We welcome back Black Grace, the New Zealand dance company that knocked us out at the Vancouver 2010 Cultural Olympiad, this time performing Pati Pati, Amata – Act 3, and Vaka, three works fueled by explosive rhythms, energy, spirit and passion. Drawing on Artistic Director Neil Ieremia’s relationship with his Samoan culture in his New Zealand home, Black Grace has achieved international renown over the past sixteen years for their artistry, creative excellence and innovation in fusing traditional Pacific cultures and contemporary dance in extraordinary and dynamic works. If you saw them in 2010, you will know why you will want to see them again, Black Grace is one of the world’s best contemporary dance companies.

Choreography: Neil Ieremia
Dancers: Sean MacDonald, Zoë Visvanathan, Sarah Baron, Brent Dockary, Thomas Fonua, Carl Tolentino, Joash Tuugamusu, Brydie Colquhoun, Andy Faiaoga (Intern), Callum Sefo (Intern), Jullie Nanai-Williams (Understudy)

Pati Pati
Music: Original music from Surface by Neil Ieremia and Juse
Original Lighting Design: Nik Janiurek

Amata Act 3 – o le amataga fou (a new beginning)
Music: Long-ge by Jack Body, Original Music by Neil Ieremia, Untitled traditional work from Orchid Island, Fiji, Pukapuka Drum Dance, traditional work, Cook Islands
Lighting Design: Bonnie Burrill

Vaka
Music: The Nature of Things by Natalia Mann, Original Music by Andy Morton, Original Music by Neil Ieremia
Lighting Design: Bonnie Burrill