After three years of absence from the Auckland theatre scene, the Chair and Board of Trustees of the Pacific Islands Dance Fono Trust are proud to announce the annual Pacific Dance Festival has returned to our stages. The 2023 festival programme represents international partnerships, celebrating the diversity and richness that the Pacific brings to the dance and arts landscape of Aotearoa.
International, local, emerging, established, contemporary and heritage artists from across Moana Nui a Kiwa bring to the mat their stories, their worlds and their mana to suit and enrich the journeys of our diverse audiences.
Ua vela le fala…your mat is ready for you to take your seat.
Three shows in this year's festival will take place at Q:
MOANA is a forum to present works that express a range of Pacific voices through the form of dance. The show features a collection of short works by emerging choreographers and artists who call Aotearoa home.
Sau Folu by RAKO will share the stories of three Rotuman women of royal blood who did not ascend to power, yet are embodiments of the warrior women significant to ancient Rotuman stories.
Hikule'o by Tautahi is a work that celebrates the stories and mana of the paramount chieftess of Tonga's underworld, Pulotu. You can expect ancient and modern Tongan choreography, as well as spoken words and the recreation of old chants and scales.
Pacific Dance NZ Festival 2023
1 - 16 June, 2023