The Beat Is Back For 2009

For Immediate release

The Beat Is Back For 2009

Tempo NZ Festival of Dance 2009

It’s that time of the year again to dust off your dancing shoes! Tempo, NZ’s Festival of Dance returns in 2009 with a diverse range of programming – a collection of old favourites along with some brand spanking new acts for 2009!

A Tongan brass band, drummers and hundreds of dancers unite for the Opening Day Parade on September 26th. Anyone and everyone can join in the parade as it travels down Queen Street, weaving its way down the city to Britomart.  A freestyle Salsa class will be taught by the gorgeous and talented Vivio and Greydis, followed by a free Body Jam class with Les Mills instructor Gandalf Archer.

The cool stylings of TMC will be on show for all at the Town Hall’s Concert Chamber from October 14.  TMC have already won the NZ National championship and will have just returned from the World Championships - don’t miss out on seeing New Zealand’s finest Hip Hop act.

Audiences can expect a grand glitterati event at TAPAC (The Auckland Performing Arts Centre) on Saturday October 3rd; Duets will showcase performances from a range of leading dancers including two duets from the prestigious NZ Ballet Company.  One of their performances is the applauded work Concerto by world renowned choreographer Sir Kenneth MacMillan. The second duet from RNZ will be Through To You which is choreographed by ex RNZ dancer Andrew Simmons, it has been described by the National Business Review as “an absolute gem of a work, sparkling in all dimensions”.

Money’s Talk sees internationally renowned NZ born artist, writer, film-maker and ballet photographer Keith Money discuss his favourite photos of Fonteyn, Nureyev, Christopher Gable and Lyn Seymour. He will give insight into his experiences of photographing the Royal Ballet from the 1960’s.  Acclaimed choreographer Douglas Wright, along with his photographer John Savage, will be holding a discussion and Q & A on their striking book ‘Black Milk’.

Dance Films will showcase and celebrate local dance work; featuring the music video ‘Crazy Beat’ by Carol Brown for Blur, and Moana Nepia’s new short film ‘Maungauika Trilogy’.

The Hot Hip Hop programme this year includes South Auckland’s Ghost Dance Company and New Caledonian hip hop crew Posue, who are led by Moroccan/Parisian dancer/choreographer Soufiane Karim. Posue’s take on hip hop dance is infused by his Parisian background and the New Caledonian culture, which creates a dynamic kinetic experience.

Due to popular demand Tertiary Colours, Fresh Cuts and Prime Cuts will be returning to TAPAC, while the 2 ‘late shows’ will feature a performance by Cat Ruka, who will be performing her politically charged Playing Savage and  Gonne Strange, which features Sally Rodwell’s monologues, performed by Tempo favourites Kilda Northcott and Lyne Pringle.  Gonne Strange will be thought provoking, challenging and downright funny!

A new addition to Tempo this year is Sacred Dance, which showcases dances that are dedicated to expressions of spirituality.   And finally if you’re feeling frisky why not take advantage of Open Floor!, it returns in 2009 to provide those not involved in the festival programme a chance to join Tempo onstage in a structured improvisation. Bruce Hopkins as MC sets the scene and then anything can and will happen!

Tempo NZ Festival of Dance 2009 begins 26th of September – 31st October Bookings go to: www.tempo.co.nz

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