It has been so exciting to watch our Iona College dancers go from strength to strength over the last four years, following the introduction of Dance to the curriculum in 2017. For the second year running, Iona scooped multiple awards at Dance NZ Made.

Dance NZ Made is an interschool competition run throughout the country which celebrates the strength, diversity and passion of dance in NZ. In August, Iona dancers competed in the regional finals held at Toitoi – Hawke’s Bay Arts and Events Centre. We were exceptionally well represented, with multiple entries across all age groups and categories. The girls delivered outstanding performances with creative flair, technical ability and professionalism.

Having both solo and group dancers selected for the Dance NZ Made Nationals, along with being awarded three golden tickets, was an outstanding achievement.

Organisers also complemented the region on delivering original and inspired choreography, and our students excelled in this area; many Iona Girls study choreography of groups as part of their NCEA Dance and Scholarship programme. At Dance NZ Made, both Boudicca Farquhar and Olivia McLeod were recognised with a perfect 10/10 choreography award.

In achieving so highly at this level, we recognise the outstanding support the girls receive from Mrs Sophie Follett, our NCEA Dance teacher. Sophie’s passion for dance is evident in all her teaching and she guides the development of our dance students with incredible energy, enthusiasm and expert tuition.

Regional Awards List – Iona College Dancers

Dance NZ Made Solos:
Year 13: 2nd place Boudicca Farquhar
Year 13: 3rd place Ophelia Ross
Year 12: 2nd place Havana Fierro (National Nomination)
Year 12: 3rd place Alexandra Stubbs
Year 11: 2nd place Aimee Coleman (National Nomination)
Year 9: 2nd place Breanna Artless
Year 8: 1st place Lina Peachey Year 8: 2nd place Coco Varcoe

Dance NZ Made Duo/Trio:
Year 11-13 trio 1st place - Alexandra Stubbs, Havana Fierro and Kayla Limbrick (National Nomination)
Year 11-13 duo 2nd place - Olivia McLeod and Havana Fierro
Year 9-10 duo 2nd place - Hermione Holdsworth and Emma Veitch

Dance NZ Made Group Competition:
Year 11-13 1st place - choreographed by Olivia McLeod (10/10 Choreography award) (National Nomination)
Year 9-10 Contemporary 2nd place - choreographed by Havana Fierro
Year 7-8 1st place - choreographed by Alexandra Stubbs (National Nomination)

Dance NZ Made Open Group:
1st place and overall HB Champions – National Nomination
Open Group champions - choreographed by Boudicca Farquhar (10/10 Choreography award)
Dancers: Aimee Coleman, Boudicca Farquhar, Nyssa Farquhar, Havana Fierro, Kayla Limbrick, Sarah McKinnon, Olivia McLeod, Lina Peachey, Ophelia Ross, Henrietta Scott, Avani Tuck.

New Zealand Nationals and Golden Tickets
The following students were also awarded Golden Tickets - a chance to compete for ten $1000 scholarships at the Nationals in November.
Year 11 Aimee Coleman
Year 12 Havana Fierro
Year 13 Boudicca Farquhar.

Article added: Saturday 08 January 2022