Dance at Dio

A new vision for DANCE AT DIO

In mid-June the new Diocesan Arts Centre hosted its first ever full-scale dance production. The student performances were bursting with energy and passion, the audience inspired by the skill and creative expression of these young, talented dancers.

This year our Year 13 curriculum dance students added to the trademark Night of Dance brand with the title In Motion. Year 13 student Imogen Bowkett designed the In Motion poster, and as a visual art student, she will use the poster design for an NCEA standard.

The current and future Year 13 curriculum dance classes now have the opportunity to theme, guide and effect some ownership on their final showcase. Performances highlight ensemble pieces and student choreographed works, while all year groups will prepare to in private dance studios. Zoe has also led workshops and masterclasses in some of the top colleges in the USA. She is on the honours board of the New Zealand School of Dance, in recognition of ‘successfully forging a distinguished career in the dance profession for 10 years or more’.

perform works that are in line with the dedicated theme/idea.

Without a doubt, our Teacher in Charge of Dance, Zoe Visvanathan, is a tour de force and the inspiration behind this new vision.

An experienced dance practitioner, Mrs Visvanathan (Mrs V) studied at the New Zealand School of Dance, New Zealand’s leading tertiary training institution for dance. After graduating, she freelanced with New Zealand’s top choreographers. In 2009, she gained a permanent contract with Black Grace Dance Company where she spent her next decade touring and performing nationally and internationally. She then progressed from senior dancer to company teacher and rehearsal director, and has significant teaching experience in tertiary institutions, secondary and primary schools, and

“Dance is communication, and so the great challenge is to speak clearly, beautifully, and with inevitability.”

Martha Graham

Mrs V brings enthusiasm, knowledge and experience to her TIC Dance role at Diocesan. She is especially passionate about inspiring young women in gaining confidence, discipline, creativity and leadership through the art of dance.

“Dance is continually and rapidly evolving as a medium for physical and creative expression and skill,” she says. “Throughout my career, I have been fortunate to experience this as a performer, teacher and audience member. I am aware of the changes and adaptations in approaches to physical training and live performance. The medium of dance is now using visual imagery, technology and fusing contrasting genres to create new and exciting movement vocabulary. It is my goal to use my knowledge to inspire and showcase the potential of our dancers, ensuring they remain at the forefront of dance education.” Zoe Visvanathan

HIP HOP

Our senior Hip Hop crew performed during the April holidays in the Mega School Division (HHINZ) competition at Vodafone Events Centre. girls really pumped out some energy. And it was fabulous that our senior students also choreographed much of the dance. Providing a platform for young dancers to perform and watch experienced dancers at a national event, it was a fabulous chance for our girls to learn the invaluable skills of teamwork, organisation and leadership. We are really proud of the girls and everyone who contributed to getting this show on the road so early in the year – well done team!