Dunedin Dance Theatre

Dunedin Dance Theatre

the columba group (1950’s/1960’s)
The 1960’s
The 1970’s
collaborations with louise petherbridge
Operas and musicals

first contemporary dance company in New Zealand.

~ Dunedin Dance Theatre ~

Shona’s husband died suddenly and she was forced to return to Dunedin alone with three young children. In response to the adversity she faced, this remarkable woman opened her own dance studio in 1958 and by 1963 she had set up Dunedin Dance Theatre (DDT), the first contemporary dance company in New Zealand.

“From the inception of this little company, the choreography, in the still innovative Bodenweiser style, dealt with important contemporary issues.

I believe absolutely that dance is a reflection of all life’s experiences, a vital living expression of our time”

-Dr. Shona

  • Eli Grey-Smith, pianist! Improvising for Sho’s class at her 80th.
  • Shona’s 80th Birthday celebration