Val Deakin Dance Theatre Home Page

VAL DEAKIN DANCE THEATRE

63 Messenger Terrace, Oakura, Taranaki
Phone: 64 6 752 7743
Email: val@valdeakindance.org.nz

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Val Deakin Dance Theatre History

Napier's Art Deco Festival The Dance Theatre performed as special guests of Napier's winter Art Deco Festival on July 17 - their first ever dance event. A very appreciative audience enjoyed the Dance Theatre's performances in the beautifully restored and very spacious Napier Municipal Theatre. The programme began with the classical recreation Pas de Quatre - a romantic ballet - and then went on to the newly created Passing Parade - a salute to personalities of the 1920's and 30's including Lawrence of Arabia, Anna Pavlova ( not just a cake!), Charlie Chaplin, Jean Batten (New Zealand's early woman flying ace) and Rudolf Valentino.

The main ballet on the programme was the ever-popular Forever Bubbles - a look at New Zealand women in the home in the 1920's, 30's and 40's. It features songs and dances of the various eras and fashions to fit. Many in the audience were also dressed for the occasion with furs and cloche hats the order of the day. The whole company enjoyed the experience of performing for the Napier crowd and the vibe of a town celebrating the Deco Decanted Weekend.

CHILDREN'S DANCE/DRAMA WORKSHOP

Te Dance Theatre wheld another stimulating DANCE/DRAMA WORKSHOP during Queen's Birthday weekend.

9 to 15 year old boys and girls attended the fun and exciting workshop that included various types of dance, mime, character improvisation and the creation of a short dance/drama. The course was taught by Val Deakin and Jane Roseman, assisted by other members of the Dance Theatre.

The Val Deakin Dance Theatre Trust presented The Nutcracker Suite (Act II of The Nutcracker Ballet) to sold-out audiences at the Dance Centre (306 St Aubyn Street) in December.

This very popular Christmas story ballet has delighted audiences worldwide since it was first performed in Russia in 1892. It is the story of a young girl's journey to the Land of the Sweets where she meets and is entertained by dancers who represent various drinks and sweets including the Sugarplum Fairy, Russian bon bons, Chinese tea, Arabian coffee and the marzipan Mirlitons.

The DANCE CENTRE was transformed into a magical and intimate theatre presenting an exciting live dance experience to the wonderful and tuneful music of Tchaikowsky. The cast of 35 was led by ballerina Jane Roseman taking the part of the Sugarplum Fairy.

Other experienced cast members dancing in the show included Donna Kelly (Spanish chocolate dancer), Inge Vink (delicious marzipan Mirlitons), Rosanne Taylor (a sultry Arabian coffee dancer), April Krijger (a very funny Mother Ginger) and Kristina Rodgers (a Russian bon bon dancer) Lots of delightful and delicious dances!