Dancing for all, not just stars
Dancing With the Stars is back on our screens again - have you ever thought about giving the foxtrot, the tango or the rumba a go? If you think you’ve got what it takes to dazzle on the dancefloor, there are plenty of courses available in Christchurch for beginners who’d like to have a go, such as those run by Amanda High at Salsa Fusion. Read the article here.
 For those who like to remember the dance hall days, Light Fantastic: dance floor courtship in New Zealand by Geogina White will bring back many happy memories. For beginners, searching for ballroom dancing in the library catalogue will give you plenty to get you started, whereas those who want to impress their friends should try The best 100 dance moves in the world - ever!
There are many variations and styles of dance, and the library has information on nearly all of them.
Did you know? Dancing with the stars judge Brendan Cole was born and raised in Christchurch. His speciality is Latin American dancing. Host Jason Gunn also lives in Christchurch as did dancer Aaron Gilmore.
Kapahaka ‘incredible’ experience
Otautahi has a strong kapahaka tradition, and the regional competitions, organised by the Waitaha Cultural Council, were held at the weekend. Christchurch City Council Māori Arts adviser Paula Rigby introduces us to the world of kapahaka.
 Dance clubs: Keep fit and meet people
If you just want to get out there and give it a go, the best place to look for places to try learning to dance is CINCH, our community information directory. There are over two hundred options, so there must be something to suit you!
If your favourite place is the dance floor you could enter the pulse digital photo competition. There’s two vodafone cellphones with $500 credit and three Telecom cellphones with $50 credit up for grabs – plus airtime vouchers as consolation prizes. Just send us a photo of your favourite place – it’s that easy!
Visit the pulse flickr to get ideas.
We recommend: Dancing resources
Our online resources:
Our Internet Gateway recommends:
Dance resources and Theatre resources including:
- Traditional Irish Dance Association of NZ
- Royal NZ Ballet
- The Body Global
Festival of global dance and culture featuring the cultural diversity of Christchurch. September 25 - October 12.
- Ceroc Teenz Dance Club Especially for teenagers. Come along and learn to dance, keep fit and have fun!
- Danza Latina Salsa/Latin dance classes in Christchurch. Learn to dance salsa! Danza Latina 'Latin dance school' teaches modern freestyle Salsa dance night courses.
- Rhythm Nation Dance Company Programme includes hiphop and street funk dance for 14 - 18 year olds.
- Loops & Samples the history of dance music in NZ
- Kapa Haka
Information on the different forms of Māori performing arts including haka, poi, titi torea (stick games) and waiata-a-ringa (action songs) as well as traditional Māori musical instruments and Māori songs.
- Nga Pakihi Whakatekateka o Waitaha Waitaha Cultural Council Christchurch
Ngā Pakihi Whakatekateka o Waitaha is rooted in the dreams of its founder, Te Kiato Riwai who believed performance encouraged prosperity. She saw striving for excellence in kapa haka as a way in which Māori could declare their aspirations and hopes for the future. The Waitaha Council hosts Māori performing arts festivals in the Canterbury region.
Browse the resources in our libraries:
Other resources dancers can use for fitness or fun include:
We recommend: Online resources
Our online resources: What’s new on the blog
The Christchurch City Libraries blog is written for people who love books, movies and music and want to know about the latest developments and trends in the book world. Regularly updated and constantly fresh, the blog has plenty to offer avid readers and music fans. Recent posts include:
What’s new on the library website?
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Next week: Anzac Day
Christchurch City Libraries has lots of information about ANZAC day, so next week we commemorate those who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country. |
