It’s called The Next Wave – a showcase featuring the work of emerging choreographers from Company B, a new initiative born out of the legacy of Neil Ieremia’s contemporary dance group, Black Grace.
For experienced Black Grace dancer, and now choreographer, Fuaao Tutulu Faith Schuster, being part of Company B is a dream come true.
“The key thing was being mentored by Neil,” she says.
“Learning from someone with his depth of knowledge and experience has been the biggest moment for me.”
Under Neil’s guidance, Faith and her fellow choreographers have found themselves both challenged and inspired, gaining a deeper appreciation for the art and skill of choreography.
One of those choreographers is Rodney Tyrell, who is now seeing the skill it takes to be on both sides of the floor.
“It gives me great insight into what Neil sees and how it informs me as a dancer,” he says.
Ten talented young dancers from various backgrounds have been selected to perform in a new showcase called The Next Wave. An exhibition of dance created by five current Black Grace dancers and alumni who have been handed creative control.
Paige, one of the dancers, recalls her first audition as being one she won’t forget.
“It was way out of my comfort zone – scary but exciting.”
Fellow dancer Kardia, compared the training to a mix of intense workout regimes and reality TV survival challenges, describing it as “testing” but also incredibly rewarding.
Mirroring the challenges has also been the choreographers and for Rodney; who is quite shy, stepping up to this role has been a breakthrough.
“Articulating my ideas clearly to the dancers was a big challenge,” he says, but he admits that the growth in confidence has been immense.
After four weeks of intense preparation, the hard work of these emerging artists will come together at the Herald Theatre from September 18th to 22nd.
Tickets are available now on Auckland Live
