Aichi Triennale

Black Grace, New Zealand’s leading contemporary dance group. Motivated to provide a different perspective and a fresh voice in the dance scene, Neil Ieremia founded his own company, Black Grace, in 1995, with ten dancers of Pacific, Māori and New Zealand heritage. Drawing from his Samoan and New Zealand roots to create innovative dance works that reach across social, cultural and generational barriers, Ieremia has changed the face of contemporary dance in New Zealand and turned Black Grace into one of the most recognizable and iconic cultural brands. His company tours the length and breadth of New Zealand developing new audiences and a new appreciation for dance. The work itself is highly physical, rich in the story-telling traditions of the South Pacific and expressed with raw finesse, unique beauty and power. The Company features some of New Zealand’s finest dancers and has toured internationally to the USA, UAE, Australia, Canada, Europe, Japan, Scotland, Mexico, South Korea, Taiwan and New Caledonia.

Selected performances

2023

“Paradise Rumour,” Sharjah Biennial 15: Thinking Historically in the Present (UAE)

2022

“O Le Olaga – Life,” Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival Massachusetts (USA)

2018

“Crying Men,” ASB Waterfront Theatre (Auckland, New Zealand)

2016

“As Night Falls,” Herald Theatre, Aotea Centre (Auckland, New Zealand)

2012

“Vaka,” 9th Busan International Dance Festival (South Korea)