Dancer Tupua Tigafua tells us a bit about himself and working with students to devise their own choreographic language as part of the New Zealand Dance Company LiftOff youth engagement programme.

“Best We Can Be, set to music by Trinity Roots, is a unique work inspiring our youth to be courageous in their individuality through the trans-formative power of dance.”

A partnership with Kowhai Intermediate School sees 20 children take to the stage along with NZDC Youth Company, company dancers and special guests from Rutherford College, performing short works that include excerpts from the Language of Living launch performance.

Tupua and NZDC Executive/Artistic Director Shona McCullagh worked over several months with the students at Kowhai.

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During what hours of the day do you feel most inspired?

Every morning when I go and get the paper from my letter box. There are always a flock of birds just hanging out on the power line and on my neighbour’s roof, just chilling. When I leave the house to go to work, they’re gone. I wonder if they wait for me to come out every morning. So yeah, 6ish in the morning.

How would a good friend describe your aesthetic or style?

Grow with the flow.

What aspect of your creative practice gives you the biggest thrill?

The people.

How does your environment affect your work?

It’s important to be in a safe and open environment that lets you fail in order to get what the choreographer is looking for.

Do you like to look at the big picture or focus on the details?

The big picture.

What's your number one business tip for surviving (and thriving) in the creative industries?

Don’t take yourself too seriously all the time.

Which of your projects to date has given you the most satisfaction?

I can’t answer that one because I’ve enjoyed every project I’ve been in thus far.

Who or what has inspired you recently?

Growing our own veggies out back, yum.

Tell us a bit about your background.

I'm the youngest of five and started contemporary dance at 19. Before that, I was doing traditional Samoan and Tongan dance. Since finishing my dance studies at Unitec, I danced with Black Grace, Mau and now with The New Zealand Dance Company.

Tell us a bit about Kowhai Kids: Best We Can Be.

Best We Can Be, set to music by Trinity Roots, is a unique work inspiring our youth to be courageous in their individuality through the trans-formative power of dance. We got the students to devise their own choreographic language, celebrating their unique identity through their personal connections with community, Whanau (family), culture and passion.

Tell us a bit about Lift Off and the Youth Engagement programme.

The youth company members have all done workshops with our company, they then auditioned to get into the youth company. It is a good opportunity for youth to dance and work alongside professional dancers.

If you could go back and choose a completely different career path to the one you've chosen, what would it be?

A pro skateboarder.

What place is always with you, wherever you go?

Home.

What's the best way to listen to music, and why?

Music is just awesome full-stop, no matter how u listen to it.

You are given a piece of string, a stick and some fabric. What do you make?

A string that will stick to fabric.

What's the best stress relief advice you've ever been given?

Have a beer bro.

What’s great about the New Zealand Dance Company?

Being able to dance and put food on the table.

What’s your big idea for 2013?

Ummmmm, I don’t have one, I'll have to get back to you on that one.

* * * The Big Idea 10th Birthday Questions * * *

What changes have you noticed in dance in the past 10 years?

I have noticed more young Pacific Island men interested in contemporary dance, which is awesome.

What are some of the opportunities and challenges for the next decade?

Having more kids and being a good father/partner and human being, all day!