Movement series - Creative Hui

We're excited to kick off 2022 with free dance classes at Grey Lynn Park at 12 PM. Every Saturday from January 15th till February 5th!

Featuring these amazing dance artists:
Jan 15th: Sherrick Martin - Māori Futurism Dance
Jan 22nd: Alesha Mehta - Bollywood Dance
Jan 29th: Renee Wiki - Polynesian Fusion Dance
Feb 5th: Chanwyn Southgate - African Contemporary Dance

All welcome, we will be encouraging 1-meter distancing during class.

Mauri ora

Artists:
Sherrick Ashtrin Rangitakatu Martin of Tūhoe, Whakatōhea, and Ngāti Maniapoto descent was born and raised in Te Arawa Rotorua. Sherrick is an indigenous Māori artist, dancer, choreographer, performer, and researcher. Currently completing a Bachelor of Dance Studies at the University of Auckland, as well as starting Masters research around Te Ao Māori narratives encompassing pre-colonial concepts through a futuristic lens, and how that can develop and transcend cultural identity for Tangata Māori. Sherrick has done projects with ‘Atamira Dance Company’, ‘NZX-next’ led by Kiel Tutin, and ‘Nappyboyz’ a South Auckland dance company advocating for brown success. Sherrick’s work focuses on Rangatira within the indigenous Māori dance research sector and working alongside them on projects that focus on the revitalisation of matauranga Māori concepts within the creative arts.

Alesha Mehta is an Indian woman born and raised in Aotearoa who was taught how to dance by her mother at the age of three. Since then Alesha has continued to explore her passion of Bollywood dance and pursued a bachelor’s degree in dance at the University of Auckland. Whilst in her studies Alesha ventured to Helsinki for student exchange, taught dance in China and South Korea, and was awarded the Prime Ministers Scholarship where she travelled to India. Alesha continued to pursue postgraduate studies in dance and aspires to continue into academia. Alesha's curiosity lays within the realm of cultural agency and activation in performance practice through decolonial and feminist lenses. She uses four elements with ritual practice to explore her cultural heritage within dance.

Renee Wiki: In 2017, Renee Wiki of Te Aupōuri, Ngāti Kurī and Pukapuka, Cook Islands descent became a dancer of freshly founded AUĒ Dance company. Becoming a teacher, facilitator and choreographer of Pacific and Street dance techniques with contemporary dance aesthetics. Currently, Renee has been exploring her practice through Te ao Māori, Maramataka and Vedic Astrology on how everything and everyone is interconnected to all in our world, our universe.

Chanwyn Southgate: Born in Cape Town, South Africa with European and St Helena heritage, raised in West Auckland. University of Auckland Dance Studies graduate, & Secondary Dance Teacher, Chanwyn is extremely passionate about utilizing choreographic processes and choreography to inspire the next generation of movers.