Pointy Dog Dance Company began in 1993 to nurture the connection between professional choreographers and young dancers in the creative process of dance making and performance.

Pointy Dog gives young people who love contemporary dance the chance to work with professional dancers/choreographers, to train in choreography and to perform in a professional forum. It provides aspiring dancers with a connection point to the world of professional contemporary dance and choreography.

The Company environment enables dancers aged from 14 – 18 years to develop their creative and personal potential through dance education (technique work, improvisation, composition, choreography and performance). Dancers perform a repertoire of both professional and student-directed work and are encouraged to contribute to the creative process of dance making. The company environment nurtures the development of professional performance standards within an environment that is both challenging and supportive.

The company comprises 14 teenagers who meet weekly throughout the year for contemporary and ballet classes that include technique, choreographic development and rehearsal. Auditions take place in February each year. Intensive rehearsal periods occur before scheduled performances such as tempo and site-specific events such as the Auckland Rose Festival.

All of the work is developed and marketed to reach a youth audience, inspired and choreographed by the dancers and directed by guest choreographers.

Members of the Company:

• create and perform contemporary dance by and for a youth audience
• experience a positive and passionate outlet for their creative energy
• participate in the performance and production of accessible dance performances
• have the opportunity to build their choreographic skills
• develop their potential to become creative, well-rounded and confident members of the community
• develop an appreciation of professional  contemporary dance
• often go on to tertiary education and a career in dance
• develop the skills, commitment and discipline for life and work

The Performing Arts School is also committed to employing emerging artists as choreographers, many of who are ex-Pointy Dog members now working in the profession.

Awards
In 2007 Pointy Dog Dance Company were the recipients of two tempo NZ Festival of Dance awards - Best Youth Company and Best Youth Performer, Rose Philpott.

Click here to view Pointy Dog in Tempo 2008 and here for Pointy Dog's dance film made for Tempo 2009.