Folkdance Classes
Dunedin
Quick Links
French dancing and beyond (website: frenchdancing.co.nz)
African dance (website: www.songbong.co.nz)
Festivals and links - including a list of dance events at the Dunedin Celtic Arts Festival, on during September
A Shortcut To Happiness - Roger Hall's latest comedy sports his renown trademarks of acute observation, compassion, and, of course, loads of humour. This is not, however, Dancing with the Stars territory but folk dancing, with its infectious music, engaging rhythms and formation patterns... click here for bookings
French dancing and beyond...
"Surviving and Thriving"
When: Thursdays 6:30pm – 8:00pm
Where: Nga Maara Hall, 63 North Road [MAP], Dunedin (Sacred Heart school hall) – across the road Dunedin North Intermediate. (N.B. changed venue!)
This is the perfect class for those who want to explore the old world through music, culture and dance. Some of the dances taught in this class are very old and their origins can be traced back to medieval times. These dances have survived the test of time; they still thrive nowadays in France and the rest of Europe.
Come and explore the way we relate to each other through mazurkas, gavottes, asymmetrical waltzes, polkas, bourrées, bransles or rondeaux. Koha.
No partner, no experience and no wooden clogs needed.
More info at “Les Belles Vilaines” website: frenchdancing.co.nz
Balkan dances
When: Mondays 6:30pm to 7:30pm
Where: Nga Maara Hall, 63 North Road [MAP], Dunedin (Sacred Heart school hall) – across the road DNI. (N.B. changed venue!)
An introduction to simple dances from the Balkans (Romania, Bulgaria...). No partner needed. Comfortable clothes and shoes. Beginners most welcome - casual atmosphere. Koha.
More info at “Les Belles Vilaines” website: frenchdancing.co.nz
Tutor KATE GRACE
Kate is French. She arrived in Dunedin in 1995, and recently went back to France for a 3-year stay where she attended many workshops and festivals of traditional music and dance.
Ph. (03)473-6488 - Mob: (027) 26 399 39 - Email: kategrace @ clear.net.nz
“Les Belles Vilaines” website: frenchdancing.co.nz
See articles in Folkdancers' Own:
December 2009:
Frenchness ... Not Just Food (PDF, 145k)
June 2010:
December 2010:
African Dance
SONGBONG African dance class - Dunedin
Click to enlarge image
SONGBONG African dance class - Dunedin
Click to enlarge image
Forget about regular aerobic classes, gym memberships or exercise balls. If you are in the know, then the way to get fit and have fun at the same time is to try African dance!
The dances taught are from West Africa: Guinea, Mali, Ghana, Senegal and other countries. Dances used in their context for celebrations or special events. No experience required. Comfortable clothing (bare feet or light shoes)
Powerful live drumming!
Kate and David GRACE - Monthly African dance week-end workshops with Ra McRostie. For information contact (03)473-6488 or Mob: 027 26 399 39 or go to the SongBong website for details: www.songbong.co.nz
Folk Dancing for Fun
Meets socially on Friday mornings 10am-11:30am, all welcome. Cost: $3.00
Where: Baptist Church Hall 170 North Road, North East Valley, Dunedin
Contact: Phone Yvonne Reid, (03) 455-2406, Email: stureid1 @ yahoo.co.nz
Dunedin Contradance Group
Dunedin Contradance Group (American folk dance) meets every Monday (except long weekends) at 7.30pm in the North East Valley Baptist Church Hall, North Rd, North East Valley. All welcome. Contact Bernadette Moroney, (03) 477-1623, email BBerry @ xtra.co.nz
Contra Dance Tour!
Ron and Cathy Arps are returning with a contra tour group from the USA, and will be running contra dances as they travel around the country.
These enthusiastic contra dancers and musicians from the USA will converge on Hokitika and run a special weekend. Two evening contra dances with local NZ musicians and the tour group musicians, workshops on dance and music.
South Island Dates:
- 4 Feb 7:00 - 10:30 (Addington School Christchurch)
- 5 Feb 11:00-13:00 (Woodbury Hall just outside of Geraldine)
- 7 Feb 20:00-23:00 (Mt Cook)
- 9 Feb (on the Milford wanderer), 11 & 13 Feb (Dunedin)
- 15 Feb 19:30-22:30 (Wanaka)
- 17-19 Feb Contra Weekend Dances and workshops (Seaview Hall in Hokitika) - details here
- 20 Feb (Motueka)
Go to the Baritompa Contra Dance website...
Irish Beat Dance School
...under the direction of Kathryn Olcott. Classes for ages 5 to adult in traditional Irish Step and Set Dancing - reels, jigs and ceili dances.
Daily classes in an environment where students are encouraged, challenged and motivated to excel while developing an appreciation of Irish dancing, culture and heritage in an atmosphere that is relaxed, supportive and fun.
Dancing in the spirit of community fellowship is of utmost importance and the Irish BeatMaster performance groups are known for upbeat performances allowing dancers to use their creativity and skills to the level that suits their ability and compliments fellow classmates.
Studio: King Edward Court, Room 214, Stuart Street, Dunedin, (027) 572-8311
Contact: Kathryn Olcott (03) 472-8311, e-mail: irishbeatdance @ gmail.com
Annual Festivals
Don't forget the Whare Flat Festival of Music and Dance this year: www.whareflat.co.nz
Dunedin Celtic Arts Festival, with plenty of dance events you can join in
Other Links
And now for something completely different:
Found on the Grand
Chain (Edinburgh Scottish Dance Resource) website:
Dancing
at the Auld Cale: A history of highland dancing in Dunedin,
New Zealand, between 1863 and 1900.
By Miss S O’Donnell, BA(hons), MAHND
Last updated 17 December 2011
