Contemporary Dance Aotearoa – Teachers' Notes
for Years 11–13
These teachers' notes accompany the video Contemporary Dance Aotearoa – Three New Zealand Dance Works, which features excerpts from performances that were staged in Auckland in 2003. The video allows students to view and interpret a variety of performances and to gain insights into how they were developed. Interviews with the choreographers will help students to understand the contexts of the dances and the choreographic process.
Mauri
Choreographed by Stephen Bradshaw, this dance work is a contemporary interpretation of traditional Māori themes to do with life force. Performed by Atamira, the dance integrates elements of kapa haka with contemporary dance.
www.tki.org.nz/r/arts/dance/contemporary/mauri/curric_links_e.php
This Way Up
This dance work is choreographed by Catherine Chappell with her company Touch Compass, a group of mixed-ability dancers. They combine the use of props, contact improvisation, and synchronised movements to explore the themes of confinement and freedom.
www.tki.org.nz/r/arts/dance/contemporary/this_way_up/curric_links_e.php
Queen Camel
Choreographed by Ann Dewey and performed by Spinning Sun, this dance work explores the development and transformation of everyday movements in dance.
www.tki.org.nz/r/arts/dance/contemporary/queen_camel/curric_links_e.php