DANZ (Dance Aotearoa New Zealand), the national organisation for dance, is supporting this growth through a programme of workshops for dance practitioners in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch.

May 12, 2006

DANZ supporting career focus for dancers

Dance is on the rise in New Zealand – not just through the very popular TV series but also in the school arts curriculum and in the recent burgeoning of public dance performances.

DANZ (Dance Aotearoa New Zealand), the national organisation for dance, is supporting this growth through a programme of workshops for dance practitioners in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch. The workshops focus on business and production skills with the aim of building sustainable careers in dance. Of the upcoming workshops DANZ Executive Director Tania Kopytko explains:

"Each person’s career pathway is unique. Unexpected events, seemingly random opportunities and luck can all play a part. Having a wide range of skills can be hugely beneficial as you decide the best way forward for your career. It is also vitally important to discover the many options for working in dance and to make a plan for the future. We hope these workshops will provide valuable skills development in the lead up to the three New Zealand dance festivals in September and October – The Body Festival in Christchurch, Dance Your Socks Off in Wellington and tempo in Auckland."

Production workshops are presented by experienced performing arts Producers Fenn Gordon who recently produced Douglas Wright’s national tour of Black Milk and Melanie Hamilton who has toured shows to the Prague and Edinburgh Fringe festivals and the Melbourne Comedy Festival. Career skills will be presented by personal development trainer Lorraine Blackley.

This workshop series will be combined with DANZ’s other programmes such as mentoring, resource development and career advice to support New Zealand dance professionals to turn dance into enterprise.

Auckland workshops
at DANZ office, 331 Sandringham Road, Sandringham

· Friday 26 MAY 9am to 3pm
Developing Your Dance Career with Lorraine Blackley
For mid career dancers and those new to the profession this is a chance to examine your options and clarify and set realistic goals.

· Monday 19 to 23 June
Producing Dance with Fenn Gordon
Production skills are just one part of the recipe for a successful performance. Even if you don’t want to be a producer, it is good to understand the role of a producer and how they can help make your show a success.

Christchurch workshops
at Our City, Corner Worcester Boulevard and Oxford Terrace

· Friday 26 May 7pm – 9pm
Meet DANZ networking function, followed by Improving Your Business Skills
Explore what it means to be in business as a dancer. A workshop on this essential area for dancers at all stages of their careers, including those wanting to make a professional start in dance.

· Sunday 28 May 11am – 4pm
Production Skills Workshop with Melanie Hamilton
The steps required to successfully produce a dance show including budgeting, planning and teamwork. This workshop will also focus on the wider areas of production, promotion, event organisation and reaching an audience.

[Wellington Workshop details are yet to be advised.]

DANZ thanks Creative New Zealand, Christchurch City Council and ASB Trusts for supporting these workshops.

For more information please contact:
Celia Jenkins
Communications & Admin Manager
DANZ
Ground Fl, 69 Abel Smith Street
PO Box 9885, Wellington
Phone +64 4 801 9885

Dance Aotearoa New Zealand is the national organization for dance
http://www.danz.org.nz
Join DANZ http://www.danz.org.nz/joindanz

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