APO and University Fire up New Dance Works

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APO and University Fire up New Dance Works

Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra (APO), the University of Auckland’s Dance Studies Programme and three schools combine forces to present Fireworks, an evening of music and dance showcasing youth performance.

The centrepiece of the 31 October event is ‘Poutama’, a new work by celebrated choreographer and Artistic Director of Atamira Dance Company Moss Patterson. ‘Poutama’ is danced to Handel’s Music for the Royal Fireworks, with the music performed live by the APO, under the baton of Handel specialist Graham Abbott.

Fireworks draws to a close a project that has been underway for several months, and which has seen 100 students from the University of Auckland, Tangaroa College, Pakuranga Intermediate and Wiri Central School rehearsing after school and in weekends to develop their dance skills.

The concert, which takes place at TelstraClear Pacific Events Centre in association with the Southside Arts Festival, opens with university dance students presenting works they have created throughout 2012, including pieces performed at the International Youth Dance Festival, Singapore, and International Festival of Dance Academies, Taipei.

Fireworks builds on 2011’s acclaimed Sacre: The Auckland Dance Project, which saw 190 children from across Auckland take to the Aotea Centre stage and dance to Stravinsky’s The Rite of Spring. Patterson, Tangaroa College and Pakuranga Intermediate all played important roles in Sacre, and many of the college students and several of the children from Pakuranga participated in that earlier project.

APO Chief Executive Barbara Glaser says she is delighted that so many of last year’s participants have returned.

“Everyone involved with Sacre was determined that it must not be a one-off, so it’s a joy to again stage a dance project with the University of Auckland, Tangaroa College and Pakuranga Intermediate, and to welcome a new school, Wiri Central.

“We know the performing arts can change people’s lives, and Sacre demonstrated the value of projects such as these. I know that Fireworks will give the young participants experiences and skills they will carry for the rest of their lives.”

Who: Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra, University of Auckland Dance Studies Programme, Tangaroa College, Pakuranga Intermediate, Wiri Central School, Moss Patterson and Graham Abbott
What: Fireworks, an evening of music and dance, presented in association with the Southside Arts Festival
Where: TelstraClear Pacific Events Centre, Manukau
When: 7-9pm, Wednesday 31 October
Bookings: www.ticketdirect.co.nz

ENDS

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