Paradox - NZ Fringe Festival 2023

Paradox - NZ Fringe Festival 2023

Project 2023-02-05 12:50:22 +1300

In this year's NZ Fringe Festival my cast and I push the idea of uniformity and the clone like day-to-day one step further. Inspired by Delta waves observed in the brain during our deepest level of sleep, Paradox takes a journey inside the unconscious mind to unravel fantasies inspired by life, through dance. Through this show, we not only create an opportunity for dancers to perform in the industry but also an opportunity for the public to experience new art and entertainment.

I am a huge fan of working with a large cast to encapsulate my ideas. Working with my incredible team means I can pack out the theatre with immense energy and movement, and truly showcase just a few of the endless possibilites of the human mind. Overall I wish to make a show that speaks to people, that they can see themselves in, but also entertain them with movement that is satisfying to the eye.

Tcikets can be found through the Fringe website at: https://fringe.co.nz/show/paradox

Meet my cast and I: 

Beth Alexandra Sammons (Director/Choreographer/Dancer)

Beth was born and raised in Hamilton, New Zealand and there she started Jazz at age 7 and shortly thereafter added Ballet to her studies. As she got older her passion for dance flourished due to her family's loving encouragement for her expressing herself through art and it is because of this support, it was only a natural step for her to pick up Tap, Contemporary and Hip Hop, leading her to study at Limelight Dance Academy for 11 years. 

Beth 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 her passion soared and she fell even more in love with creating.

In 2021 Beth created her first full length show entitled 'Equilibrium' as part of NZ Fringe Festival and in 2020 Beth was a part of 'Lift-Off' in that years NZ Fringe Festival, with her original body of work 'R.E.M' being included in this. In 2022 Beth returned to NZ Fringe Festival and created her second full length sold-out show 'Clone Like' which was nominated for the Outstanding Ensemble award and Momentous Movement award. 'Clone Like' was then invited back as part of Re-Fringe for a second season.
This year Beth was a dancer in the opening number for the Wellington Theatre Awards. She 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.

Beth hopes to continue to create and perform well into the future and see where this industry will take her.

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’. Tayla was given the opportunity to perform as a part of the Wellington Fringe Festival in the show ‘Lift Off’ by Te Auaha. She has been lucky enough to be involved in Fringe Festival 2021, performing in “Equilibrium” by Beth Sammons and “3 Monkeys” by Thomas Laybourn, in which “3 Monkeys” was awarded “Outstanding Ensemble Performance” as well as being nominated for awards in five other categories. In 2022, Tayla performed in 'Clone Like' by Beth Sammons, which was nominated for two Fringe awards and renewed for a second seaond for Re-Fringe. Continuing from this, Tayla had the pleasure of being a model and dancer in WOW 2022, and later was a dancer in the opening number for the Wellington Theatre Awards. 

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

Sophie Martin (Dancer)

Sophie Martin graduated from Te Auaha with a Diploma in Performing Arts (Dance) in 2018. During her study, Sophie had the pleasure to be involved in amazing performance 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 been involved in the Fringe Festival twice more. In 2021 performing in two shows; 'Equilibrium' by Beth Sammons and '3 Monkeys' by Thomas Laybourn. The latter was nominated for Best in Fringe and won Outstanding Ensemble Performance. Sophie was part of the second season of '3 Monkeys' performed in April 2021. Sophie performed in 'Clone Like' by Beth Sammons which was nominated for two awards in the 2022 Fringe Festival. 'Clone Like' returned for a second season in June 2022. This year she was part of the Wellington Theatre Awards and was a dancer in the opening number.

Sophie takes to the stage later this month in Beth Sammons' third full length show in 'Paradox', which is part of the 2023 Fringe Festival. 

Olivia van Woerkom (Dancer)

Olivia van Woerkom is a 22 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 who'm she is now a registered teacher. 

In 2019 she moved to London to further her dance career before moving to France where she worked as a parade and character performer at Disneyland Paris. Upon returning home Olivia was thrilled to be able to grace the stage again alongside the talented cast of 'Equilibrium' in the 2021 Fringe Festival. In 2022 Olivia performed in 'Clone Like' later returning for a second season in June 2022. 

Emily McDermott (Dancer) 

Emily McDermott is a 21 year old Professional Dancer, Performer and Choreographer based in Te Whanganui-a-Tara, Aotearoa. She has been dancing for over a decade in a wide variety of genres and has found passion for this incredible art form. Emily gained her Bachelor of Creativity (Performing Arts) from New Zealand Institute of Creativity (Te Auaha) in 2021 after three years of intense full-time Dance and Performance training.

Her credits as an artist are ever growing and expanding into different genres of work, with her being fortunate enough to have been involved in 'ROXY: A New Hollywood Cabaret' by WITCH Music Theatre in 2021, with Emily being Dance Captain and Ensemble Cast Member in the production, Jason Parker's New Zealand Youth Film Festival Award Winning Music Video 'This Is My Year', Choreographing for the Opening of the 2022 Wellington Theatre Awards as well as doing Extra work for an upcoming New Zealand TV Show. 

She has also performed at events such as The Wellington Gold Awards, Plunket's Ultimate Soiree Fundraiser, Te Omanga Hospice Vintners Lunch as well as being a Dancer for Hell Pizza's 'Hell Belles' supporting the Wellington Saints Basketball Team at their home games at TSB Bank Arena in both 2021 and 2022 seasons.

Emily is a highly dedicated and focused person, who has the essentail qualities for the creative path her life is destined to follow. She is extremely grateful to have the opportunity to perform once again in the 2023 New Zealand Fringe Festival with Beth Sammons' phenomenal new work; 'Paradox' 

Daniella Mersi (Dancer) 

Daniella fell in love with dancing at the age of 6. Since then she has completed all examinations for AJDA Jazz and RAD Ballet, receiving the NZ Top Student Award for AJDA Advanced 1, Advanced 2 and Advanced Solo.

In 2005, Daniella was accepted into the NZSD Regional Associate and Junior Associate Programmes, training as a Classical Major. She then went to Sydney in 2014 for full-time dance training completing the Certificate IV in Dance at Ettingshausens Pro.

Her professional dance career has seen her work as a Production Cast Dancer for Celebrity Cruises. She was a Specialty Dancer in the inaugural cast for the Celebrity Equinox in 2015-2016, and was chosen to perform as a Lyra Aerialist in the 'Elysium' Production Show. Then in 2017, she completed another dance contract onboard the Celebrity Millennium. 

After returning to New Zealand, Daniella has been modelling for the World of Wearable Arts since 2018; Performed as a Dancer and Showgirl for Diamond Entertainment in Auckland 2019; and has recently danced for Beth Sammons in 'Clone Like' at the 2022 NZ Fringe Festival. 

Daniella is currently teaching and choreographing for LOD Dance Studios. She is also assiting in running the Jazz school. 

Caitlin Hailwood-Coffin (Dancer)

Caitlin Hailwood-Coffin is a 22-year-old performer, who studied at Te Auaha Institute of Creativity to gain her New Zealand Degree in Dance, on top of her diploma. Caitlin was a member of 'Society Entertainment' as a part of the 'Hell Belles' dancers for the Wellington Saints for 2021 and 2022, as well as other small gigs. Caitlin has previously trained in Ballet, Jazz, Tap and has touched in many other genres along the way making her a very versatile dancer. Most recently, Caitlin performed in 'Clone Like' by Beth Sammons which was nominated for 2 awards in the 2022 Fringe Festival. 'Clone Like' returned for a second season as a Re-Fringe show. Caitlin is excited to continue her dance journey and strives to be an asset to the performance industry, bringing dedication into everything she does.

Hannah Ashwell (Dancer)

Hannah has been dancing since the age of 5 in the Wairarapa. She danced right through high school and went on to complete a Performing Arts (Dance) Degree at Te Auaha. Hannah specialises in Commercial Dance and Hip Hop. She has been involved in multiple dance shows for the NZ Fringe Festival in previous years. 

Emma Taylor (Dancer)

Emma Taylor is a 19 year old performer from Wellington. She is in her second year of full time training at Te Auaha working towards a Bachelor of Creativity (Performing Arts). Her favourite styles include contemporary, jazz and commerical and she is excited to be part of this production. 

Molly O'Hagan (Dancer)

Molly is a Wellington based performer, currently completing her Bachelor of Creativity, majoring in Performing Arts. She completed her Diploma in Musical Theatre in 2019, and in 2022 her Diploma in Commercial Dance. Molly has been thrilled to be involved with some stunning events that provided joy to all audiences, most recently the Lantern Festival (2022), dancing as a 'Hell Belles' cheerleader for the Wellington Saints (2022) and providing entertainment at the Wellingtonian of the Year Awards (2022) and the Wellington Gold Awards (2022). One of her most memorable  performances was the 'Flamingo Ballet' by MOTH (2020) which involved performing ballet on electric scooters. Molly also thrives while choreographing for large groups, her most recent credits were choreographing a finale number for the Commercial Dance Grad show (2022) and coordinating 'Parade of the Undead' a thriller inspired parade for the Cupa Dupa street festival (2020). Molly is passionate about working with other likeminded creatives and is ecstatic for both Fringe shows she is dancing in this year. 

Amelia Butcher (Dancer)

Amelia is a versatile dancer with an undeniable ability to perform. She has recently graduated with a Bachelor in Creativity from Te Auaha under their Commercial Dance Course. Amelia is committed and diligent, making her a valuable member of any team.  She uses her motivation and passion towards the arts to help inspire others. Amelia’s artistry and love of performing is evident in her performance which is impossible to miss.

Ona Fraser (Dancer)

Ona Fraser is 20 years old in her 2nd Year study at Te Auaha Commercial Dance Course. Originally from Dunedin (Otago) mainly dancing Hip Hop where she has received NZAMD and APDA Urban Ignition Solo Seal diplomas, awards and scholarships, and qualified for HHU Worlds Adult crew 2022. Ona is currently apart of the society entertainers, previously an Otago Nuggets dancer.

Elisa Gates (Dancer)

Elisa is a Wellington-based commercial dancer trained in a variety of dance styles with singing, choreography and teaching experience all adding to her vast repertoire.  She is currently in her third year at Te Auaha Institute of Creativity working towards her Bachelors in Performing Arts this year. Elisa is a proud New Zealander that has taken extreme pride in representing her country overseas at multiple international hip hop competitions where she has received a gold medal and a silver medal as a member of a self choreographed duo and a silver medal as a Teen Soloist. Elisa has also been a backup dancer for singer Ben Lummis, first New Zealand Idol winner, multiple times after his win and a member of the Silver Squad, Silver Ferns entertainment team, for their Sky TV televised game. Overall, Elisa is a zestful person driven by her immense love for performing who aims to make a lasting impact on the industry. She is extremely excited to be involved in the show “Paradox” and even more excited for you all to watch it! 

Grace Taylor (Dancer)

Grace has danced since she was 5 years old at LOD - love of dance. Her strongest and most confident styles are Jazz, Tap, and Commercial. Grace is currently in full-time training at Te Auaha studying the commercial dance course and is working towards gaining her degree in commercial dance. She has trained in jazz and tap from the start of her dancing journey and has at least 4+ years of training in ballet, commercial, and contemporary. Grace has completed the AJDA Tap Syllabus as well as AJDA Jazz Syllabus. Grace has 4+ years of teaching experience. Grace is a hard worker and dedicates her time wisely. She is a very encouraging and bubbly person who strives to see improvements not only in herself but also in others.

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