At the end of July, Year 11 – 13 Dance students had the opportunity to attend the Foundry Dance Intensive at Aorere College. The experience provides high school students with an opportunity to train and develop as dancers and individuals in a supportive and inspiring environment.
Students worked with experienced dancers and practitioners from the wider dance community, gaining exposure to a range of dance styles, perspectives and approaches to movement. Activities included:
- Hip hop training with Chantelle Hutch.
- Contemporary and Pasifika fusion choreography.
- Developing new movement skills and exploring different dance styles.
- Exploring their voice, vision and values as dancers.
- Building confidence and learning how to work and perform in a new environment.
- Connecting with dancers from other schools and developing new relationships within the dance community.
Our students found the experience highly valuable, both creatively and personally. The supportive environment encouraged them to step outside their comfort zones, try new styles, and build confidence. Students particularly enjoyed the opportunity to connect with other young dancers who share their passion for dance.
Feedback about the session from students, includes:
“Such a fun and incredible environment to express yourself through dance – 10/10 experience.”
Sandra Thompson, Year 13“A really beneficial experience that helped me grow my confidence as a dancer and person. The supportive energy in the room made me feel comfortable in the new environment.”
Sonia Poru, Year 12“I feel honoured and grateful to have learnt from such incredibly talented people in the industry and dance scene.”
Peyton Haugh, Year 13“The whole trip was such an awesome experience and a great day to meet dancers from other schools and make new connections with people that share the same passion. We were in such a supportive environment where everyone was so encouraging, and it made learning and performing the dances so much fun.”
Ruby Muir, Year 12
