The Hagley Dance Company is held with high regard within the dance industry in New Zealand and is regularly asked to perform for community events as special guests.

Term 2 was a busy time for Hagley Dance Company. It all started in the school holidays with a special guest performance at the New Zealand Dance Week showcase in April at Papa Hau, YMCA, supported by DANZ Aotearoa and the Rata Foundation, featuring local, cultural, community, and professional dance groups. Check out this link on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pg/DANZdance/photos/?tab=album&album_id=1864892783530866.

Hagley Dance Company (HDC) was excited to be asked by the Christchurch Ballet Society to perform as special guests on July 1st at the South Island Ballet Society Awards. The Company performed a piece called ‘Deconstructed Tutu’, with choreography by Fleur de Thier, performed with beautiful grace and vigour. It was a treat for the Company to have the opportunity to perform at one of the best venues in Christchurch, on the Isaac Theatre Royal stage.

This was followed by the Company performing the same piece a second night, this time for ‘Dancing Like The Stars’ (not to be confused with Dancing WITH the stars) as special guest performers on July 2nd, also on the Isaac Theatre Royal stage. 

'Dancing Like the Stars' is two exciting evenings of performance at the culmination of a free 9-week programme that aims to promote and provide an active lifestyle through dance – a non-competitive form of physical activity – to children who would not normally be able to participate in dance for recreation. HDC inspired young dancers with their beautiful, articulate movement and Fleur de Thier's genius and inventive choreography.

If you would like a chance to see this year’s Company perform the above-mentioned dance, up and coming guest performances include: 28thJuly at the Mid-Winter Dance Extravaganza at Hagley Open Stage (you can buy tickets here: https://www.eventfinda.co.nz/2017/mid-winter-dance-extravaganza/christchurch); at the launch of the new 'Kahikatea Common' in September, or at the ‘Dancing for 298’ gala event run by Garden City Dance Academy to raise money for a new health clinic for youth aged 10-24, on 29th September at Middleton Grange School Auditorium. Please purchase a $20 ticket to support this awesome initiative. Your final chance to see this year’s Company at their best will be at their graduating show on Friday 30th November or Saturday 1st December at the Hagley Open Stage (save the date).

If you are interested in joining next year's Company yourself or you know someone who might be interested in joining the Hagley Dance Company in 2019 it will be our 20th year celebration! We are holding ‘Hagley For A Day’ on Friday 31st August at Hagley College Dance Studio for those who might be interested in joining the Company in 2019. You will participate in Company classes with our professional tutors and get a feel for what a day might be like as a Company member. Please email naressa.gamble@hagley.school.nz to put your name down. Spaces are limited.

Coming to a school near you! Hagley Dance Company are also going on tour to Canterbury high schools from Monday 6th–17th August. If you would like us to come to your school for a workshop please email naressa.gamble@hagley.school.nz.