The Principals
Harry and 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 travel internationally regularly to adjudicate, to teach and to attend training camps and congresses to ensure that they are as up to date in their teaching methods as possible.
From just-at-school age to post-pension stage, from beginners to the most advanced, Harry and Marie are committed to teaching people to be the best dancers they can be.
They are proud to be associated with Team Diablo (Italy) through ex student Stefan Green who this year was placed 2nd in the 2011 World Showdance Championships and 5th in the 2011 WDSF Professional Division World Latin American.
Harry Raiend – Principal / Director
MNZFATD, MNZFDT
Dance Master Degree Europe
WDSF 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, 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.
Harry was delighted to be invited to join the adjudication panel at the WDSF Grand Slam Ballroom and Latin American in Chengdu, People’s Republic of China in July 2011. It was an inspiring experience. (The WDSF Grand Slam can be likened to the Golf Majors!)
Marie Raiend – Principal / Director
FNZFATD (examiner), FNZFDT, RAD RTS
WDSF International Adjudicator
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. She was the Ballroom & Latin American choreographer on TV3′s “So You Think You Can Dance” in 2006. In 2011 she was very happy to be a part of the adjudication panel for the WDSF event in Christchurch and the WDSF International Open and Asian Pacifics in Australia.
Marie holds fellowship degrees with the NZFATD with whom she is an examiner, and the NZFDT. Her lifelong mission has been to teach the world to dance!
Kirsten Spyve – Administration Manager
Kirsten is Ucan2 Dance Studio’s Administration Manager.
She is the smiling voice and face who answers phone calls and greets you on arrival. She has been a valued student at Ucan2 for many years, working her way from the Kids Beginner Class, through the Medal Classes and on to Training Squad. She is a high grade dancer in all styles and is a very important part of the Ucan2 Team.
