Entitled "Dance!", the exhibition at Toitū Otago Settlers Museum is open to the public from tomorrow and will remain for the next two years in its Creative Dunedin gallery.
"To see this wonderful display come to fruition is the realisation of a long-held dream," Ms MacTavish said.
The "Dance!" exhibition traces the international career of Dr Dunlop MacTavish MBE (1920-2019) with the Bodenwieser Ballet and her return to her hometown of Dunedin in the 1950s to establish one of New Zealand’s first modern dance studios, followed by the Dunedin Dance Theatre company.
Ms MacTavish said the exhibition had been suggested when her mother was still living six years ago.
"I think taking that time over bringing it together is why it is so very good," she said.
"One of the most exciting things for me has been working in partnership with the people who work at Toitū.
"I feel as if we have inspired and lifted each other to create something wonderful — an explosion of actual dance."
Among them are costumes and memorabilia from Dunedin Dance Studio projects, large-scale dance images, and even a ballet barre so visitors can try out dance techniques.
The museum team had been able to access funding for a special new data projector to showcase the spectacular dance images and made use of new adaptable mannequins originally brought in for the Eden Hore Collection display.
"Jane and the team did an incredible job with the materials, including the costumes, which are looking great.
"It was very much a team effort."
In creating the exhibition, the team also had support from Professor of Dance at Melbourne University Dr Carol Brown and dancer Bronwyn Judge, and former Toitū OSM educator Sara Sinclair — all former students of Dr Dunlop MacTavish.
Dr Brown and Ms Judge are creating mini-classes, where visitors can try the movements.
As a dancer, teacher and choreographer, Dr Dunlop MacTavish was committed to the potential of dance across many walks of public life.
Shona Dunlop-MacTavish was awarded an MBE for Services to the Arts in 1985, and in 2001 she received an Honorary Doctorate of Literature from the University of Otago. On her death in 2019 Shona was described as “the mother of modern dance in New Zealand”.
Ms Macknight said it was "a tremendous honour to be able to bring this display to Toitū".
"We strongly believe in the story of Dunedin as a creative hub across the visual and performing arts, music, poetry and literature and we are building our collections and displays to reflect this ongoing story," she said.
"This play is quite literally an invitation to dance."
Ms MacTavish said her mother would "surely be enchanted by Toitū's exuberant interpretation of her lifelong dedication to dance, a passion so profound and joyful it inspired generations of dancers and fellow artists".
More information about Dr Dunlop MacTavish’s life can be found at the website www.shonadunlopmactavish.com
