MauaoPAC - the Bay's fun creative heart

The Bay has a brand new hub for creative development, performing arts and live entertainment.
At the Mauao Performing Art Centre (MauaoPAC), you can extend your skills in music, dance, theatre and art with exceptional tutors in a fun and supportive environment.
MauaoPAC is the invention of Aaron Saxon and Caterina Laschke. Caterina is a professional dancer and choreographer, and Aaron is a well-known multi-instrumentalist and vocalist.
Aaron's been a professional musician since he was 18, and he spent a lot of time on the road in Australia, performing night after night. He's played with many great musicians over the years and his Australian show band Voodoo Groove once played 101 nights in a row!
"When I was 21, I started teaching music for Guitar World on the Gold Coast," he says. "That's when I realised how much I enjoyed teaching. The main reason for creating MauaoPAC is to provide a fun and educational experience for people of all ages, without the pressure of competition and exams. It's exciting to think about the talent that is at the Mount, Tauranga and surrounding areas and we're happy to create a place where they can all connect."
"Moving back in New Zealand [in 2006] allowed me to re-assess my direction musically," Aaron says. "It was a beautiful and timely reconnection to my homeland."
Since moving to the Bay, Aaron has worked with some of the country's finest musicians and he has performed at great festivals and events, including the New Year's Eve celebrations at the Mount and the Tauranga Jazz Festival.
The idea for opening a performing arts centre isn't new. It is something that Aaron always new he would do, but the time and the place had to be right.
"I always knew I would do something like this. And with a network of performing artists and close friends ready to help, it made sense to create a place for tuition and display of the performing arts in beautiful Mount Maunganui."
When the building on Totara St became available, the ideas finally were given ground to become reality. Aaron and Caterina have found great support at the early stages of the project, sometimes from unexpected angles.
"We have some close friends who have been truly inspirational, and some wonderful support has also come from the community," says Aaron. "It's been amazing how people spontaneously offered their time, as well as building materials, furniture, and tools to help us get MauaoPAC off the ground. We sincerely like to thank everyone for their support."
Aaron and Caterina have teamed up to teach with people like Alisa McGonagle, who has danced and performed in countless events and musical productions, and Irene Skillington, a seasoned international actress.
John Sandoval will also teach at MauaoPAC. He has won numerous awards for his dancing, such as Best Male Solo Performer at Starquest 2010, Mount College Talent Quest Overall Winner 2010, Hollywood Competition Solo winner and crew winner.
"We're very happy to have John on board," says Aaron. "He's one of the movers and shakers of hip-hop dance here in the Bay."
But there are more inspirational tutors at MauaoPAC. Their bios can be found on: www.mauaopac.co.nz. Anyone with an interest to learn more in their field of music, dance, theatre and/or art should check it out.
Aaron says it's great to feel the positivity surrounding MauaoPAC. "We still have many plans to work out before all of our goals and dreams will become reality, but the excitement and enthusiasm encourages us to continue to put all the pieces together, and to build a hub of creativity to appreciate the performing arts in Mount Maunganui."
Because MauaoPAC is not limited to one or two types of performing art, there is plenty of opportunity for creative cross-over.
"It could be the simplest concepts in art or it could be more advanced techniques. Either way, the joy that is shared in that special moment is what drives us to inspire our students to explore their full abilities. Come and check out what we do sometime, as anyone with an interest in the different genres of the arts and performance is welcome to join."
Be part of their Welcoming Day this coming on Saturday from 11.00am when you can meet the tutors, see the facilities and feel the creative energy! You'll find the Mauao Performing Art Centre on 11 Totara St, Mount Maunganui. See www.mauaopac.co.nz for more or phone: 0800 112241.