Tīaho
Tīaho offers fun, inclusive dance classes designed for students with disabilities and differ-abilities. Led by specialised tutors, the programme builds confidence, creativity, and contributes to the student wellbeing.
Tīaho (meaning to shine in Te Reo) is the New Zealand version of the Royal Academy of Dance RADiate programme.
Background
The RAD believes that dance is for all and that everyone should have the opportunity to explore their movement potential.
Tīaho workshops provide a playful, accessible approach to dance, focusing on creativity, movement and expression. Students engage with music, props and collaborative activities to explore dance in a fun and supportive environment. At the RAD, we firmly believe dance is for all and that movement is a fundamental part of our being.
The RAD has committed to the principles of the social impact of dance. It acknowledges and promotes the positive impact of movement and dance on a community and the mental, physical, social and spiritual benefits for an individual.
Partnerships
The RAD is excited to be able to partner with WIDance in the development and delivery of Tīaho workshops. WIDance aims to foster opportunity, access and connections for all abilities through the power of inclusive dance. It challenges perceptions of disability and celebrates the artistic potential of each individual by providing inclusive dance classes, workshops and performance opportunities.
WIDance is a collective organisation which provides community dance classes, workshops and performance opportunities in the Wellington region for people of all ages and abilities. From a seed planted by Touch Compass in 2007, WIDance aims to foster connections, opportunity and growth for all abilities through the power of dance by providing dance training and performance opportunities for people with and without disabilities. Their classes enable and encourage participants to reach their full potential, through developing skills in contemporary dance technique, improvisation, and composition.
The Programme
The Tīaho programme offers creative workshops in schools and an annual Summer School
Tīaho in Schools
The aim of the Tīaho in Schools project is to offer students with disabilities and differ-abilities a valuable and engaging creative experience at school – an experience that is fun while building self-confidence and self-esteem.
The RAD will work with each school to develop a tailor-made programme that fits the timetable, syllabus and ethos of the school. The programme will be developed through discussion between the RAD and the School’s lead teacher, and will consist of a series of workshops that will be delivered by trained and experienced Tīaho tutors. All RAD tutors and staff are police-vetted and receive Safeguarding training.
An essential element of the programme is that designated school staff – teachers and teacher aids – support the Tīaho tutors in the delivery of the workshops, and each programme will be preceded by a mandatory 1-hour workshop with staff who would be involved.
Workshops run in Term 3 and Term 4.
Currently Tīaho in Schools is available in the Wellington and Hamilton regions, if you are outside of this area please contact us to express an interest.
Recent schools that have participated in Tīaho workshops include, Waiopehu College, Newlands Intermediate, Newlands College, Otaki College, Onslow College, Mana College, Wellington East Girls College, Wellington High School, Patricia Avenue School.
Tīaho Summer School
As part of our wider Summer School programme held in January of each year, we are delighted to include Tīaho workshops—an inclusive dance experience designed for dancers of all abilities and ages. The Tīaho programme runs for three days, offering a welcoming and supportive space where participants can explore movement, creativity, and self-expression.
Daily workshops focus on movement technique and creative dance encouraging participants to build confidence, develop their movement skills, and enjoy the joy of dancing together.
The workshops conclude with a special studio sharing alongside the Grades course, where whānau and friends are warmly invited to join us in celebrating the students’ creativity, achievements, and the work they have developed during the programme. Registrations for Summer School open in August.
“We have had such a wonderful time in these workshops, watching our learners engage, explore and express themselves. They are wonderfully adapted for the diverse needs of our learners and they are supported with kindness and encouragement.”
Ōtaki College
Lead Tīaho Tutors
Sumara Fraser
Sumara is the driving force behind the magic that is WIDance. Since graduating from the Performing Arts School (now Unitec) in 1994, Sumara has worked consistently as a contemporary dance performer, tutor, and choreographer with various companies across Aotearoa; including Manawa Nui, Footnote Dance, and Touch Compass.. Establishing WIDance in 2010, Sumara is a dedicated advocate for accessibility in the arts and is committed to ensuring everyone has the chance to dance.
Hayleigh Rossetter
Originally from Scotland, Hayleigh trained extensively in ballet, tap, modern/jazz and disco/freestyle, completing advanced RAD and ISTD exams. She holds a BA (Hons) Ballet Education, Registered Teacher Status, and the Licentiate of the Royal Academy of Dance. Hayleigh has taught across the UK in Summer Schools, primary schools and community programmes, preparing students for shows and exams, and previously taught at RAD HQ’s Dance School under the mentorship of examiner Kate Swainston. With a strong interest in inclusive dance, she has worked with specialist schools and the RADiate project, and is New Zealand’s first Ballestics instructor, delivering a ballet-based aerobic fitness programme.
