spinning sun dance company

Involve, Enlighten, Entertain

Ann Dewey started making dances in the mid 1990’s and formally opened the company after a touring her work Nine Daisies to the UK in 2000. Since this time the company has employed scores of dancers working on projects varying from artists in residence, cutting edge dance performances to education work in schools.

‘In all its activities, Spinning Sun aims to give audiences and class participants a way to fall in love with dance. I see dance as a positive force in the world and view our role as helping bring change to those lives we touch.’

In 2008 the company premiered Flicker to an audience in Leigh followed by a tour to TAPAC, Auckland. A magical piece of work which incorporated the choreography of a lighting design directly into the dance. At the same point the company took part in an Artist in Residence programme in Auckland schools, through Auckland’s Aotea Centre’s outreach programme. Following a successful PANNZ presentation, the production was performed in Tempo, Auckland and Body Festival, Christchurch and Le Chapito, New Caledonia in early 2009.

Alongside the tour of Flicker, a new dynamic work was produced, Left and Right during the winter of 2009. The whole set and costumes knitted by knitters from New Zealand and around the world. The dramaturgical collaboration of Jo Randerson and musical score of Charlotte Rose acts as an addition to the narrative of the piece Left and Right played with pattern, movement and drama.

The premiere came close to a sell out season in both Leigh and the Auckland with 80% houses and a 40 % rise in audience numbers, including a large increase in the male audience database.

A revised production of ‘Flicker’ toured the festival circuit of spring 2009 Nelson, Tempo — Papakura and Tauranga. With rave reviews and keen festival audiences wanting more of Spinning Sun the unique elements of ‘Left and Right’ are sure to give as much pleasure as it has been to produce.

Touring

Tour-ready works Left and Right (2009) Flicker (2008) and Paper Tiger (2007) form the company's current repertoire and have been presented in regional arts and dance festivals throughout New Zealand before venturing offshore.

Flicker was presented in the theatre tent Le Chapito in New Caldeonia during 2009, and was accompanied by an education programme of workshops for schools, teachers, and professional dancers.

During 2010 Spinning Sun will be returning to New Caledonia with the 2009 work ‘Left and Right’

All works are available for sale - find out more Left and Right & Flicker.

Education

Education is a fundamental element of our work. Workshops and forums for every season are welcomed, price by negotiation.

Education resources for teachers and students will be available in 2010.