Dance Archives - Page 5 of 7

Gisela Taglicht

Taglicht’s ideas on the importance of relaxation were advanced for the time. When the Wellington Parents’ Centre was formed in the early 1950s, she was employed to teach pregnant women relaxation and breathing exercises, which many found invaluable during the rigours of childbirth. She tutored aspiring actors in movement and relaxation, working with the New Zealand Drama Council’s annual summer schools over many years and the New Zealand Players during the 1950s. The New Zealand Opera Company also employed her. Her work has been continued and expanded by her followers.

Jean Ballantyne

In 1953 when she was invited to examine for the Royal Academy of Dancing. For the next 20 years she travelled widely throughout New Zealand and in England, Fiji, Malaya, Hong Kong and Singapore, examining thousands of students annually and conducting courses for teachers.

Dorothy Daniels

One of New Zealand’s leading teachers of ballet.

Freda Beatrice Stark

During the Second World War she entertained troops at the Wintergarden cabaret and nightclub at the Civic Theatre in Auckland, earning the nickname ‘Fever of the Fleet’.

Peggy Sager

Australian ballet dancer and teacher

Peggy van Praagh

In 1962, she was invited to become the first artistic director of the Australian Ballet. She was to hold the position until retirement in 1974, returning for a year in 1978.

Kira Abricossova Bousloff

Bousloff is regarded as a pioneer of Australian ballet for her establishment and direction of the Perth-based West Australian Ballet in 1952; the company held its premiere performance in July 1953. Her vision for the company was to see it perform ballet with themes and stories inspired by Australian legends, with sets designed by local artists and music composed by Australians.

Padma Menon

In 1976 Menon moved to Madras to work with Vempati Chinna Satyam in the Kuchipudi style and became a member of his dance company, which was attached to the Kuchipudi Art Academy in Madras. Menon performed extensively with this company in India and also gave solo performances across the country.

Rita Moreno

Rita Moreno has influenced the entertainment industry for over 70 years as an actress, singer, and dancer. After earning the four major entertainment awards: an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony, Moreno became the first Latina woman to have an “E.G.O.T.” In 2004, she was honored with the Presidential Medal of Freedom for her many contributions to the arts.

Shirley Aldythea Marshall Seymour Andrews

Aboriginal rights activist, Biochemist, Communist, dancer and historian