Dance Goes Up Tempo

MEDIA RELEASE
4 July 2006

Dance Goes Up Tempo

An exceptional line-up of international and local talent is confirmed for the highly anticipated return of tempo 06 - The Auckland Festival of Dance; showcasing over 60 performances from 40 different groups citywide from the 29th of September to the 15th of October 2006.

Now in its third festival season tempo 06 has made some bold decisions in the last 18 months under the directorship of one of NZ’s most revered dance practitioners – Mary Jane O’Reilly.

Previously a bi-annual festival tempo is now an annual event and permanent fixture in Auckland’s arts calendar. Director Mary-Jane O’Reilly says the decision to present an annual programme was due to “The exceptional talent of NZ dancers and the strong interest from international acts to present in the festival programme”.

tempo 06 has expanded its inaugural annual programme to umbrella a wide range of events appealing to a wider Auckland audience with categories including Popular Culture, Youth, Fringe, World, Contemporary Dance and Behind The Scenes. The full programme will be announced on the 15th of August with a launch party at the old inner city Druids’ hall - GALATOS.

tempo 06 is delighted to confirm the line-up for its opening festival weekend to include Raewyn Hills “We are Gathered Here Today”; UK hip hop duo, Robert Hylton & Billy Biznizz and all male educational dance company KICKSTART. Redefining definitions of dance performance the 17 day tempo 06 festival programme showcases the very best in local talent alongside international burlesque, ballet from Argentina and the highly acclaimed International Dance on Screen Festival presentation – Reeldance.

tempo 06 is a unique festival, which offers a wide range of dance opportunities to all dancers, and for dance artists the rare opportunity to mount work without huge financial risk, because of tempo’s support – an ethos which adds to the vibrant and rich landscape of the NZ arts and culture.

Dance first. Think later. It's the natural order. ~Samuel Beckett

With only 10 weeks to go until the festival opening, determined director, Mary-Jane O’Reilly, is sure to make the 2006 programme an outstanding success.

ENDS

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