Over 700 Dancers Ups Auckland’s Tempo for 12 Days of Dance

Over 700 Dancers Ups Auckland’s Tempo for 12 Days of Dance
Tempo Dance Festival 2014
7 -19th October, Auckland

Tempo Dance Festival is back with another succinct programme of incredible works from the world of dance, returning for its 4th year at Q, 305 Queen Street, Auckland along with a satellite programme at the Musgrove Studio.

Now in in its 11th year and a “must see” on Auckland’s arts calendar, Tempo boasts 21 different acts transforming Q Theatre into not only a hub for dance lovers but as a platform for emerging and young performers to step into the limelight – taking their place alongside the established and well respected.

Tempo kicks off its 2014 season with Tuakana – its signature Maori Dance Showcase headlined this year by Louise Potiki Bryant as the featured artist. Louise presents Kiri, a compelling duet between a dancer and clay artist (Paerau Corneal).

The Pacifica theme continues with a return season of Okareka’s Tama Ma (performed for the first time since 2009) and Pacific Dance Presents as part of the many showcases taking place this year which features four of Auckland’s leading Pacific dance artists. Making their way to New Zealand once more and for the first time at Tempo, Fijian contemporary dance company Vou deliver an explosive and vibrant Pacific experience that transports you to the REAL Fiji.

The establishment of the New Zealand dance scene make their mark in the 2014 via showcases and full length presentations. Y Chromozone boasts two works from hallowed choreographer Michael Parmenter alongside performances from Touch Compass and the NZ School of Dance, while Prime offers up cutting edge dance works from choreographers in their prime, such as Carol Brown, Lyne Pringle and more. Long established and celebrated contemporary dance company – Footnote New Zealand Dance premiere their new full length work –The Status of Being. Returning from Berlin to choreograph this is the phenomenal Alexa Wilson who is also presenting her experimental work Star Oracle which she has performed in Frankfurt, New York, Brussels and Poland, alongside another leading NZ experimental artist Anna Bate.

White Face Crew bring their hilarious physical theatre & dance show Double Derelictsto the mainstage at Q during the school holidays to entertain adults and families alike. The highly talented Justin Haiu and Tupua Tigafua (NZ Dance Company) and director Jarod Rawiri (I, George Nepia, Hope & Wire) serve up a whimsical delight for all ages.

Tempo will once again pay tribute to a revered member of New Zealand dance community with Honouring A Dancer. In 2014 the festival celebrates the long standing career of Jacqui Cesan. Jacqui has influenced thousands of young dancers in her lifetime through her ongoing teaching career and by founding the gender-busting Boyzdance2 in 1998 and then The Dance Studio in 1999.

NZ School of Dance travel from Wellington to make their return to Tempo this year with their biggest show to date. The Residents brings together students in their third year and final year of studies offering up an amazing chance to experience the young generation of emerging dancers. The talent of rising stars abounds in the 2014 programme with showcases such as Fresh, presenting short works from young choreographers (including Kura Te Ua, Perri Exeter, Paul Wilson and more) and Tertiary Colours presenting an inspiring selection of works from a range of tertiary dance programmes (including, UNITEC, the University of Auckland, MIT and more).

However, this year things aren’t just to take place on Queen Street – Tempo are also pleased to announce a satellite venue running alongside proceedings at their main hub. One of New Zealand's most versatile and widely respected choreographers Malia Johnston (Artistic Director of WOW - the World of Wearable Art) presents one of her most acclaimed works, Amanimal, and premieres an all new work Red, to the Musgrove Studio during the season.

With other showcases taking place throughout the 12 night engagement, including a focus on younger Auckland residents (Highjinx Youth Circus, The Kids Show, Secondary Colours), a film about dancing in Africa, the Tempo Party once again in Q Lounge and a host of other incredible events, Tempo in 2014 once again is the event on the arts calendar for the dance community.

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

Tempo Dance Festival 2014 runs from October 7th – 19th
Q Theatre, 305 Queen Street, CBD, Auckland and Musgrove Studio, Maidment Theatre, Auckland University
Bookings: www.tempo.co.nz or www.qtheatre.co.nz (ph) 09 309 9771

ENDS

© Scoop Media