About Us
The concept of Dan and Dani was born out of a desire to make good quality children’s entertainment with original songs and music that children will love.
Dan and Dani have extremely interactive shows with a strong emphasis on audience participation. The shows are beautifully woven with live music, educational themes and fun. The main characters, Dan and Dani, are two 8 years olds who are neighbours, cousins and best friends. They live in the same street where they have Tawhiri, the secret agent, a zoo and lots of dancing and singing.
THE HISTORY
Minnie Moo Productions was founded in 2003 by Amalia Calder. Her aim to provide new and original, professional New Zealand works. In the past eight years she has done just that with many successful shows.
The first glimmer of Dan and Dani arrived over the New Year holiday period in 2007 on a beautiful sunny day on a farm owned by Amalia’s sister.
Amalia, along with Matt Clayton who is the show's songwriter, ‘brainstormed’ in the fresh country air and sunshine. It was there that the characters 'Dan and Dani' were born. The show then went on to be pitched to TVNZ as a television series with the help of Paul Yates and Quick TV.
Meanwhile, Amalia started playing the songs Matt had written to the children at an early childhood centre where she works as a teacher. There, the children had loads of fun helping Amalia put actions to the songs. The songs then became so popular that parents asked for copies to take home. So a Dan and Dani CD was made and it has grown from strength to strength ever since.
THE PEOPLE
Amalia Calder – Script writer.
Amalia is a freelance actor and graduate of UCOL Theatre School. She's also an early childhood teacher writer, dancer, director, and producer.
A professional in the arts industry for 13 years, she also has extensive experience working with children and young people, both on and off stage.
Performing is in her blood; “Mum put that magic ingredient there when she used to talk to me as I slept”.
Matt Clayton – Songwriter
Matt is an actor, comedian and graduate of Excel School of Performing Arts. He is also a singer, songwriter and composer. He has a unique gift for writing well loved children’s songs.
Matt is also an early childhood teacher. You can also usually find him at Capital E in the school holidays as a member of the Front of House staff.
Matt and Amalia welcomed their 1st child into the world on 31/12/2010, he is a happy and healthy boy :-)
We are based in Wellington, New Zealand, but we do shows all throughout the country.
