DANCE at Hagley
Dance at Hagley is offered in the Junior School in the Kete Wana options for Year 9 and 10, NCEA Levels 1, 2 and 3, and The Hagley Dance Project.
The Dance department are also looking forward to moving into a brand-new custom-built studio in 2023, watch this space!
All students can attend masterclasses, workshops and performances with leading New Zealand Dance Companies when they tour to Ōtautahi. On Friday 12th August the Dance department are pleased to welcome Footnote Dance Company who have been within the dance industry for over 30 years. Anu Kapung is a graduate of the Hagley Dance Company 2014 who spent three years touring with the company. Footnote are currently touring a show called “Dry Spell”, which Hagley dance students will attend on 13th August.
The Hagley Dance Project is a post-secondary, pre-tertiary pathway for young adults who would like to explore dance further before going onto tertiary studies, or other pathways. It is a part-time dance course run from Hagley College aimed at experienced dance students wishing to take their dance training to the next level and prepare for tertiary study. The course focuses on a variety of contemporary dance techniques, choreography, well-being, teaching skills and performance opportunities, and is an off-shoot of the full-time Hagley Dance Company course which celebrated 21 years of providing high quality tuition and contemporary performance experiences to young people all over the country.
Week 2 of Term 3, Hagley Dance Project 2022 kicked off a Canterbury High Schools Tour, teaching, sharing and inspiring students at Papanui High School and Rolleston College. This was a fantastic experience for all. In Week 3 they headed to Mairehau, Kaiapoi High School, and Avonside Girls' High, followed by Burnside and Ao Tawhiti Unlimited to complete the tour by the 19th August.
The Hagley Dance Project offers flexibility, as it is currently spread across 8 hours over the course of a week. It allows students the option to work part-time and study dance. If your goal is to gain NCEA credits towards University Entrance there is the option to top up your timetable with other subjects offered at Hagley to create a full-time programme and also the option to gain NCEA Level 3 Dance credits. Past students have also studied part time at university or on other courses or programmes alongside the Hagley Dance Project.
The aim is that after completing the Hagley Dance Project course you will be prepared to audition and study dance at Ara, Otago or Auckland Universities or UNITEC Performing and Screen Arts, majoring in Contemporary Dance.
Applications are now open for 2023. Come and join us for “Hagley DANCE Project For A Day” on Wednesday 7th September 10am-2:30pm to experience a day as a HDP member. This is a day for senior high school students or young adults. Email: naressa.gamble@hagley.school.nz to reserve your place. Auditions are taking place on Saturday 5th November, 10am-2pm.
“I learned through Hagley Dance Project that you’re never too old to pursue your passions, it’s so inclusive. I’ve gained strength and confidence in my body, I love it!”
Shannon Gilmore (HDP 2022)
“I'm so thankful for all the help and encouragement I've been given over the last few years @HagleyDanceProject @NaressaGamble. Hagley Dance Project has also helped me to discover myself as a person and for me to discover my full potential.”
Laura Giffels (HDC 2020 / HDP 2021) – Laura is currently studying Dance Studies at Auckland University along with Tiana MacDonald(also HDC 2020 & HDP 2021)
Performance and Industry Opportunities
· Real life performance: Hagley Specific seasons, private events, functions and collaborative works
· Choreographic: design and perform your own works
· Teaching: take workshops and performances to like-minded students
Technique and practical study
· Contemporary dance along with a range of classes that may include Ballet, Jazz, Hip Hop, Improvisation, Pilates, Yoga, Anatomy, Fitness and Nutrition.
· Workshops with New Zealand’s leading dance companies and industry professionals.
Choreography
· Gain Skills and practical experience working with specialist guest tutors
· Explore your own choreographic style with opportunities to present your ideas to public audiences.
As a post-secondary, pre-tertiary course of study, all applicants must be ages 17+ (in some special cases we are flexible on age). Entry is by application, interview and audition. Auditions are taking place on Saturday 5th November, 10am-2pm. Email: Naressa.gamble@hagley.school.nz
Students who complete the course will be awarded a Hagley Certificate in Dance. We also offer NCEA Level 3 Achievement standards in Dance.
Course fees
If you are Under 19 the course is free as it is funded by the Ministry of Education. You will need to pay $40 for a Dance Project t-shirt only. If you are 19 years or over the course cost is $440 (including t-shirt and guest tutor fees). College enrolment fee: maximum $160.
Classes and rehearsals are timetabled up until 3pm at the latest, allowing students to work part-time, enrol in other subjects or courses at Hagley or other institutes.
“Without Hagley as a starting point I wouldn’t be where I am today. Hagley Dance Company introduced me to the wonderful world of Contemporary dance and the endless possibilities that came with it.”
Dana Moore-Mudgway (HDC 2017)
“I enjoyed my time with Hagley Dance Company, it was a great way to start my Dance training and career. It gave me the foundations to further my training and I formed long lasting friendships with other dancers and tutors.” Anu Khapung (HDC 2014)
Hagley Dance Project are pleased to announce that they are Performing at the Ballet Society's show "An Evening Of Dance" - showcasing the talented young dancers of Christchurch on Saturday 3rd September 2pm and 6pm at Middleton Grange.
Tickets for the 2pm show
https://events.humanitix.com/evening-of-dance-2pm
Tickets for the 6pm show