About Marian McDermott School of Dance

Mission Statement

Marian McDermott School of Dance is committed to providing an effective and innovative dance education programme in a positive and supportive environment where all students are respected and acknowledged.

Pas de Deux

 

 

About Us

The school was established in 1995 and initially specialised in the teaching of Classical Ballet. Contemporary Dance and Jazz classes are now also included in the programme.

The school has been developed to follow the philosophy that dance is a wonderfully expressive art form that can be enjoyed and experienced by all, within a positive and encouraging environment.

The tutors respect and enjoy working with dancers of all ages and abilities. The teaching approach focuses on acknowledging individual achievements within a supportive, innovative programme.

The students work within a carefully structured syllabus and each is acknowledged for their achievements and progress - not only those who meet the restrictive physical requirements so often demanded. For these reasons the Marian McDermott School of Dance has a policy of not entering students into exams.


2007 production - The Gypsy Caravan


Alternative challenging situations are provided for all the students to work towards. Each year the students have the opportunity to perform on stage in our fabulous annual show. The show is always very creative, entertaining and considered the highlight of the year. The tutors work hard to help the students achieve a high standard of performance. Students also participate in end of term sharing sessions where they are expected to do their very best before an audience of peers, family and friends.

2010 Show: This year the show will be performed at Whangaparaoa College Theatre on Saturday 30th and Sunday 31st October. Rehearsals will take place at the theatre in the afternoon/evening of Thursday 28th and Friday 29th October and the morning of Saturday 30th. details will follow closer to the time. Please keep these dates free.


At The Barre


At the end of each year each student is presented with a "Certificate of Attendance" and a personal report written by the class tutor. The students continue to make excellent progress without the stress and competitive nature of exams.

One Step Beyond Dance Company

We were proud to announce the launch of our own exciting and innovative youth dance company on August 3rd 2008. Established to cater for the needs of a group of highly dedicated and talented senior students this company performs for the community all over Auckland. Click on the One Step Beyond Button (at left) to read more about this company.

Founding members of One Step Beyond Dance Company

A Career In Dance?

Please be assured that a decsion not to sit dance exams will not prevent a student from going on to full time dance training and a possible career in dance if they wish. Marian already has several former students graduate with degrees in dance performance. New Zealand's foremost full time tertiary level ballet school the "New Zealand School of Dance" has confirmed in writing that it is not necessary for students to have trained through ballet exam based systems in order to be eligible for acceptance into their courses.

Our youngest students perform

Contemporary Dance

These highly popular and creative classes are suitable for students of 9 years of age and above. It is highly recommended that keen dancers join these exciting and innovative classes which focus on musicality, spatial awareness, movement composition and correct body alignment. This class is designed to compliment the ballet programme at the school and ensure the dancers are able to perform confidently in both dance styles.

Contemporary  Dance

"Positively Ballet"

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