Biography: Constance Mcunu

CONSTANCE MCUNU

1. EDUCATION
Name of School: Tsogo High School
Grade Passed: Matriculation - 1992

2. TERTIARY EDUCATION

a) Current Studies:
Institution: UNISA
Course: National Diploma in Public Relations

b) Completed Studies:
Institution: Academy International
Course: MS Office

Institution: UNISA Centre for Business Management
Course: Business Management
Subjects Passed: Business Management, Marketing Management, Human Resource Management, Self Management, Information Technology, Management Principles, Business Accounting and Finance

Institution: Moving Into Dance
Qualification: Community Teacher’s Training Diploma (SAQA Accredited)
Subjects Passed: Methods of Teaching, Child Development, Anthropology of Dance, Anatomy and Physiology, Creative Movement, Jazz, Contemporary Dance, African Dance, Afrofusion, Music, Choreography

* In 2001 I studied advanced Anthropology of Dance and wrote a thesis of 60 pages
on “Women in Dance”.

Institution: Media Concepts
Course: Television Presenting
Subjects Passed: On-cue Presenting, News Reading, Magazine Programme Presenting, Interviewing, Voice over

Institution: University of North West
Course: BA Communication
Subjects: Communications 1, Communications 2, Psychology, English Literature, Sociology, Journalism
*I did not complete the degree

e) Certificates Obtained:
Diploma in the Theory and Practice of Dance Teaching
Certificate of Achievement in Television Presenting
Certificate in Public Speaking
Long service, loyalty and dedication from Moving Into Dance(my former employer)

4. EMPLOYMENT DETAILS

a) Position: Dancer, Teacher, Dance Competitor
Name of Company: North West Arts Council
Duration: 1993 – 1994

b) Position: Dancer, Teacher, Rehearsal Director
Name of Company: Moving Into Dance
Duration: 1997 - 2004
Duties: Perform nationally and internationally
Conduct rehearsals for the Performance Company
Teach dance classes (Contemporary dance, Body Conditioning, African-Contemporary Dance,
Creative Movement)
Teach edu-dance in Schools
Administer in Public Relations duties
Ad hoc reception duties.
Publicity (TV, radio, newspaper and magazine interviews to market and promote the company)

*I have travelled different parts of Africa, Europe, Asia and America.

c) Position: Public Relations Officer, Marketer and Dancer
Name of Company: Tshwane Dance Theatre
Duration: 2005 – to date
Duties: Promote and publicise the company
Market the company
Produce and direct educational projects
Perform, teach and choreograph dance

5. OTHER EXPERIENCES AND ACHIEVEMENTS

1998: Worked with a Swedish choreographer, Chritina Capriole and a French choreographer. I was in a musical “Nkosi” directed by Sello Maake ka Ncube

1999 – 2002: Worked with a Canadian choreographer, Joe Lughlen and we toured different cities in Canada with the production. I choreographed for Miss Ukhozi F.M 2000

2004: Worked with a Swiss choreographer, Gilles Jobin, Abdul Aziz from Amsterdam, Holland Jay Pather from Durban Mandla Mcunu, director of Tshwane Dance Theatre Jaunita from Grahamstown, Collaborated with Hugh Masekela, Vusi Mahlasela, Busi Mhlongo and Jabu Khanyile for South Africa’s 10 years of Democracy in Washington D. C

2006: Worked with Tyrone Watkins and Jerry Mofokeng on the unveiling of the 2010 Soccer World Cup logo and the handing over of the World Cup to South Africa in Germany.

* I have appeared in a couple of music videos and have choreographed for other corporate functions.
* I teach body conditioning/aerobics (strengthening, stretching, cardiovascular) as well

6. CHOREOGRAPHY
1999: “Breath Power” a solo that I performed
2000: “Schairing” for Moving Into Dance Company
2001: “Cos I’m a Woman a solo I performed for Woman’s festival
2003: “Need to Want” a duet commisioned by FNB Dance Umbrella
2004: “Oddessey” a solo for Dada Masilo who is currently studying dance in Brussels
2005: “Dust to Dust” for Tshwane Dance Theatre
2006: “Phenomenon” for Tshwane Dance Theatre

7. AWARDS OBTAINED
1999: Most Promising Female Dancer in contemporary style at the FNB Dance Umbrella
2001: Nominated for the Best Female Dancer in contemporary style at the FNB Dance Umbrella
2006: FNB Dance Umbrella has awarded me with a grant to choreograph a new work for 2007

8. REFERENCES (available on request)