KAHA: A Stunning New Collection of Unmissable Dance

KAHA – a Stunning New Collection of Unmissable Dance Touring Aotearoa!

Dynamic, exhilarating,  powerful; these are a mere three words that don’t begin to sum up the breathtaking collection of short works that are KAHA; Atamira Dance Company’s exciting new compilation, taking to stages across Aotearoa from May 13th.

A powerful selection of eight short works, Kaha unites hallowed, established works from leading choreographers Moss Patterson, Taane Mete and Jack Gray alongside some incredible new works that include a contemporary version of the mighty HAKA performed by by a full cast of professional dancers.

KAHA isn’t your standard “dance theatre” experience. These are works that continually step past the boundaries of what people might expect from a dance company; instead creating an overall captivating programme that will speak to a wide national audience of dance lovers, families and those that want to experience an explosive live event.

Drawing from the personal experiences of their performers and whakapapa, KAHA boldly exudes a passion for storytelling unrivalled by many others. The unique, important voice of Atamira Dance Company as Maori in New Zealand has become more important now than ever – KAHA channels these stories through unprecedented contemporary dance that critics and audiences alike have come to expect from the choreographers, the dancers and the company itself.

KAHA sees the return of stunning works Haka, Moko, Piata and Mitimiti from Patterson, Mete & Gray. Originally drawing universal acclaim from critics and audiences during their run earlier this year in Hou, these four works set the tone for a, special feature excerpt from Ngai Tahu 32, choreographed former Atamira member, the renowned Louise Potiki-Bryant.

KAHA also debuts a high-vibe work, performed to Drum’nBass music from award winning choreographer Kelly Nash, who has previously worked with the likes of Douglas Wright and Shona McCullagh. The evening also shows its up-to-speed with modern pop culture, with a full stage version of “Poi E” – as seen in the smash hit Kiwi movie Boy, and choreographed once again by long-standing Atamira member Dolina Wehipeihana.  Combining Kapa Haka and Michael Jackson moves, this piece will get the crowd singing and dancing, POI E!

“This ability of Atamira as a company to mix the traditional with the now, to take the solid grounding of their culture and make it speak in new ways and forms is…. one of their great strengths. This idea resonated throughout the performance.” (Haka) – Jess Quaid, NZ Theatreview2012

This exciting, high calibre contemporary dance show is supported by kiwi electronic music, original acoustic recordings; live waiata, and haka! This is unmissable dance at its best!

KAHA plays:

Taupo:  May 13th, 6:30pm, Crater Room, Great Lakes Centre (as part of the Erupt Lake Taupo Festival

Book at TICKETEK (0800 TICKETEK or www.ticketek.co.nz)

Rotorua: May 23rd, 7.30pm, Rotorua Civic Theatre

Book at Ticketmaster (09 970 97000 or www.ticketmaster.co.nz)

Hamilton: 25-26 May, 7.30pm, Playhouse Theatre

Book at TICKETEK http://premier.ticketek.co.nz/shows/show.aspx?sh=KAHA2012#.T5SdS45JPKI

Auckland: June 21st – 23rd, 7.30pm, Q Theatre, 305 Queen Street (as part of the Matariki Festival 2012)

Book at Q Theatre (09 309 9771 or www.qtheatre.co.nz)

Mangere: July 17th, 7.30pm,Mangere Arts Centre, Corner Bader Dr & Orly Ave, (as part of the Matariki Festival 2012). Book at http://www.eventfinder.co.nz/  or 09 262 5789

Manukau: July 19th, 7.30pm, Telstra Clear Pacific Events Centre, (as part of the Matariki Festival 2012).

Book at 0800 224 224 or http://www.ticketdirect.co.nz/

ENDS

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