Published in Print May 2025 order now!
words Danielle Brown
image Sarah Booher
Anita Hunziker is a distinguished graduate of the New Zealand School of Dance (NZSD) and a renowned figure in New Zealand’s contemporary dance scene, currently serving as the Artistic Director of Footnote New Zealand Dance. With years of experience both as a performer and artistic leader, Hunziker has cultivated a reputation for her commitment to nurturing emerging artists and advancing the contemporary dance landscape in Aotearoa.
Reflecting on her artistic development, Hunziker shares, “My training, whilst at NZSD, was very physical. I loved the technique and the rigour—it shaped the artist I aspired to become.” She recalls how working with choreographers like Raewyn Hill and Garry Stewart introduced her to a deep appreciation for full-body virtuosity, encouraging her to push the boundaries of her physical capabilities. “We worked with wonderfully physical choreographers who had a deep appreciation for full-body virtuosity, pushing the body to the extreme,” she explains. Over time, Hunziker found immense fulfilment in not only embracing the physicality of her art but also adding character and embodiment to her movements, transforming technique into emotional expression.
Hunziker’s influence on the New Zealand dance community extends far beyond her own performance career. She has worked with Dancenorth in Australia, where she served as both a performer and educator, and contributed to the World of WearableArt Awards in various roles. These diverse experiences have expanded her artistic horizons, further shaping her approach to contemporary dance and inspiring her leadership as Artistic Director of Footnote New Zealand Dance.
As Artistic Director, Hunziker has focused on fostering growth and providing opportunities for both dancers and choreographers in Aotearoa. “My role is to foster collaboration and create opportunities for emerging and established artists,” she says. At Footnote, she prioritises creating a space where new voices are celebrated, and bold collaborations are encouraged. “We aim to create transformative performances that resonate with different communities, elevate new voices, and push the boundaries of contemporary dance,” she adds, underlining her commitment to supporting the diverse and ever-evolving dance community.
In addition to her artistic leadership, Hunziker is dedicated to mentoring the next generation of dancers through educational initiatives. One of the programs she oversees is the Footnote Company Dancer Internship, which offers recent dance graduates the opportunity to engage in professional development, touring, and live performance. “These initiatives are about providing early career artists with the tools and support they need to grow in their craft,” she explains, highlighting her role in shaping the future of the dance community.
Looking back at her early career, Hunziker reflects on the importance of the skills she learned during her formative years. “At NZSD, I learned to value the people in the room,” she recalls. “We were all different, with different backgrounds, values, and experiences. That was a pivotal lesson for me—it taught me to prioritise people over everything else.” This emphasis on the importance of people has been a guiding principle in her work as a director. Hunziker continues, “Through all the highs and lows, I learnt to prioritise people first over anything else.
This mindset continues to inform the decisions I make as a director and leader today.”
Her approach to choreography and directing was influenced by her experiences during her student years, particularly when working with multiple choreographers during NZSD choreographic seasons. “I didn’t realise at the time, but my training gave me the skills to understand how to weave together different artistic elements,” she reflects. “That’s something I carry with me now as I bring together the various pieces of our performance program.” This ability to harmonise different artistic elements is a skill that continues to guide her work as a director.
While contemporary dance initially seemed like an unlikely career path, Hunziker’s eventual shift from classical ballet to contemporary was transformative. “I thought I wanted to be a ballet dancer,” she says. “But the contemporary classes brought me so much joy. They were open, exciting, and full of possibility.” Her experiences with contemporary dance teachers such as Wendy Wallace, Helen Winchester, and Paula Steeds-Huston encouraged her to embrace the open, limitless nature of contemporary dance.
For Hunziker, performing has always been a joyful pursuit, despite her naturally shy disposition. “I’ve always loved performing,” she shares. “It’s a joy I couldn’t ignore. It’s driven my career choices, and I always follow what I love.” Her philosophy of following her passion has shaped the trajectory of her career. Shortly after graduation, she was offered a contract with Footnote New Zealand Dance, an opportunity that was a direct result of the work ethic instilled in her. “The work ethic we were taught in training was a driving factor in that,” she explains. “It was the cliché—work hard, train hard, hang around, and eventually, someone gets injured, and you fit the costume. That’s a true story!”
Immediately following her graduation, Hunziker worked on a fringe show with Java Dance Theatre, a pivotal experience that helped her develop both confidence and artistic voice. “That was such an important step for me, standing on my own two feet as an artist,” she explains. “It was my first real chance to collaborate and learn how to work with others to create a cohesive show.” From there, she joined a full-time professional company, continuing to build her career and refine her craft. “My advice for recent graduates would be to try everything for the first year or two,” she says. “Seek out a variety of performance and process opportunities. The experiences you gather will help define your artistic identity.”
For emerging artists today, Hunziker emphasises the importance of focusing on one’s own journey rather than comparing progress to others. “Everyone’s path is different,” she says. “It’s easy to fall into the trap of comparison, especially with social media. But honestly, you have to focus on your path and celebrate your achievements. Follow your heart—your instincts are usually spot on!”
Drawing from her experience as a performer, Hunziker brings a unique perspective to her leadership at Footnote. “I know firsthand the physical and emotional demands that dancers face,” she says. “This shapes how I work with our dancers today. I’m committed to creating a safe and supportive environment where dancers feel empowered to be their authentic selves.” She emphasises the importance of clear communication, constructive feedback, and an environment where dancers can thrive. “My goal is to create a space where artists feel empowered to explore and develop as they grow in their craft,” she explains.
When it comes to curating work, Hunziker continues to draw from the lessons she learned in her training. “I value the artistic rigour I was taught. When curating new works, I look for innovation, challenge, and a way to support the growth of both the artist and the audience,” she explains. Her approach to curation is guided by the desire to create performances that are innovative, relatable, and inspiring, while also engaging with themes relevant to the modern world.
For emerging contemporary dancers, Hunziker believes it is essential to nurture kindness, empathy, and ambition. “Right now, there’s a real desire for honest human connection in contemporary dance,” she says. “Artists need to be kind, compassionate, and driven. But they must also celebrate their uniqueness. The dance world needs more individuality and authenticity.”
Hunziker is inspired by the current generation of dance artists, who continue to push the boundaries of the art form. “I’m continually impressed by their transparency, drive, and willingness to collaborate,” she observes. “They’re not afraid to challenge the status quo and embrace new ways of working. I’m excited by their energy and eager to continue shaping the future of contemporary dance in Aotearoa.”
Anita Hunziker’s journey as a performer and artistic leader is a powerful example of resilience, passion, and the transformative potential of dance. Her commitment to mentorship and fostering emerging talent in New Zealand highlights the importance of embracing one’s own journey, celebrating uniqueness, and pursuing artistic growth with dedication and heart. For student dancers considering their future paths, Hunziker’s story offers valuable insights into what it takes to succeed in the dynamic world of contemporary dance.