Made in NZ: A celebration of kiwi culture

30 March, 2007

Made in NZ: A celebration of kiwi culture

New territory for New Zealand contemporary culture is being explored in the debut of Made in New Zealand, produced by the Footnote Dance Company.

Made in New Zealand features six works by top dance choreographers Michael Parmenter, Deirdre Tarrant, Malia Johnstone, Julia Sadler, Moss Paterson and Tim Fletcher, designed and choreographed in collaboration with company dancers and set to New Zealand music.

The musicians provided original scores and worked with the choreographers in what is one of the most significant dance events this year when Footnote Dance begins its annual programme of contemporary dance repertory. Tickets are now on sale.

Musicians include Samuel Flynn Scott (Phoenix Foundation), Richard Nunns and Pitch Black's Paddy Free, David Parsons, Stephen Gallagher (Rhombus, Stellar*), Ben Brady and Motocade's Eden Mulholland.

Footnote director Deirdre Tarrant said Made in New Zealand celebrates the flourishing local dance and music scene and is well-timed for NZ Music Month.

"Made in New Zealand breaks new ground for dance in Aotearoa," said Ms Tarrant. "Five of the six performances have had new music commissioned and the choreography was developed alongside the composing of the music.

"With each work, the composers and choreographers have toiled back and forth with each other to create the finished product, quite a difference from a choreographer simply choosing a piece of music and setting their work to it.

"The musicians have never been closer to the development of a contemporary dance and obviously we're very happy to have such a great calibre of musicians who were keen to broaden their artistic horizons with us.

"Each work has something specific and individual to say as each choreographer has their own individual voice and speaks through their choreography with a purpose to challenge, excite and inspire their audience," she said.

The Footnote Dance Company presents Made in New Zealand Wellington: The Opera House, April 27, 8pm (tickets: www.ticketek.co.nz) Auckland: The Herald Theatre, May 3 & 4, 7.30pm (tickets: www.ticketek.co.nz) Hastings: The Opera House, May 19, 7.30pm (tickets: Ticket Direct 0800 224 224)

ENDS

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