Kristian Larsen
I am a New Zealand based dance artist specialising in performance improvisation, my work is largely considered to be experimental and uncompromisingly rigorous. I have an extensive background in choreography, performance, writing, teaching, and interdisciplinary collaboration which spans both professional and academic spheres. Since 1992 I have created more than thirty dance choreographies and performed in many more shows including improvisational formats. In that time I have accrued a considerable amount of experience as a performer and collaborator with established New Zealand choreographers and with internationally recognized artists. I have worked with people in multiple disciplines including, theatre, music, writing, textile design, lighting design, visual design, projection, and film. I have considerable teaching experience in academic and conservatory institutions, and in professional freelance contexts in New Zealand, Australia, and Europe. My teaching materials are informed by knowledge of a broad spectrum of movement techniques and international choreographic practice.
Experienced in contemporary dance choreography, specialist knowledge of improvisation in both professional and academic realms.
Teaching and facilitation skills in dance and compositional techniques including contemporary dance, contact improvisation, interdisciplinary collaboration between dance and other arts genres, improvisation, and choreography.
Experienced dance performer and public speaker.
Inter-personal communication and leadership skills.
Academic / artistic research skills.
Writing in creative, critical, and journalistic styles.
NICAI - University of Auckland (2008 - 2010)
The New Zealand School of Dance (1996)
UNITEC Performing Arts School (1994)
Masters Degree in Creative and Perfroming Arts (2010)
Post Graduate Diploma (2009)
National Certificate of Dance Performance (1996)
National Diploma of Contemporary Dance (1994)
2009 Winer Best Choreography by an Established Artist, Tempo Dance Festival
Winner of Best Dance Show in Dunedin Fringe Festival for Self Portrait
2008 Recipient of the Exposure Award for excellence in research from the University of Auckland
Article published in Dance Europe
Recipient of NICAI Summer Scholarship from the University of Auckland
2005 Received Creative New Zealand Creative and Professional Development Grant towards performance and research opportunities in Brussels and Amsterdam.
2004 Received STAB Commission for a 3 week season of dance at Bats Theatre
2003 Creative New Zealand Creative and Professional Development Grant to research and develop a clear technical methodology for improvisation and collaboration.
2002 Received Kakano funding from the Wellington Fringe festival to create Radio in 2003 Festival
Won the Best Dance category for Radio in the Wellington Fringe festival.
2002 Received a Creative New Zealand Creative and Professional Development Grant to study improvisation in Spain with Julyen Hamilton.
2000 Awarded a grant from the Phoebe Maunsell Charitable Trust Annual qualifying as an upcoming artist chosen from a diverse pool of arts practitioners working in New Zealand.
“…movements that twist and spurt through the space to reveal a unique choreographic mind.” Lynne Pringle, theatreview
"He's one of the few improvising dancers who can really pull it off." Phil Dadson, The Aucklander
“…mesmeric performances…a master of ingenious improvisation…” NZ Listener
“This haunting dance is far from disposable and I expect to remember it for a very long time” Dominion
“…containing the elements of edgy aggression – tempered by an elegance of style and subverted by the humour in the words” Evening Post
Chris Jannides (former Head of Dance, UNITEC)
email: cjannides@xtra.co.nz, phone: ++447590659029
email throwdisposablechoreography@yahoo.co.nz
cell 0211429465
Member Profile
Kristian Larsenn/a
