Auckland Arts Festival finale: Black Grace hosts unmissable party

One of Aotearoa New Zealand’s leading contemporary dance companies celebrates 30 years of innovative contributions to the industry.

Black Grace is renowned for its creative and transformative approach to powerful storytelling through movement, often dazzling, quick movements accompanied by incredible light displays.

Founder and Artistic Director Neil Ieremia ONZM commands attention with his intriguing movement aesthetic, often challenging societal issues, and captivating critics who describe feeling entranced by his work.

Looking back, Ieremia says the road has led to many peaks, and his sights are set on creating a long-lasting impact.

“The last 30 years have been full of colour, more highs than lows, more laughter than tears,” Ieremia says.

“I hope to continue with the support of some great people to build a legacy for future generations of Moana Oceania dancers and creatives.”

“As part of this legacy, we’re working towards building an academy.”

In celebration and to close out the Auckland Arts Festival, Black Grace is throwing a massive party at the city’s Town Hall this Saturday, 22 March - and tickets are selling out.

Watch excerpts of recent Black Grace works, choreographed by founding artistic director Neil Ieremia below.

The show, ‘This Is Not A Retrospective,’ brings together some of the most celebrated artists in Aotearoa, including music pioneer Che Fu, Sāmoan hip-hop artist Tha Feelstyle, drag royalty Buckwheat, and classical elegance from NZ Trio.

“I just thought if I was going to have a party, what better way to celebrate than having artists and performers I respect and love,” Ieremia says.

Those attending need only to “warm up your dancing legs, dig out your bum bag and get ready to get your Luther on!”

‘This Is Not A Retrospective’ promises something for everyone. You can find your tickets here.

Black Grace founder and artistic director Neil Ieremia ONZM. Photo/Supplied

A growing Pacific presence

Contemporary dance and theatre in Aotearoa has steadily become a space that welcomes Pacific artistry and talents.

It incorporates alternative movements with distinctively Pacific elements across fashion, performance theatre, dance, and music stages, with the likes of Lemi Ponifasio, founder of MAU dance company known for avant-garde productions, award-winning productions by Nina Nawalowalo ONZM, and Iosefa Enari MNZM a founding member of Pacific Theatre in 1987.

Pioneers of brown storytelling have allowed for more imaginative, cutting-edge creatives such as Pelenakeke Brown and Malia Johnston and acclaimed producers and directors Miki Magasiva, Anapela Polata’ivao, and Vela Manusaute.

Ieremia believes what is happening now culminates past and present authentic storytelling.

“I think the time is right for original indigenous voices to be heard and appreciated globally.

“There have been some great artists working really hard to lay a foundation for many to benefit from.”

Photo/Black Grace Facebook

Graceful and grateful

Other than the upcoming performance/party, the company plans to create and present more work this year.

Ieremia says he has not planned anything special yet, but the seed has been planted to celebrate the occasion privately as a company.

“Black Grace is proud to be a Pacific arts organisation, operating at the highest level, and grateful for the privilege to be able to create and present art every day,” Ieremia says.

“Thanks to my Mum and Dad, and my whole aiga for their love and support.”