Next generation of choreographers fashion new work

Next generation of choreographers fashion new work

Expect to see daring aerial acrobatics, profusions of feathers, and dynamic dance in this year’s New Zealand School of Dance Choreographic Season, Infinite Thread.

Second and third year contemporary dance students will be intertwining material, movement and meaning for Wellington dance-lovers this May and June, exploring the interplay between fabric and dance. The result is a richly-textured work that pushes the boundaries of contemporary dance practice, performed to exclusively New Zealand music. Infinite Thread is a collaboration between NZSD Contemporary Dance students and Entertainment Technology students from Toi Whakaari: NZ Drama School.

“The New Zealand School of Dance Choreographic Season has become a much-anticipated annual event in the Wellington dance calendar,” says Wendy Wallace, Associate Director of the New Zealand School of Dance. “We have a particularly strong group of dancers involved in Infinite Thread; and this is a great chance for the public to see the freshest dance talent New Zealand has to offer.”

Each choreographer has chosen a particular fabric as their point of reference, with selections including hemp, alpaca, brocade, chain-mail, lace and chiffon. The choreographers began by examining the fabric’s qualities; its weave, texture, cultural significance, how it moves and drapes, and created a dance work based on those qualities.

Infinite Thread features the music of some of New Zealand’s leading composers and musicians – including Gareth Farr, John Psathas, The Nomad, Jack Body and Rhombus – spanning styles from classical to dub.

Well-known choreographer Malia Johnston has been mentoring the students in the process of creating Infinite Thread. She comes fresh from choreographing Dark Tourist, which featured in Auckland’s AK07 festival last month. Malia is also choreographer for World of WearableArts and acclaimed contemporary dance productions Terrain and Miniatures, which have both toured throughout New Zealand in recent years. In her mentoring capacities, Malia is joined by Brenton Surgenor, another seasoned performer and choreographer. He has worked with such companies as Footnote Dance Company, the West Yorkshire Playhouse, Opera North, and the English National Opera.

“It is fantastic to watch these students at work,” says Malia, “The dancers have a great deal of energy and freshness for what they are creating. It is a pleasure to see them work towards their goals and I am excited about the outcome of this performance.”

Infinite Thread is at Te Whaea Theatre from 25 May – 2 June (Matinee at 2pm on Sunday 27 May, no show Monday 28 May). Tickets are $15, or $12 concession. To book tickets call 04 381 9254.

Infinite Thread is brought to the stage by sponsors Dance Fabric Direct, Graphic Press and Package and fibre-artist Suzanne Tamaki.

ENDS

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