SIDN Christchurch is back online with a new Christchurch Coordinator!
on 14 April 2011
We're baaaaack!!
Well, it's been a rough few weeks, but SIDN Christchurch, and the DAPHT office is slowly but surely getting back up and running. After losing our office (again!) we have now relocated to a new space in C-Block in CPIT, on Madras Street and have hit the ground running. We're still operating on bare bones, but the good news is that WE ARE BACK UP AND RUNNING and all our activities (Dancing Like the Stars, Body Festival, SIDN) will continue as planned (with a few minor changes).
In the midst of all of this, I need to Introduce myself to everyone! My name is Daz Martin, and I have just started as the SIDN Coordinator for Christchurch, and Project Coordinator for the Dance and Physical Theatre Trust. It has been quite the baptism of fire, coming in following the earthquake but I'm settling in and starting to get a handle on things.
Introducing Daz! The new SIDN Christchurch Coordinator/DAPHT Project Coordinator
Despite the shaky beginnings (pun intended!) I'm really excited about getting into my role! I've come to DAPHT fresh from study, last year I completed a Graduate Diploma in Event Management through CPIT, as part of this, I worked for 6 months with the Events Team at the Canterbury Employers' Chamber of Commerce. I was first introduced to DAPHT through a group project as part of my course which saw us coordinating the planned launch for the ill-fated 2010 Body Festival. Previous to this I have been both a Youth Worker and a Chef - both of which were enjoyable, but I feel I have now found my niche in the Arts sector! Although I am originally from the North Island (born in Whangarei, raised in Wellington/the Waikato), Christchurch has been my home for the last four years, especially since my parent's up and left NZ to live/work in Beijing, China!!
In terms of Dance, my background falls within the 'general enthusiast' column. I learnt and competed at Club level in Rock 'n' Roll between ages 9-12 (a passion which had a revival for a couple of years in my parents garage on a Sunday afternoon at age 18-19). Also, throughout my High School years and the time since I have been involved in Musical Theatre - most recently as an Apostle in the North Canterbury Musical Society's 2010 Season of Jesus Christ Superstar. I also was getting private Latin lessons (with the aim of eventually competing) from my good friend (and surrogate mother) Marcella Harrera - something that I need to commense again once life gets some kind of normality back! I do have quite a musical background, having studied music and having private piano and vocal lessons through High School. Although I don't get to perform too often, my regular musical outlet is as a Music Leader for my church.
Please don't be afraid to drop me a line and introduce yourself - I am sure I will eventually get around to meeting a lot of you out there in the dance community - and you will certainly be hearing more from me as I get my head around how this whole website thing works. BIG THANKS to Hanha in Dunedin for holding down the fort while we got ourselves sorted in Christchurch!
If you need to get a hold of us the office phone number is still the same...
(03) 366 7709
and you can email me directly at...
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Now to figure out how to get all this to actually load onto the web-page....
PEACE!
