Menu
MOVE is developing a centre of movement arts in Ōtautahi, uniting our city through inclusive movement arts.
Destined to be a premium facility within the Parakiore Recreation and Sports Centre in 2025, MOVE has a vision to make movement arts accessible to all by nurturing talent and providing affordable classes and tutoring to everyone.
Born from the community’s resilience and vision post-earthquakes, MOVE emerged from the Christchurch City Council’s ‘Share an Idea’ campaign where anyone could submit ideas to shape the future of movement in Ōtautahi.
MOVE’s vision is to make movement arts accessible to all, providing premium facilities and welcoming newcomers into a non-competitive, accessible environment. MOVE isn’t just a space; it’s an inclusive kaupapa, expanding the vibrant Christchurch community and offering thousands a chance to discover the joy of movement. Everyone who wants to participate will have the opportunity to.
This is an initiative from MOVE Ōtautahi Inc, a charitable organisation, under the guidance of a dedicated board. With the support of the Ministry for Culture and Heritage’s Regeneration Fund, MOVE is poised to revolutionise movement arts accessibility and talent development in New Zealand.
Ahead of the facility’s opening in 2025, MOVE has launched its first residency programmes, supporting local talent to bring their visions to life alongside artistic and technical tutors. Find out more about the circus residency here and the dance residency here.
Later this year, we’ll also be launching our first classes for the general public through Speed Dancing!
Chloë brings over two decades of experience in circus, street theatre, and event production, including managing the Council’s events team from 2012-2017 and working as an independent producer in Europe from 1996-2012, specializing in outdoor performances and multicultural projects. She played a pivotal role in Scotland’s circus scene, co-authoring its first strategy and engaging in European network discussions. Since 2017, she has shifted focus to agriculture, managing a charitable trust that supports farmers in adopting regenerative practices.
Adam initiated the performance movement centre concept in 2012 through Share An Idea and led The Body Festival from its inception in 2002 until 2015. He has directed Dancing Like the Stars, a partner dance program for low-decile primary schools, since 2007. Since 2021, he has served as the General Manager of Arts Integrated, offering performing arts training for disabled individuals.
Jenny is a multidisciplinary artist with 20 years of experience in visual arts, costume design, aerial apparatus design, and choreography. Her work spans contemporary circus, live performance, and film production both internationally and in Aotearoa. She has collaborated with notable entities like Robert Lepage’s ‘Ex Machina’ at the Metropolitan Opera of New York, and the Zurich Contemporary Circus company Rigolo. Currently, she serves as Aerial Director for The World of Wearable Art and works in costume design for film and television. Jenny excels in collaborative environments and intersections of body movement and design.
*Photographer – Andi Crown
Lisa boasts 30 years in physical theatre and circus as a performer, educator, and director. She played a key role in developing Circo Arts’ curriculum, New Zealand’s National Circus School, where she taught until 2009, covering clowning, character work, comic technique, performance development, and business studies. Since 2015, she has been the artistic director and administrator of the Christchurch Circus Trust
Philippa serves as a mentor for student dance teachers at the Royal Academy of Dance, in addition to her roles as a dance adjudicator and ballet specialist. Her professional dance career includes performances with the English National Ballet, Deutsche Oper Ballet Berlin, and the Royal New Zealand Ballet.
Maria is a seasoned public health professional with over 16 years of experience in various capacities at local, regional, and national levels, both in Christchurch and abroad. Currently associated with Healthy Families, her role involves overseeing the prevention system from a broad perspective, focusing on reducing risk factors for significant health loss and enhancing equity.
Created by Great Scott
