Community & Dance Lab Dance Classes
The Dance Studies Programme offers a range of dance classes Taught by our Dance Lecturers, qualified associated teachers and Dance Lab. Our classes, based at the University of Otago campus in Dunedin, are open to adults aged 16 and over. There is no maximum age limit, subject to adequate levels of fitness. Walk-ins are welcome. All our classes take place in our dance studio on 665 Cumberland Street (opposite Smithell’s Gymnasium, near Otago Museum); ground floor.
Prices are per class. Cash only.
Dance Studies Open/Community classes 2012
Cost: $8/$6 students with ID
Location: 665 Cumberland School of Physical Education, Main dance studio
Casual attendance is welcomed
Dance Teacher Biographies
Anna Noonan - dancer, choreographer, recent graduate of the Victorian College of the Arts, Melbourne. anna.noonan@xtra.co.nz
Miriam Marler is currently working on a Masters in Dance in the School of Physical Education. She holds a PGDip Dance Studies –Auckland and BPSA Contemporary Dance-Unitec). She has trained in Japan with Tokyo-based butoh company Dairakudakan, Min Tanaka’s Body Weather Farm in Hukushu, Japan and M & B with Charles Koroneho in Auckland, NZ. She also has experience in yoga, somatic-based practices, performance and improvisation. miriamoon@gmail.com or call 552 0994
Rebekah Wilson is a fourth year student in the School of Physical Education. She has also trained in AJDA, BBO and NZAMD syllabuses with focus in ballet and jazz, earning herself top marks. Rebekah has experience in many other dance styles including hip hop, contemporary and tap. Has danced with Jean Goodman in Dunedin for several years.
rebekah.wilson719@gmail.com
Dr. Shona Dunlop MacTavish, MBE – former dancer and choreographer with Bodenwieser Dance Company, Vienna; founder of Dunedin Dance Theatre.
Sophia Kalogeropoulou works as a teaching fellow of Dance Studies in the School of Physical Education and has trained professionally at the Royal Academy of Dance in London and at City Ballet in Auckland and has taught ballet for over twenty years in Greece, London UK, and New Zealand.kalso848@student.otago.ac.nz/ 479-8965
Suzanne Renner - Senior Lecturer at the College of Education and former dancer and choreographer of Ririe-Woodbury Dance Company, USA. For more information call Suzanne Renner (contact: 4794934; 027-6286546).
Dr. Ojeya Cruz Banks is a Lecturer of Dance Studies in the School of Physical Education and the director of Dance Lab. She is a dance anthropologist who has studied dance in Guinea, Senegal and several other countries. She has worked as a choreographer at several U.S. Universities. Ojeya.cruzbanks@otago.ac.nz
Classes
Jazz and Ballet Fusion
Taught by Rebekah Wilson
Taking the best of both ballet and jazz to create a upbeat, fun movement experience for all levels.
Time: Mondays 6:00-7:15pm (5 March – 30 April)
Contemporary/ Integrated Dance
Taught by Anna Noonan
Koha for a delightful dance tailored to all-abilities. The focus will be to discover and relish in physical movement while developing or enhancing dance skills.
Time: Mondays 6:00-7:30p (5 March – 30 April)
Intermediate/ Advanced Ballet
Taught by Sophia Kalogeropoulou
Designed to increase technical ability, musicality and stamina while having a good time.
Tuesdays 6:00-7:30pm (28 February – 3 April)
Contemporary Dance Mix
Taught by Ojeya Cruz Banks
Playful, refreshing and interactive, this class draws from a cross cultural fusion of West African, yoga, partnering work, improvisation and gives you the opportunity to ‘get down’.
Wednesdays 6:00-7:15pm (8 weeks 7 March – May 2) Cost: $9/$6
Elementary/ Beginners Ballet
Taught by Sophia Kalogeropoulou
Appropriate for those who have a minimum of 2 years experience, or who would like to re-start training after a long break.
Thursdays 6.00-7:30pm (March 1– 5 April)
West African Senegalese Dance
Taught by Ojeya Cruz Banks
All levels welcomed to learn Sabar dance technique from Senegal, a movement style that is sassy and very energetic.
Fridays 5:30-7:00pm (8 weeks 2 March- 27 April) Cost: $9/$6
Modern and Expressive Dance
Taught by two leading dance educators: Shona Dunlop MacTavish and Suzanne Renner.
Open to those who want to dance for exercise, creativity, self-expression and technique building. Best suited for those with some dance or movement-training background.
Saturdays 11:00-12:30pm (3 March – 2 June)
M&B (Muscle/Bone)
Taught by Miriam Marler
The focus is on opening the body through dynamic movement sequences that develop flexibility, fitness, self expression, and strength.
Saturdays 11:00-12:30pm (3 March - 2 June) Upstairs Studio
Beginner West African Dance
Taught by Ojeya Cruz Banks
For the absolute beginner, djembe and sabar dance beats are introduced to explore culture through dance, music and while developing stamina, back strength, musicality and smiling.
Sundays 1:00-2:10pm (6 weeks March 4-April 8) Cost: $9/$6
Intermediate West African Guinea Dance
Taught by Ojeya Cruz Banks
Moving to djembe rhythms, you get to explore dance techniques, and songs while developing stamina, back strength, and musicality; and feeling community, solidarity and joy!
Sundays 2:30-4:00pm (8 weeks 4 March- 29 April) Cost: $9/$6
For further information on the dance courses see http://physed.otago.ac.nz/dance
