Folkdance Classes
Dunedin
Quick Links
Regular Classes
French dancing and beyond (website: frenchdancing.co.nz)
African dance (website: www.songbong.co.nz)
Special Events
International Dance Day Special Events
Festivals and links - including a list of dance events at the Dunedin Celtic Arts Festival, on during September
French dancing and beyond...
Community dance workshops every second Sunday of each month at the Nga Maara Hall, 63 North Road [MAP], Dunedin (Sacred Heart school hall). See the schedule at frenchdancing.co.nz
Suitable for people without dancing experience. It will give you an impression of the diversity of French dances. Everybody can participate. No dancing experience, no dance partner required. No special clothes or shoes necessary.
Try to convince husbands and partners…Good luck!
Performance group "Les Belles Vilaines" - practice Wednesdays 7pm to 9pm at the Nga Maara Hall.
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
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
Community Dance
Various other classes and workshops that might have some traditional, ethnic or world dance component are available in Dunedin:
University Of Otago School Of Physical Education - adult classes welcoming casual attendance
South Island Dance Network (and DANZ) - listings inlcude workshops in many styles of dance
Otago Settlers Museum - sometimes has a dance programme for children or adults
Also watch the Otago Travel Guide for events of interest.
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 12 April 2012
