Gemma Kearney
Gemma has achieved her RAD Intermediate Foundation, NZAMD Elementary Ballet (Distinction), NZAMD American Jazz (Disinction), NZAMD Level 3 (Distinction), NZAMD Grade 7 Tap (Honours), AJDA Advanced (Distinction) and successfully passed her NZAMD Solo Seal examintion.
In 2004 and 2005 she attended Hagley Dance Company full time in Christchurch. Through this course she enjoyed studying Contemporary, Ballet, Funk, Jazz, Hip-hop, Pilates, Yoga, Improvisation and Indian and was awarded her Certificate in Dance gaining Excellence both years.
She has choreographed dances for her pupils and herself that have achieved success throughout New Zealand and Australia. These successes include her pupils and herself being placed in the top 10 of the New Zealand Dance Idol Competition in the Senior, Pre-Teen and Junior sections (2005 and 2008) and PACANZ Young Performer of the Year Award. In 2009 her pre-teen age jazz group was placed runner up at the 'Battle of the Stars' in the Australian Showcase National Dance Finals.
In 2005 she was invited to join Raewyn Hill's professional contemporary company in their rehearsals for her show 'Angels with Dirty Feet'. In the same year she competed at the Alana Haines Australasian Ballet Awards where she was awarded a two week scholarship to attend the Victoria College of Arts in Melbourne.
She was nominated for the PACANZ Young Performer of the Year Award in 2001, 2003 and 2005. In 2005 she was the only South Islander to be placed as a top 6 finalist. She was also nominated for the NZAMD Nationals for Jazz (2000 - 2005) and in 2005 she was placed 3rd in Modern Jazz and 2nd in Classical Ballet Sections.
She also successfully competed at the 'Australian Showcase National Dance Championships' in 2003, 2004, 2005 and 2006. In 2006 she received three 1st and three 2nd places and was also place in the top 10 of the prestigious Dancer of the Year pageant in 2006 and 2006.
In 2006 she moved to Sydney to study full time dance and performing arts at ED5 International. Here she loved studing various dance styles, acting and singing. After her graduation she was signed onto the books of 'Instinct Management NSW'. Through this agency she was able to travel for shows in New South Wales and South Australia. Her highlight was performing three weeks of shows in Dubai.
She has also travelled to America and London to attend dance classes.
In 2010 she was assistant choreographer for Showbiz Christchurch's production of 'Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat'. She also performed and choreographed for Coca Cola Christmas in the Park.