Pacific Dance New Zealand runs a number of classes for children during the year.
Check back regularly to find out more about classes and special workshops throughout the year.
You can see photos of our end or year performance at the Tempo Dance Festival 2012 on our facebook page here.
Location of Classes: 8 Gundry Street, Newton
Term 2 2013 Pacific Dance Classes for Children
During term 2 2013 we offer classes beginning on the 6th May and running through until the end of term (12th July). Discounts are offered for bulk payment for the term and for families with 2 or more siblngs in classes.
Tahitian Dance for girls (5-13yrs old) Mondays 3.30-4.30pm, $7.50 per class
Siva Samoa for girls (5-8yrs old) Tuesdays 3.30pm - 4.15pm, $6 per class
Siva Samoa for girls (9 - 13yrs old) Tuesdays 4.15pm - 5.00pm, $6 per class
Pacific Drum & Dance for boys (5-13yrs old) Wednesdays 3.30pm - 4.30pm, $7.50 per class
Siva Afi (Fire dance) for youth (8-18yrs old) Wednesdays 4.30-5.30pm, $7.50 per class
Register now by emailing with the class(es) you wish to enrol in, your child's name, your name and contact details: auckland@pacificdance.co.nz or calling: 09 376 00 60, depending on classes taken and numbers of siblings, discounts are available.
INSTRUCTORS:
Filoi Vaila'au (Siva Samoa for girls)
Filoi is an experienced Samoan dancer and tutor. She has danced Samoan siva since childhood and tutored various groups in Wellington and Auckland. Filoi works with Pacific Dance New Zealand as Dance Development Officer. Besides dancing Samoan siva Filoi has also recently taken up Cook Islands ura and dances with the group - Ariki Vaine Polynesian Dance Team. Filoi also runs private sessions for adults.
Wendy Vannes (Tahitian Dance for girls)
Wendy has danced Tahitian dance since the age of 4. She is a previous dance champion from Tahiti and danced with the group Les Grands Ballets De Tahiti for five years from the age of 12. As part of this group Wendy travelled extensively and gained much experience. Since arriving in New Zealand she has taught Tahitian dance to both adults and children and has danced in several groups. Most recently she danced with the group 'Tahiti Ia Ora' and has just joined the group 'Mana O Hula'.
Photo courtesy of: Ida Larsson, photography
Sopi Jensen (Siva Afi for youth)
Sopi is regarded as one of New Zealands leading siva afi dance instructors. He regularly visits Samoa and Hawaii to compete in the national fire dance competitions and always places highly in the events. Sopi runs the Fire It Up dance troupe based in Auckland. This class is unique in New Zealand and stuents will be given practice fire knives during the term. This class is for youth (boys and girls) and is limited to 12 students per class.
Mils Tautala-Savaiinaea (Boys drum & dance)
Mils comes to PDNZ with much experience as a dancer/choreographer with the well-known and successful Tatau Dance Troupe (which he still dances in) and the Samoan Tourism Authority Dance Group. Mils has travelled extensively with both groups and is now a seasoned dance traveller. He specialises in traditional Samoan dance but also has a knowledge of Pan-Pacific dance, siva afi (fire dance) and Pacific drumming.
Amo Ieriko (Pacific Drum & Dance for boys)
Amo is an experienced polynesian dancer and instructor. Although working as a coordinator for the Auckland Theatre Company in his day job, Amo loves to perform and teach in his spare time. This class covers a variety of Polynesian dance styles, from Samoan to Hawaiian and has the added benefit of learning the drumming which goes along with these styles. Amo also offers skills in costume making and has his own dance company - www.polynesianentertainers.com/.
Amo will be taking a break from PDNZ during term 1 of 2013 to pursue his other interests working as part of the Auckland Theatre Company.
Proudly supported by Auckland Council Creative Communities & Old Folks Coronation Hall