Graduation Season Programme Announced

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NZ School of Dance students Katherine Grange and Loughlan Prior will perform in this year’s NZSD Graduation Season at Te Whaea Theatre. Photo credit: Stephen A’Court

Media release
For immediate release
27 October 2009

NZ School of Dance Announces Graduation Season Programme

The New Zealand School of Dance Graduation Season 09 promises to be a sleek, polished and exciting performance of classical ballet and contemporary dance. From heritage pieces to brand new choreography this season will have something for all dance lovers.

In a major coup, the New Zealand School of Dance is presenting American choreographer Paul Taylor’s lyrical and uplifting work, Airs. Paul Taylor is frequently called the “world’s greatest living choreographer” and Airs is a cornerstone of twentieth century dance. It is performed to George Frideric Handel’s exquisite music.

Virtuosic gems from the classical ballet repertoire include the charming Pas de Quatre, which was choreographed in 1845 for the four most famous ballerinas of the day. The vivacious Paquita Pas de Trois will also be performed.

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NZ School of Dance students Nicola Leahey and Robbie Curtis will perform in this year’s Graduation Season at Te Whaea Theatre. Photo credit: Stephen A’Court

Full of energy and fizz, the production features several dynamic contemporary dance works.

X300 is a powerful work by Australian choreographer Frances Rings (Bangarra Dance Company). Some 50 years ago at the edge of the Great Victoria Desert in Maralinga, Southern Australia, Britain and Australia conducted nuclear experiments for more than a decade. The test site was code-named X300. South Australian-born Rings has created a powerful interpretation of the stories told to her by her family of the desolation of the land and its people.

Shona McCullagh’s stunning duet Love will also be performed at Graduation Season. This is an excerpt from the full-length work Quick which premiered at the New Zealand International Festival of the Arts in 1998.

Two fresh new works by prominent New Zealand choreographers have been commissioned by the NZ School of Dance especially for Graduation Season. Taiaroa Royal and Taane Mete (Okareka Dance Company) have created a new work to be performed by an all-male group, whilst Cathy Livermore (Atamira Dance Collective) has choreographed on the female students.

The Graduation Season is adored by audiences and critics alike and heralded for its strong selection of works and brilliant performances by some of the finest young dancers in New Zealand.

NZ School of Dance announces Graduation Season programme continued…

VENUE: Te Whaea Theatre
11 Hutchison Road
Newtown
Wellington

DATES: Evening shows: 7.30pm, 18 – 28 November
Matinee: 2.00pm, Sunday 22 November
No show Monday 23 November

TICKETS: $10 children under 12 years old
$15 for students and seniors
$20 for adults

BOOKINGS: Tickets available from www.nzschoolofdance.co.nz
or at the venue.

ENDS

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