Q&A: Dance Teacher Lleuarne Panoho
Lleuarne is Hī Hā's queen of dance! You'll find her Māori-infused dance videos in your school's StoryDance subscription and our school productions. Let's hear what drives her formidable energy!
Why do you love dancing with tamariki?
They don't have inhibitions like adults; they're freer. They're fun and funny and have heaps of energy. They want to be on the stage more than I do!
Why is dancing so good for us?
It's a way to express yourself, to keep fit and to connect with people. It's a sharing of energy.
You like to incorporate Māori language and culture into your dancing. Why?
It's an important part of who we are as Kiwis. We can all be a part of it together.
Any advice for someone who ‘can’t dance’?
Everybody can dance; it's about feeling comfortable with yourself. There's no right or wrong, it's just who you are.