Getting into the groove of Christmas

From City Scene, published on 2 December, 2007

Choreographer Ginny Crocker working with young dancers.

Talented troupe: choreographer Ginny Crocker (front) works with young dancers who will perform at this year's Coca-Cola Christmas in the Park on Saturday, 8 December.

Coca-Cola Christmas in the Park returns to the Auckland Domain on Saturday, 8 December, offering great festive fun for the whole family.

Choreographer Ginny Crocker loves the event. "It's not just about carol singing," she says, "because there's so much movement and other things going on to make the show as interesting as possible for the audience." Ginny, who has been a dancer for the last 15 years and a choreographer for 10 of those, says the best part of her role is meeting and working with talented people.

As well as the Coca-Cola kids crew of 12 performers, Ginny works with about 30 soloists.

The rehearsal process is concentrated, with performers learning routines in the week leading up to the show, based on choreography Ginny has worked on for weeks in advance.

As well as choreography, Ginny works with artistic director Kate Ward-Smythe to discuss ideas and music choices. She also performs in some of the numbers herself, including one this year with Nerida Jantti from Dancing with the Stars.

Coca-Cola Christmas in the Park runs from 7.30pm to 10.15pm, and is proudly sponsored by Auckland City Council.