So wait a second...a dance class went to Antarctica? Well no, it was the Antarctic Centre but a good experience nonetheless. But why would a Dance class need to go to the Antarctic Centre at all?

Well contrary to popular belief dancing isn’t rainbows, lollipops, pink unicorns and lemonade sprinkles. Dancers have to use their brains as well as their physicality to create interesting pieces with which to communicate their message to the audience. 

From the New Zealand Dance Company, who did a vast amount of research before they began to create “Rotunda”, their celebration of the centennial of World War I, to our very own Year 10 Dance class, research is a staple ingredient to the creative process. 

In order to do justice to the subject or stimulus that is chosen for the piece, dancers need to know, understand, and have a vested interest in their own creative process.

The Year 10 students are working on a whole class piece that requires them to collaborate as a large group, listen to each other, problem solve, and implement ideas in order to bring their vision to life. 

The students were focusing on the sights and sounds of the wilderness that is Antarctica. The power of the wind and the shapes of the ice and rock that are created by these blasting winds and harsh conditions. We have looked at the impact of global warming on the icy continent and how this will affect us long term if nothing is done to prevent it. 

The students will perform their Antarctic piece for the school next term.