Black Grace eyes Whitireia students
Black Grace founder and Artistic Director Neil Ieremia and one of his dancers carried out a workshop with Whitireia
Performing Arts students in Wellington recently.
Students were treated to a two hour workshop by New Zealand’s leading contemporary dance company. “This was a wonderful
experience for our students” said Pip Byrne, Programme Manager, Whitireia Performing Arts. “This workshop was the first
we have held with Black Grace, it’s a new initiative. We are currently discussing the idea of providing these on a
yearly basis with some of their dancers.”
Black Grace has become internationally renowned for its artistry, creative excellence and innovation, while also being
the world’s leading exponent of Pacific contemporary dance.
Two students have an opportunity of a lifetime coming up as a result of the workshop. Black Grace has offered two
Whitireia male Performing Arts students an internship. Andy Tilo and Callum Sefo will train and rehearse during December
with the world renowned troupe and may then be selected to travel to America to perform with them.
“This is a wonderful opportunity for these students” said Byrne. “Our students are having the opportunity to further
train with some of this country’s most talented Pacific, contemporary dancers. We are proud of the success of these
students – this success endorses the quality of our students, our programmes and tutors.”
The Whitireia Bachelor of Applied Arts (Performing Arts) programme teaches students extensive knowledge of dance genres
and artistic endeavour in Māori, Samoan, Cook Islands and New Zealand contemporary dance. Performance and touring forms
a significant part of the Performing Arts programme at Whitireia.
ENDS