programme opens with Evolve, a solo choreographed by NZDC Artistic Director Shona McCullagh featuring Ursula Robb. Evolve features the animations of Japanese artist Macoto Murayama, music prelude by John Gibson, sound score by New Zealand composer John Elmsly and design work by Andreas Mikellis, AUTs Head of Fashion in collaboration with CoLab. Respected dance authority Michael Parmenter’s duet Tenerezza works on the premise that no movement occurs without initiation by the other. Beautifully danced by Craig Bary and Justin Haiu, music by C.P.E Bach is performed live by David Guerin on piano. Release your Robot is choreographed and danced by So You Think You Can Dance star Justin Haiu. Inspired by street dance movement known as robot and liquiding, Release Your Robot features an original score by South Auckland trio The Electric Boutique, who will perform live during the piece. Shona McCullagh’s, Trees, Birds then People is a group work set to Gareth Farr’s Mondo Rondo performed live by the NZTrio. This playful work is inspired by New Zealand’s unique bird life and explores shifting hierarchy in relationships.
MOJO CABARET – FIND YOUR SEXY ALTER EGO Described as “a healthy 60 minute workout with your alter ego”, MojoCabaret is the creation of veteran dance innovator MaryJane O’Reilly. Drawing from the movement vocabulary of her hit neo burlesque show In Flagrante, MojoCabaret is aimed squarely at modern women of all ages who want to reconnect with their anarchical self, that free and irreverent spirit - a.k.a the mojo. But something that’s fun as well as cathartic. “A perfect body and dance experience NOT required,” says MaryJane. “The class is designed so that by the end you are nicely glowing having danced sleek moves that are gracious and very sexy. They use props such as whips, towels, handcuffs in a fun satiric way – just as they do in their show. They laugh a lot, dance a lot, but there is no flinging oneself to the floor or jumping high or running around madly – no, this class is elegant, sexy as hell, gives you options of moves you can do for yourself at a party or in the bedroom!” MojoCabaret is held 8.30pm every Monday evening at popular Auckland studio Viva Latino and is easy to drop into at any time. “Viva Latino has beautiful well lit, wooden floor studios with a great sound system” says MaryJane, “a fantastic place to get started on the new you!” In Flagrante the show is on at Toto in Nelson Street on 17 and 18 August. PN Book at www.iticket.co.nz for preview see www.flagrantproductions.com MOJO CABARET DANCE CLASSES, Viva Latino, 10 Newton Road T: 09 376 7900
Human Human God by Sarah Foster-Sproull, is a poignant and comical piece about Generation Y by a Generation X-er and features an original music score by Motorcade’s Eden Mulholland.
LIFTOFF! ASB Theatre, Aotea Centre Saturday 11 August 2.00 pm In addition to the Language of Living season, the company is also offering a dedicated youth engagement programme entitled Liftoff! A partnership with Kowhai Intermediate School sees 20 children take to the stage along with the NZDC Youth Company, our own dancers and special guests from Auckland secondary schools performing a dynamic programme of short works that include excerpts from the Language of Living launch performance as well as live music by The Electric Boutique and the NZTrio. NZDC Artistic Director Shona McCullagh and company member Tupua Tigafua have worked over several months with the students at Kowhai helping them to create their own choreographic language, celebrating identity through their own personal connection with community, whanau, culture and passion. Best We Can Be set to music by Trinity Roots, is a unique work inspiring our youth, to be courageous in their individuality through the transformative power of dance. PN Tickets for LANGUAGE OF LIVING and LIFTOFF are on sale and available through: www.buytickets.co.nz and T: 09 357 3355 GROUP BOOKINGS T: 09 357 3354, email groups@the-edge.co.nz or visit www.the-edge.co.nz/groups Major supporters include THE EDGE, Designworks and foundation partner Westpac. THE NEW ZEALAND DANCE COMPANY www.nzdc.org.nz www.facebook.com/nzdanceco The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied
DEADLINE – 20TH OF THE MONTH August 2012 PONSONBY NEWS+
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