Site upgrade vital: dance school
More top Kiwi dancers could quit if the New Zealand School of Dance (NZSD) misses out on the promised upgrade of its Wellington building, the school warns
Meanwhile, Royal New Zealand Ballet (RNZB) artistic director Patricia Barker is trying to lure back expatriate dancers to boost local numbers.
On Wednesday, Wellington City Council reneged on its plans to inject money into Te Whaea: New Zealand National Dance and Drama Centre to host the RNZB dancers in 2018 while the ballet’s own residence – St James Theatre – undergoes earthquake strengthening.
Instead, Wellington Mayor Justin Lester told his council they had opted for a cheaper alternative to build a $2.9 million prefabricated building in the Michael Fowler Centre car park.
The council said in June it had put aside $3.82 million for an extension and refurbishment of Te Whaea’s Newtown building. A tender process revealed it would actually cost between $5.4m and $6m.
That funding would have gained the New Zealand School of Dance two extra dance studios on top of its current four, as well as creating significant working space for costume construction.
The council’s decision was a ‘‘significant disappointment’’ for NZSD director Garry Trinder, whose school had no significant extension despite its enrolment doubling since moving into the facility in 1998.
‘‘An upgrade to the building would reflect our true position as a world-class training organisation. Without this new investment, we are fearful New Zealand’s best talent will be attracted to better quality training facilities overseas.’’
Already, dancers are leaving to perform in overseas venues.
Two NZSD graduates from 2017 were offered a position in the national ballet. Those students had turned down the offers, opting for overseas companies.
RNZB executive director Frances Turner said Kiwis made up about 42 per cent of the ensemble. ‘‘We’d love to increase that average.’’
Barker was already overseas bringing home successful New Zealand dancers from international companies – one had already accepted her offer. ‘‘Patricia has been actively trying to bring home New Zealand dancers from around the world,’’ Turner said. ‘‘We’re letting everyone know that ‘we’d love to have you back’.’’
Council spokesman Sean Gillespie said the purpose of the upgrade was to accommodate the RNZB and not to improve the NZSD facilities.
‘‘We had a set budget for the upgrade; however, upgrading Te Whaea to accommodate RNZB’s requirements came in at almost double our budget, so we were forced to consider other options.’’