Dance Studies students

Caitlin Williams

“Dancing is my passion; I can't imagine my life without it. What I really love about The University of Auckland's Dance Studies Programme is that I am challenged intellectually as well as physically. I'm not just learning how to dance but I'm learning about dance as well.

“The lecturers here always push us to achieve the best we can in a fun, creative environment. I really enjoy the different situations we get to encounter, from technique classes to dance in the community. I can see changes in my thinking already when I teach and choreograph dance.

“My plans for the future have changed since I started studying here; I've been introduced to different areas of dance I didn't know existed. I now want to teach dance in schools or start a dance centre for children and youth where I can incorporate all that I have learnt here, and share my love of movement.”

Caitlin Williams is currently studying for a Bachelor of Dance Studies (BDanceSt).
 

Pauline Hiroti

“Dance has been an important part of my life. I always believed that if I was going to study towards a degree, I would study something that I'm passionate about pursuing as a career. At this stage I am considering a career in community dance as I love the way dance can be used as a medium to inspire, educate, and impact people’s lives for the better.

“I chose to study at The University of Auckland in particular as you are not only challenged in the practical papers, but also in the academic subjects related to dance. This has helped me to develop a vast range of knowledge and has created opportunities for many different career paths following my studies”.

Pauline Hiroti is currently studying for a Bachelor of Dance Studies (BDanceSt).
 

Seidah Karati

“Dance allows me to express myself creatively without boundaries or limitations. I chose to study at The University of Auckland because the dance degree offers a holistic approach to dance. Aspects of performance, technique, dance history, education, kinesiology and much more are addressed in this degree to a substantial level.

Working relationships between students and lecturers are very helpful, creating a hardworking but fun environment to learn in. This degree has definitely given me a worldly approach to dance and taught me how it can be enjoyed within my community.”
 
Seidah is currently in her third year of study.
 

Andrew Cessan

“I have a huge passion for dance and I cannot even imagine what my life would be like without it. My older brother Richard has just finished the same course and I heard lots of great and exciting things about it from both him and his friends. He got the opportunity to travel abroad twice during his time at uni which is definitely an opportunity I would love to have.   Already I am learning about dance education and it has greatly changed how I teach.

So far meeting new people who share a similar passion to me has been the best part. I can't wait to grow as performer and choreographer with the people in my year as we all get along really well.”

Andrew is currently in his third year of study.

 

Jason Kim

“The Dance Studies programme teaches us to excel in many aspects of dance, but there is still room for creativity and personal achievement. I enjoy every part of the programme but what I am really pleased about is the close relationship that I have with my lecturers and fellow students.

“I have developed essential techniques in choreography and how to teach dance professionally, gained a better understanding of my body and movement, learnt about dance different cultures and their history, as well as leadership, showmanship, self-esteem, balanced mind and much more. Every day there is something for me to learn and achieve.”

Jason is currently in his third year of study.

Renee Ball

"I chose to study Dance at The University of Auckland because not only is dance one of my greatest passions, it is also a subject that gives me the freedom to express myself, be creative, think, plan, and challenge myself.

“I have never become bored with learning and practising dance. This programme suits me entirely as it has a great balance of practical and theoretical learning. I also love the focus on choreography, culture and dance education. The staff in the Dance Studies Programme are amazing, encouraging, knowledgeable people, and all the dance students are a tight group already, which is great as well."

Renee is currently in her third year of study.

From 2011 entry the Bachelor of Performing Arts has been renamed the Bachelor of Dance Studies.