The New Zealand School of Dance in Wellington will present its annual choreographic season from May 16. Entitled “The Residents”, the program features an eclectic series of works choreographed by third year contemporary dance students.
Student choreographer James Wasmer explores aspects of his dual heritage. “I chose my work to be inspired by the carnival in Waldkirch. It is something I looked forward to with great anticipation year after year growing up in Germany,” he explains. “Since moving back to New Zealand I was also able to further explore my Tongan heritage, especially in the performing arts. I was intrigued in finding ways of using both my German and Tongan side in order to create an exciting and unique experience for the New Zealand audiences.”
Jeremy Beck, another student choreographer of "The Residents", says his work takes the audience on a journey with a mix of visual and movement based scenes. “The most exciting thing about choreographing your own work, is being able to make imagination reality,” he elaborates. “I want my piece to feel like a journey and I want the audience to take their own experience away with them”.
Students train at tertiary level for 2-3 years at NZSD to become professional dancers. Choreographing their own work is a core aspect of the course and an essential skill for a career in contemporary dance. The school’s choreographic season shows the culmination of these three years of exploration into the art of choreography.
"The Residents" 16 - 24 May 2014 Te Whaea: National Dance & Drama Centre, 11 Hutchison Road, Newtown, Wellington Bookings and information www.nzschoolofdance.ac.nz
New Zealand School of Dance students Amanda Mitrevski and Michael Ramsay performing in The Residents. Photo: Stephen A'Court
Third year New Zealand School of Dance students, choreographers of 'The Residents'. Photo: Stephen A'Court.
