Annual Report 2010 - Royal New Zealand Ballet

Annual Report 2010\ 7other clients – it is a privilege for me to work alongside and contribute to the vision of boththe Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage and his Ministry.EducationA new Education Manager with extensive classroom teaching experience gave a focus tothe production of improved resources for schools. The RNZB aims to build a library ofresources (written and visual) to supplement the national curriculum. What is Ballet? aDVD of practical learning sessions with complimentary teachers’ notes was developed foryear 5 to year 8 students (9 to 13 year olds) with the aim of introducing ballet as a physicalfun dance form. The resource is fronted by Shannon Dawson, an ex RNZB dancer nowworking as an educator for the Dance Explorer programme. Using his dance training,character acting abilities and teaching skills the resource teaches students ways toappreciate movement to music, body control and develop characterisation through ballet.The resource is linked to the New Zealand Curriculum and covers the compulsory danceelements of the Arts strand.One of the many highlights in 2010 was the Wellington education week during which theRNZB visited five Wellington schools. Over 1,000 students enjoyed seeing the dancersin action and up close in class, rehearsal and performing excerpts from The Nutcrackerand the now infamous Lady Gaga ballet. Feedback from this education week has beenextraordinary.“So incredible to have these professional dancers so close in our school hall you could almost touchthem! Amazing to see their strong physique and watch some of their warm up and dance routines.Fantastic to see all the hard work they have to do. Truly inspiring for both adults and children!What an honour!” - Year 2 Teacher, Muritai School“An amazing line up of spectacular dances. I sat there enthralled. The costumes alone weremagnificent!” - 12 year old student, Muritai School“I loved being able to see professionals up so close. What a privilege. This gave children andadults alike an excellent, real life look inside the hard work, hours and passion that goes into thedancing profession. Lots of interesting facts all about the shoes and the dancer’s backgroundsand motivations. So amazing to have ALL that on our doorstep. So lucky. Thank you!” - Teacher,Muritai SchoolIn Auckland the Carmen day at the Telstra Clear Centre in Manukau involved five lowdecile schools coming together to create their own Carmen. Ten teams of educators taughtgroups throughout the day culminating in a mini performance.“I enjoyed the music, creativity and moves and the type of genre it was. Really fun interacting withother students of different ages and nationalities. Hope this happens again!” - Student“The atmosphere was so positive, the encouragement and family bond between everyone. Thechoreographers were awesome. Love you all heaps. Please let us come back!” - Student