An emerging force in Maori contemporary dance
Atamira Dance Collective perform for the first time in Wellington at the 2004 Fringe NZ Festival.

An emerging force in Maori contemporary dance
Atamira Dance Collective perform for the first time in Wellington at the 2004 Fringe NZ Festival.

Atamira features three works by leading Maori choreographers Louise Potiki Bryant (Best new choreographer 2003, NZ Listener) Jack Gray and Moss Patterson.

Atamira has a cast of dancers including Dolina Wehipeihana (Best female dancer 2003, NZ Listener), Justine Hohaia, Louise Potiki Bryant, Cathy Livermore and newcomer Travis Khan. Following the Fringe Festival Atamira Dance Collective prepare to take Whare tangata and Te Paki to the 2004 South Pacific Arts Festival in Belau.

Louise Potiki Bryant presents the newly invigorated Whare tangata, first performed at Atamira Dance Collective's Freshly Minted in 2001. Whare tangata is a powerful trio exploring the roles of women in both Maori and Christian creation stories. Bryant's unique choreographic style is exhibited in this work which combines intricate movement with innovative set, projection and design concepts.
'pick of the crop is Whare tangata, Lou Bryant's stunning study of the roles of women' NZ Herald
''...a strong and beautiful work. Their undulating backs and outstretched arms convey ecstasy and grief'' NZ Listener

Hail by Jack Gray is an enigmatic duet, alternatively fast-paced and subtle. Inspired by the burial platform (atamira) used in Maori tradition Hail portrays the spirit world of the recently departed, the dancers swooping and falling in swirls and curves. Hail premiered at Atamira's 2003 season at the Maidment Studio and was performed at the Paopaopao festival in Hamilton.
''Gray's choreography has no hard edges, movements link effortlessly, patterns curve and swirl'' NZ Listener

New work Te Paki by Moss Patterson marks his first choreography on Atamira Dance Collective after working with the collective as a dancer in 2003. Te Paki follows Patterson's choreographic interest in the physical embodiment of kowhaiwhai patterns, as seen in his works 'Manawa' on Touch Compass, 'Pitau' on Footnote Dance Company, and 'Koru' on Black Grace Dance Company.

BATS THEATRE
WELLINGTON
6:30pm 18 - 21 February 2004
Tickets: $15/$12/$10
Bookings at BATS Theatre (04) 8024175 or online book@bats.co.nz