Tempo 08 - NZ's Festival of Dance

With over 1000 performers, 17 venues and 122 performances, events, workshops, classes and forums, Tempo° 2008 is sure to pump the city full of energy!

Pull on your leg warmers, pop on your baseball cap and twist it backwards or dust off your tutu – whatever your style, make sure you fish out your dancing shoes as tempo° - New Zealand’s Festival of Dance returns September 28.

Now in her third year as the festival’s Artistic Director, MaryJane O’Reilly once again has collated an impressive, eclectic array of talent from the world of dance to showcase the different styles and more importantly the overwhelming majesty of dance – this year presenting packages that will fully immerse audience members both visually and physically.

Much like last year’s season, 2008’s festival will also throw open the doors of TAPAC with a series of dance showcases. From the scrumptious ‘Cheek To Cheek’ duets showcase featuring ‘Dancing With The Stars’ Jonny Williams and Brian Jones and other dance styles such as hip hop, flamenco and contemporary, giving audiences a huge opportunity to experience and enjoy different forms of dance - all in one evening.

2008’s programme looks to further capitalize on the success of last year, with the likes of astounding new works by Integrated Dance Company Touch Compass, Maori dance collective Atamira, teenage dance company Pointy Dog and last year’s “Best Production – Emerging Company” winner BackLit Productions. These companiesjoin a fine stable of performers that use tempo° as a platform to show their incredible works to a public audience.

Synonymous with bold and innovative dance in New Zealand, the incredible Michael Parmenter debuts his new work ‘Tent’ at the Maidment Theatre – his first since 2004’s nationwide tour of “Tristan and Isolde.” An inspiring and engaging storyteller and renowned dancer/choreographer, Parmenter’s highly anticipated new work is a highlight of the tempo° programme.

“Tama Ma” is the first major presentation by new contemporary dance company Okareka. Having formed in 2007 and led by veteran performers Taane Mete and Taiaroa Royal, this company look set to become one of the country’s most sought after and well regarded dance companies.

Footnote Dance proudly welcomes back to New Zealand Claire O’Neil as the national dance company presents “Footnote Forte Season.” Having spent an extended amount of time in Brussels O’Neil choreographs a new work, “mtyland” while the season itself celebrates the outstanding repertoire of O’Neil.

This year also marks the beginning of tempo° tradition by paying tribute to a dancer; the unsung, quiet heroes of the art-form bring blood, sweat and tears to their profession and many a heart stopping moment. tempo° honour Glenn Mayo this year, who worked with Limbs Dance Company and Douglas Wright in the 1980’s, with screenings of his performances from the Limbs repertoire. Glenn will be there to join in celebrating his contribution to dance.