Kaupapa of Ara Dance Workshops

The concept of 'Ara' Dance stems from the observation of highly technical choreographies being taught across Aotearoa without students learning the passport movements (both of the feet as well as other body centres - torso, arms, head, etc. Thus the concept of 'ara' (pathway in Te Reo Māori) was used to centre the kaupapa/intention of this mahi. Within these workshops, which have been delivered in Ohakune, Palmerston North, Whanganui, Rotorua and now Auckland, I strive to help learners embody a diverse range of African & Afro-Latin rhythms 'walk' - or basic (not necessarily easy) pathway of movement. We consider everything about a movement from its floor patterns (how the feet travel), air patterns (how knees, elbows, hands, head, etc weave patterns through air) as well as spinal patterns (the connection between earth and air).