Equilibrium - NZ Fringe Festival 2021

Equilibrium - NZ Fringe Festival 2021

Project 2021-01-28 16:05:47 +1300

'Equilibrium' is a dance show that draws inspiration from the universe and how it maintains balance, how it fluctuates and how it gives when it takes. It will involve dance, movement, light and sound, while embodying these statements. My cast and I have been working hard to be able to invite audiences into the art we have created. I hope to spark conversation on the topic of the universe and how it's natural balance effects, and is involved in, our lives. I have already been working on this project for a couple of months and I am about another month away from completing it. My vision for this show is to create something beautiful and compelling that all people, no matter of age or background, can come and watch. Above all, I hope to entertain my community and provide art for them to enjoy.

Given what the world is going through right now, job opportunities in the dance industry are slim. When we could travel, the work was (most of the time) overseas. With different countries approaching the pandemic in different ways, many performers were forced to come home. ‘Equilibrium’ is not just giving me the chance to choreograph and create art, it’s giving my cast an opportunity to work professionally in their field.

My team:

I have some brilliant artists from the industry in this show, to find out a little more about myself and my incredible team, keep reading below!

Beth Alexandra Sammons (Director/Choreographer/Dancer)

My name is Beth Alexandra Sammons. I was born and raised in Hamilton, and there I started Jazz at age 7 and shortly thereafter added Ballet to my studies. As I got older my passion for dance flourished due to my family’s loving encouragement for me expressing myself through art. Because of this support it was only a natural step for me to pick up Tap, Contemporary and Hip Hop leading me to study at Limelight Dance Academy for 11 years.

I then moved to Wellington to complete a Bachelor of Applied Arts at Te Auaha: Institute of Creativity, graduating in 2019. Due to the phenomenal tutors there my passion sored and I fell even more in love with creating.

In 2020 I was a part of ‘Lift-Off’ in that years NZ Fringe Festival, with my original body of work ‘R.E.M’ being included in this.

I had the pleasure of performing as a soloist in ‘Women of the Wood’ directed by Leigh Evans in 2018, and ‘The Art of Colour’ by Malea Johnston for Te Auaha’s grand opening at the beginning of 2018.

Day to day, I teach a variety of genres of dance at L.O.D in Newtown and Anita’s Dance Academy in Upper Hutt.

I hope to continue to create and perform well into the future and see where this industry will take me.

Tayla Hunt (Dancer)

Tayla Hunt has always had the dream of becoming a professional dancer and began taking lessons at the age of 4. For 16 years she has trained extensively in ballet, jazz, contemporary and hip-hop. At the end of 2019 Tayla completed her third and final year in the commercial dance course, at Te Auaha, and has graduated with a Bachelor of Performing Arts. 

Since making the move to Wellington, Tayla has had the pleasure of being a part of many performance opportunities including; performing as a soloist in ‘Women of the Wood’ directed by Leigh Evans, ‘The Art of Colour’ by Malea Johnston, a music video for the American duo ‘Euringer’ and her self choreographed show ‘Menace’. Most recently she was given the opportunity to perform as a part of the Wellington Fringe Festival in the show ‘Lift Off’ by Te Auaha. 

As the world slowly resumes back to normal, Tayla hopes to continue her performance career in Wellington and abroad. 

 Sophie Martin (Dancer)

 Sophie Martin has been dancing for the last 16 years, starting lessons in Ballet and Jazz when she was 5. In 2018, she graduated from Te Auaha with a Diploma in Performing Arts (Dance). During her study, Sophie had the pleasure to be involved in amazing performances opportunities which included, 'The Art of Colour,' by Malia Johnston for the Te Auaha building unveiling and also, 'Women of the Wood,' directed by Leigh Evans.

In 2019, Sophie was part of the Wellington Fringe Festival, dancing in, 'Meander On,' by Opium Entertainment. Later that year, she ventured to the UK hoping to start her dance career, however the pandemic cut her time short and she was back in Wellington early 2020. Since returning to New Zealand, she has dedicated substantial time to completing her Reformer Pilates course and has found real joy in learning and teaching pilates. Most recently, she was involved in the 2020 Body of Work season at Te Auaha, given the opportunity to dance in, '3 Monkeys,' by Thomas Laybourn.

Sophie is fortunate and grateful to be a part of the Fringe Festival once more, dancing in two shows included in the 2021 line up.

 Tamsin Howe (Dancer)

Wellington born Tamsin Howe has been pursuing her passion for dance since age four. In her late teens Tamsin decided she would love to further her dance training, leading her to receive a scholarship to the Edge Performers School in Melbourne to train in classes in commercial dance. Here she also performed at corporate events for Crown Casino and the Grand Hyatt 

Tamsin returned to Wellington where she completed her full time dance training at Te Auaha (New Zealand Institute of Creativity) in 2018. While training in Wellington Tamsin has been involved in the opening of Te Auaha, performing a World of Wearable Arts piece, "The Art of Colour" as well as being a part of the opening of Lombard Laneway and performing in the commercial dance graduation show. 

Since graduating from Te Auaha, Tamsin has travelled to India on a contract with GlowShow Entertainment, where she worked performing at weddings and other events, as well as dancing in Bollywood films and music videos. 

 Olivia van Woerkom (Dancer)

Olivia van Woerkom is a 21 year old dancer from Wellington, New Zealand. Olivia started ballet lessons at the age of 4 and has been in love with dancing ever since. At age 16 she began studying full time as a classical major at the New Zealand School of Dance before cross crediting into the final year of the Bachelor of Performing Arts at Te Auaha. Alongside her full time dance study Olivia completed her Certificate in Ballet Teaching studies with the Royal Academy of Dance with whom she is now a registered teacher. Olivia has recently returned home from France where she was workingas a parade and character performer at Disneyland Paris. Olivia is so thrilled to be able to grace the stage again alongside the talented cast of Equilibrium. 

Emily McDermott (Dancer)

Born and raised in Wellington, New Zealand, Emily McDermott has been dancing for over 10 years. She has continued to progress in her technical and performance skills over a wide variety of genres. These genres include Commercial, Jazz, Hip Hop, Jazz Funk, Lyrical, Contemporary and Musical Theatre. 

Emily has been involved with the Wellington Arts Community in many different areas. She has assisted at the NZAMD National Scholarship Weekend for Hip Hop, performed alongside "Paper Plates Music" at a live session at Massey University as well as dancing at the Wellington Opera House for the "Whole Lotta Led" Led Zepplin Tribute Band Show. She also Models and is involved with "Fashion Fusion", a group of creatives who specialise in creative photoshoots and events around the Wellington region. 

Emily has completed her second year of Tertiary study at Te Auaha, gaining a Diploma in New Zealand Dance in 2020, and will be furthering her training in 2021, where she will go on to complete her Bachelor of Applied Arts. 

Emily is a highly passionate and a focused person and loves dancing with every inch of her soul. She hopes one day to move overseas and dance professionally. 

Piper Morrison (Dancer)

Piper-Rose Morrison, since the age of 3, has been dancing and competing in her hometown of Wellington including various schools and centres, such as Variety Dance Centre and Anita's Dance Academy. Through her years of competitions and grade work Piper gained Highest Jazz marks in Australasia for three consecutive years which helped her work her way up to teaching and mentoring younger dancers, in and outside competition and studio work.

Through her competing at local competitions, PIper was nominated, twice, as a tap soloist at PACANZ as well as competing on the Hollywood bound stage on a Royal Caribbean cruise liner. Pipers strongest passion lies in tap and jazz dancing and she aims to take her love for this genre and passion to perform overseas to be a part of productions.

Upon Piper wanting to further her dance career, she was accepted into Te Auaha to study commercial dance, leading up for her Diploma in Performing Arts.

 Mia Alonso-Green (Singer/Instrumentalist)

Born in Hong Kong and raised in London, Mia had an early calling to music finding an interest in classical piano and choral singing. After migrating to New Zealand, she began her musical theatre journey aged 16 with her debut supporting role in her school musical.

In 2019 Mia graduated from Whitireia/ Te Auaha with a Bachelor in Performing arts (singing) and ventured home to London to pursue her performance career. Her endeavors in the London Theatre scene were abundant attending West End master classes and performing as a lead soloist in the London Musical Theatre Orchestra’s sitz probs.

Unfortunately, due to COVID-19 her time abroad was cut short returning to the safety of New Zealand.  Since her return, Mia has worked with theatre based company WITCH and Unity Dance Company to produce sold out seasons in the New Zealand capital, Wellington. Mia is anticipating upcoming performances in Wellington Fringe, Cuba Dupa and touring with Capital E. 

It is an honor for Mia to be involved in this years Fringe with Equlibrium and is grateful for the opportunity to perform amungst a talented cast. 

Georgia Kellett (Lighting Coordinator)

Georgia Kellett is a Wellington actor with training in lighting design through Te Auaha. She has designed lights for five productions over her 3 years since starting training in this field. Georgia finds joy in this form of design as she feels that good lighting can really bring a world to life.

In order to make our show a reality, we need a little extra help financially. If you would like to support us there are different ways we would like to say thank you by using our three tiers:

Tier 1: $20 or more

·      A thank you shout out on beth_sammons Instagram

Tier 2: $100 or more

·      A thank you shout out in the show programme

·      A thank you shout out on beth_sammons Instagram

Tier 3: $200 or more

·      2 reserved seats to opening night of the show

·      A thank you shout out in the show programme

·      A thank you shout out on beth_sammons Instagram

We don't want to just stop at $1,600 though. A bigger goal for us is to raise $2,000 so if you can Pledge a little more we would be incredibly grateful! 

Comments