Harry & Marie Raiend, the Directors / Principals of Ucan2 Dance Studio, have more than 60 years of combined experience in teaching all forms of dance from ballet to folk dance, dancesport to hip hop and tap, the Raiends have turned their passion for movement and gift for teaching into a successful business.
They started Ucan2 Dance Studio in September 1993 with a dream, a combination of skills, experience and a belief that everyone can learn to dance with the right teaching. That's where their name came from - You Can Too! ( Ucan2 ).
By 1995 Ucan2 Dance Studio had grown. They were keen to give all of their students (from Juvenile to Senior) the opportunity to test their skills, so they introduced the Medal programme to provide all dancers with additional stimulation. From beginners to advanced level students, from Social tests to Oscars - there are medal tests for everyone who wishes to take part. These days Ucan2 Dance Studio has one of the country's largest entries for medal tests, all with excellent results.
In 1996 they decided to move on to the next level and to train keen students for competition. They developed their own unique training programme for these 'athletes'. In 1998 Ucan2 students entered the New Zealand National Championships for the first time and won their first NZ titles. The rest is history. To date, Ucan2 couples have won well over 100 NZ titles (including every A grade title available in New Zealand), in excess of 100 Australian, Australasian and South Pacific titles and have represented New Zealand at world events in Japan, Moscow, Finland, Czech Republic, Germany, Macau, Lithuania & Austria.
The studio has grown not only in size and numbers with inspiring and enthusiastic teachers both permanent and international guest teachers.
The statistics are impressive, but it's the teaching style that is the essence of what makes Ucan2 so successful. The fun and friendly atmosphere, the latest music from the UK and Europe, all add to the experience.
From just-at-school age to post-pension stage, from beginners to the most advanced, Ucan2 Dance Studio is committed to teaching people to be the best dancers they can be.
Harry Raiend MNZFDT, MFATD
Dance Master Degree Europe
International Adjudicator
Harry has a Dance Masters Degree from Europe , has Licentiate level qualifications in Ballroom, Latin American & New Vogue and holds an International Adjudication licence. Having danced competitively in Europe and been trained by the best he brought with him a wealth of international experience and expertise in his field.
With a natural gift for inspiring, motivating and coaching young people, Harry has been extremely satisfied to watch as his beginners turn into international quality competitive dancers. He appeared as a judge on TV3's "So You Think You Can Dance" in 2006. |
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Marie Raiend FNZFDT, FFATD (examiner)
International Adjudicator
Reg Teacher RAD
Trained in New Zealand with a 20 year Ballet teaching career under her belt, Marie turned to Dancesport where she is constantly increasing her teaching skills and knowledge as she travels to the major competitions and congresses around New Zealand , Australasia and the World.
Marie holds fellowship degrees with the NZFDT and the FATD with whom she is an examiner, is qualified in Ballroom, Latin American & New Vogue and holds an International Adjudication licence. |
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