Creative ID: 631
Whanganui
My arts or creative practice (including details about my specific focus within that art form/practice and my strengths):
I teach partner dance, specifically ballroom and Latin American. The dance is the vehicle I use to bring out confidence, coordination skills, responsible interaction with the opposite gender, and enthusiasm for a new experience. Having taught in schools for 16 years, I have the ability to read a room and still deliver the desired result regardless of student ability at the beginning. I have the ability to relate to even the most challenging students, some of whom may not naturally excel in sports or academia.
My track record of experience and success - or the track record of experience and success of the creative or artist that I will partner with:
I have taught partner dance in schools for the last 16 years. The schools have used this tuition for productions, socials, and school prizegivings, including dance-offs. I currently teach in 10 schools in the Whanganui region and will be holding the first Interschool Dancesport Challenge in September 2021 where they will all compete against each other. This programme will deliver dance to over 750 students with up to 80 couples being selected for the event in September. In previous years I have taken students/couples through the competitive ranks provincially and nationally, achieving many NZ titles. I am a Licentiate/Fellow member of the New Zealand Federation of Dance Teachers and regularly adjudicate at provincial and national level.
Describe the experience you have had working with children or young people, teaching or facilitating creative processes:
I have taught from new entrants through to year 13 delivering dance. Not all schools have dance as a core subject that a current staff member can deliver, so I have earned a reputation of fulfilling this for them. My method of delivery allows students to learn visually by demonstrating the steps/movements. Over the course of the lessons, I don’t look for technical perfection, which can take years to develop and master. I want students to grasp the basic actions and then allow them to add their own interpretation. This gives them freedom to perform at a level they are comfortable with, which in turn makes the process more fun. Many of the dances within my repertoire can be adapted for stage work/choreography of school productions. I also operate a studio out of school hours accommodating all ages and abilities, from beginners to competitive couples.
Why I want to be part of the Creatives in Schools programme and how my involvement will link to my creative practice:
My involvement in Creatives in Schools would allow expansion into other schools. More students will experience something new. The benefits are numerous, including building confidence, responsible interaction with the opposite gender, physical exercise, teamwork, and leadership skills.
Giving students a firm target, such as an interschool dancesport challenge, enhances their competitive spirit and drive to achieve as high a level as they can. Those that are then enthusiastic can continue with medalist/competitive work. In the past, school programme-based couples have gone on to represent the Whanganui region at provincial and national level, producing many finalists and champions.