Becoming general manager of Footnote New Zealand Dance seemed the perfect opportunity for Richard Aindow.
Although not a dancer, he had tried nearly every other job in the arts.
Before taking up the role in January, Aindow had been a movie reviewer, Mighty Mighty quizmaster, breakfast show host, bar and restaurant manager, advertising salesman, and editor and general manager of Wellington magazine FishHead.
“I was really inspired by the new challenge,” he said.
“Having seen the world-class work in Wellington, it was really awesome. [Footnote] develops brand new work each year with different choreographers. It’s an inspiring place to be.”
The work was similar to his previous management roles, which involved budgeting, organisation and supervising the business side of things.
“In the arts in New Zealand, you’re working in smaller teams,” he said.
“It just means you need to be able to do lots of things and know how the organisation works.”
Aindow is on tour with the dancers, but will return to Wellington for the new season, Now, on May 29 and 30 at Hannah Playhouse.
The season includes three unique performances, complemented with original music by composers Gareth Farr and Nigel Collins.
Low portrays a physical journey, starting with the bones and organs. It has been choreographed by American-based Wellington choreographer Olive Bieringa and her partner, Otto Ramstad.
Thin Air, by Wellington’s Lyne Pringle, conjures magic, thoughts and a vanishing act.
The final work, by former New Zealand School of Dance student Craig Bary, peeps into a world of sex and sexuality.
Depends on You is a modified excerpt from Footnote’s earlier season Straight Laced.
The idea of bringing different New Zealanders’ choreography together was one that would be continued, Aindow said.
“The Now season was always going to be about bringing together different works in the same place and performing them together.”
One of the best things about being in a contemporary dance company was always having fresh work to perform, Aindow said.
“We develop new work for every season. The Now season has never been seen by anybody.”
Music was also developed especially for the work, with a preference towards New Zealand composers.
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“[Footnote founder] Deirdre Tarrant’s focus was on celebrating creative New Zealanders because they produce some incredible creatives in dance, music and lots of other art forms, so we want to continue that.” Now, Hannah Playhouse, May 29 and 30, 7.30pm, $20 to $30 from ticketek.co.nz.
– The Wellingtonian
