Karamu High School dance teacher inspires next generation
Passionate about dance, and with extensive experience and accolades to match, new Karamu High School dance teacher Seidah Tuaoi is hoping to inspire the next generation.
Karamu High School is one of a handful of schools in the region to offer dance as a subject and has done so for the best part of the last decade. There is also an opportunity for students to get involved at an extra-curricular level.
Ms Tuaoi says she is grateful to be able to carry on the legacy that Karamu has created over the years, with the help of several talented teachers.
Born in Wellington and raised in Auckland, Ms Tuaoi, of Cook Island-Samoan descent, moved to the region at the beginning of the year to take on the role. She has a Bachelor of Dance Studies (Honours) from the University of Auckland, as well as a Diploma in teaching.
She has previously taught at four Auckland schools and is an accomplished performer herself – in both dance and singing.
At times, she has been a full-time professional dancer and is currently part of an all-style dance group called Projekt Team, and an all-female krump group called Lighthouse Fam, as well as international group R.U.R Alliance, led by Step Up actress and dancer Jaja Vankova.
Her speciality is Hip-hop and street dance, but acknowledging her culture, and that of others through dance is also of particular importance to her.
The subject is assessed both internally through choreography and performance standards, as well as externally through a written exam.
Students are taught a range of styles from hip-hop to Contemporary as well as ballet and cultural dance.
Ms Tuaoi says most students are already involved with a dance crew outside of school and have some knowledge of dance.
“It's really cool that the students already have knowledge of their own dance styles and so what they bring is also important within the lesson because we try to find ways that they can teach others and show their skills as well.”
She believes the subject does much more than teach students how to dance. “Obviously it’s fun, but more than that it gives students a sense of belonging and also pushes them outside of their comfort zone.”
Students develop life skills such as persistence and resilience, and gain more confidence with themselves, she says.
While she trained in dance and drama, she is also teaching Year 9 Health and Level 1 Life Skills. Outside the classroom, she is also the school’s Pasifika liaison.
“That's really cool, because I get to know other kids around school, and it is quite different to dance so I am learning a lot.”
She hopes to increase the number of students involved in dance, by showcasing it to those who would not normally get involved.
“It’s about finding different ways to engage with other students.” At an extra-curricular level, this year they plan to participate in the Hawke’s Bay Polynesian festival in August, and the DanceNZmade Interschool competition, as well as their school production.
