The presence of the performing arts at NIS reflects a vibrant and inclusive community where students can thrive, empowered to not only explore creative movement in a safe, nurturing environment, but to engage with high quality performative opportunities that challenge them to explore the boundaries of their artistic identity. Under the co-direction of Sophie Day-Jones and Jennifer Allen, the program has become a dynamic force, showcasing our breadth of talent in events such as Showquest and the NIS Dance Showcase. Students are experiencing high-quality learning and performance opportunities that span a diverse range of dance styles and genres, from contemporary to hip-hop, fostering their choreographic ability and developing technical skills.
PROGRAM ACCOLADES
- 2024 Showquest – 2nd Place Overall
- 2024 Showquest – Best Choreography
- 2024 Showquest – Best Drama
- 2024 Showquest – Showquest Spirit
- 2024 Showquest – Highly Commended Lighting
- 2023 Showquest – 3rd Place Overall
- 2023 Showquest – Best Drama
- 2023 Showquest – Highly Commended Choreography
- 2023 Showquest – Highly Commended Lighting
EXTRACURRICULAR OPPORTUNITIES FOR 2025
The 2025 school year will afford students the opportunity to participate in the following extracurricular experiences:
– Showquest (audition only). We will endeavour to extend this opportunity out to as many students as possible, whilst considering the logistics of a successful large-scale production. This will include both drama and dance related themes for students to engage with. Rehearsals begin Term 1, Week 3, with performance culminating end of Term 2.
– NIS Roadshow – Dance hopes to continue to have a strong presence in our primary schools roadshow, and further considers opportunities to bridge our primary school relationships through dance performance and workshopping within our community. NIS Roadshow requires approximately 4 weeks of rehearsal across end of Term 2/start of Term 3.
– NIS Dance Showcase – This schoolwide project endeavours to include as many passionate dancers as possible, and is an opt-in rather than audition only experience. There are extension opportunities as well as student choreography as part of the creation of this celebration of dance performance. Rehearsals begin Week 2 of Term 3, with performance culminating approximately in Term 4, Week 5 (adapted yearly based on Term 4 calendar).
– Showquest and Showcase ‘Camp’: This school holiday opportunity in Term 1 and 3 offers students a full day immersion experience. Choreography workshops and rehearsals in a concentrated environment introduces dancers to a ‘real feeling’ experience of show preparation, as well as a safe, supervised environment for students to spend time on their holidays. This has been so successful and rich for students, we may consider ways that we can grow this as part of our extracurricular program.
– Northcote College Dance Exchange: The success of this exchange across our music program has exposed a wonderful opportunity to create a rich learning and performance opportunity for both the intermediate and college students. Both schools are performing in Showquest in 2025, exposing a fantastic opportunity to facilitate a day of dance workshops, choreographic opportunities, shared rehearsal and development sessions.
If more information is required you can contact: sophied@ni.school.nz or jennifera@ni.school.nz
