It has been a fun, creative, and exciting year in the Dance Department this year, with students working hard towards gaining credits in performance, choreography, and literacy. 

Students have been inspired by attending shows, workshops, and classes with specialist guest tutors and some of New Zealand's leading dance companies. Some highlights have been the Royal New Zealand Ballet show and workshop "Three By Ekman", Footnote Dance Company's "Rebel Pink", Taki Rua Productions' “Tiki Taane Mahuta” and The New Zealand Dance Company's "The Absurdity of Humanity." We have been so lucky to have these companies tour to Christchurch this year.

Recently one of the main highlights and celebrations for the Hagley Dance students was performing at their very own Hagley NCEA Dance Showcase. Gisele Proud and Phoebe Hazard commented on how much of a 'thrilling experience' it was for them in their recent end of year speeches. Here's what Gisele said in her Year 11 Prize Giving speech last Friday:

"Dance is something I only really discovered my passion for this year, but having the chance to dance at the Dance Showcase was a truly thrilling experience."

Not only did the Year 11, 12, and 13 students get to enthusiastically demonstrate their year's efforts, but there were also special guest performances by the Hagley Dance Company, Hagley Theatre Company, and the Hagley After 3 Dance class; with 18 dance numbers in one hour it was, as Celia King (Hagley Early Childhood teacher) said:

"…..a thoroughly professional evening of dance. Loved it!"