Dance of the Highest Calibre Confirmed for Annual Festival

Media Release- For Immediate Release

DANCE OF THE HIGHEST CALIBRE CONFIRMED FOR ANNUAL FESTIVAL

TEMPO DANCE FESTIVAL 2016
4th to 16th October
Q Theatre, 305 Queen Street, Auckland

World champions, NZ Dance Royalty and choreographers of the highest calibre come together across the diverse genre of dance for the stunning 13th annual Tempo Dance Festival. The 2016 programme nods to Oceania and New Zealand’s contemporary dance history, whilst encouraging local engagement through workshops, events and post show forums in the festival hub at Q Theatre from 4 – 16 October.

To get Aucklanders warmed up, Tempo have invited NZ’s own international dance sensation Gandalf Archer Mills to lead Move Ya Body – A free outdoor dance class for all in Aotea Square at 12pm on Saturday 24 September, with DJing by George FM’sAroha. The opening performance to follow showcases one of NZ’s most revered choreographers: Michael Parmenter. He remounts his incredible 1985 duet Insolent River: A Tango, with talented young casts performing from 4th- 6th October. Bookending Tempo on 15th – 16th October is Taumata – Four New Works - a line-up of stunning and powerful new pieces by four of New Zealand’s leading choreographers, including theRoyal New Zealand Ballet’s Loughlan Prior.

Incredible work from the Pacific community takes centre stage in two distinct shows for Tempo. VOU Dance Fiji bring striking new production VU to the stage for one night only, under the choreographic leadership of Kiwi firebrand Vivian Aue. Meaning ‘ancient god,’VU is a taboo movement response to the ancestral protectors from Fiji’s heathen roots. Captivated by the stirring works presented at the Pacific Dance Festival earlier this year, Tempo’s Artistic Director Carrie Rae Cunningham has curated a pacific showcase titledSIVA Niu Sila. The showcase features impressive choreography from Jahra Rager,Nikki Upoko, Tupua Tigafua and Katerina Fatupaito.

For The Scenic View this year, Cat Ruka and MIT students aim to affirm queer Pacific identities through Vogue dance. Their bold public statement will see the performers take over Q Lounge and the Loft windows over several nights – best viewed from The Scenic Hotel across the street.

Malia Johnston’s Miniatures is a lyrical creation looking at boundaries, constraints and the small things in life. This talented choreographer also comes on board to directMeremere, the incredible performance autobiography of integrated dancer Rodney Bell. Bell, of Ngati Maniapoto descent, layers mediums with dance to tell his life story, which has seen him pursuing an integrated dance career on the international stage.

For those looking for something a little different, head along to the colourful feminist workHākari: The Dinner Party, engage with traditional Indian dance in Sringaram – Dance of Love or be inspired by an exploration of pure movement in Josie & Kosta’s Dance Show.

Hot favourites return with the slick and funky All That… Jazz showcase, Fresh which presents a line-up of gripping work from emerging choreographers, the energetic and sophisticated tertiary showcase Alchemy and many more. A major highlight, Out of the Box features work from our finest hip hop crews, including members of the World Hip Hop Championship winners Identity Co.

For a full programme of events head to www.tempo.co.nz

Tempo Dance Festival 2016
4th to 16th October
Q Theatre, 305 Queen Street, Auckland CBD
Bookings: www.tempo.co.nz or www.qtheatre.co.nz (ph) 09 309 9771

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