Latest news with #TeWhareoRukutia
Otago Daily Times
09-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Otago Daily Times
Festival captures heart of Antarctic
A pair of Emperor penguins in Antarctica. Photo: Anthony Powell/Antzworks Stunning documentary footage from the heart of Antarctica, highlighting its stark beauty, inhabitants and the effects of climate change will feature in the upcoming Antarctic Film Festival. Presented by the New Zealand Antarctic Society, the selection of short films curated by award-winning filmmaker Anthony Powell, will be screened in Dunedin on Sunday, August 17, from 6.30pm at Te Whare o Rukutia, 20 Princes St. The event will include introductions and a Q&A session. New Zealand Antarctic Society president Hubertien Wichers said the engaging programme brought together stunning images of the frozen continent captured by entrants in the Winter International Film Festival of Antarctica 48-Hour Challenge — an annual showcase of creativity and resilience from those who "winter-over" on the ice. Before the screening, Emeritus Professor Pat Langhorne of the University of Otago will speak about her journey from Scotland to New Zealand and her passion for sea ice, which is key to understanding how the world works. Prof Langhorne is one of three women featured in the recently released documentary Mighty Indeed by Vanessa Wells. Ms Wichers said the Antarctic Film Festival aimed to bring Antarctica "to the people of New Zealand, through science, art, humour and personal connection". "The tour has been very successful, inspiring audiences and connecting the local community through Antarctica. "But the serious aspect is to raise awareness about the role Antarctica plays in our climate. "Antarctica tells us about the history of the planet, the changes that are going on and what the future may hold for us and the next generations," she said. Founded in 1933, the New Zealand Antarctic Society connects people with a shared passion for Antarctica through education, outreach, events and its publication Antarctic. For more information, visit the website
Otago Daily Times
30-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Otago Daily Times
Fierce dancers to fight for fair pay
As International Dance Day celebrations return to Dunedin for the third year, offering free events across the city, a new dance organisation hopes to lift the art form's commercial standing. Fierce Entertainment has been founded by principal creator Willow de Jonge as a professional dance group. "Fierce has come into the community with the ethos of ensuring fair compensation for performers, artists, dancers." The group aimed to make sure dancers received professional payment for work at weddings, functions, theatrical performances or public events, she said. The artistic community in New Zealand had "quite a problem" when it came to being paid for its services. "Like all creative endeavours, this won't be accomplished overnight. "But with time, care and support from the wider Ōtepoti artistic community, we hope to get on board with dance schools and Dunedin theatre. "And, you know, just put a dent in artists getting fairly paid and compensated." The group will have a major presence during International Dance Day. "You can catch Fierce Entertainment on George St on Saturday, entertaining the public and pulling everyone up to the Lower Octagon for Dance Ōtepoti's International Dance Day events to kick off. "So they will be very spunky, they will be moving down George St, giving you a flyer, jamming out to music, handing out some jelly beans for kids, doing all that stuff to entice the community up here at the weekend." Dance Ōtepoti founder and general manager Anna Noonan said the Ōtepoti Festival of Dance for International Dance Day aimed to celebrate dance in all its forms and share its joy and benefits. There will be a wide range of activities to enjoy. Events include beginner classes, performances in the Lower Octagon, Te Whare o Rukutia and Toitū Otago Settlers Museum as well as taster sessions such as Tiny Tots (18 months to 3 years), salsa and line dancing. More than 200 dancers, dance artists and groups will be involved throughout the weekend. The Ōtepoti Festival of Dance is supported by the Dunedin City Council. INTERNATIONAL DANCE DAY 2025 Saturday Classes • 8.45am, Yoga for Dancers, Te Whare o Rukutia • 10am, Absolute Beginner Ballet, Te Whare o Rukutia • 10.45am, Absolute Beginner Jazz Cabaret, Te Whare o Rukutia • 11.30am, Absolute Beginner Swing, Te Whare o Rukutia • 12.15pm, Absolute Beginner Hip-Hop, Te Whare o Rukutia Performances • 1pm, IDD Performances, the Octagon • 3pm, IDD Performances, Te Whare o Rukutia Events • 4pm, IDD Talk: dance as resistance and resilience, Te Whare o Rukutia • 8pm, Dunedin Folk Club: Community Barn Dance and Ceilidh, Ravensbourne Community Hall, Wānaka St • Running throughout the day: Ad Parnassum Purapurawhetū — VR and Full Dome Experience by Good Company Arts, Tūhura Otago Museum —12.30pm-1.30pm, Assisted VR Experience, Beautiful Science Gallery —3.30pm-4.30pm (on loop), 10 minute Full Dome Planetarium Film, Perpetual Guardian Planetarium Sunday All events at Toitū Otago Settlers Museum Taster sessions • 10am, Tiny Tots Taster • 10.45am, Dance with GASP! • 11.15am, Line Dance Taster • 11.45am, Contra Dance Taster • 12.30pm, Salsa with Vuelta Dance Performance • 1pm, IDD Performances Balfolk Mini Bal • 2.30pm, Balfolk Dunedin Mini Bal
