Black Grace collaborate with guest performers

By IOSEFA ENARI

Since launching in 1995, Black Grace has maintained its identity as a contemporary dance company honouring Polynesian cultural heritage and professional dance. Its dances tell stories about the environment of the Pasifika people, their lives and their pastimes.

Now, for the first time, Black Grace is collaborating with guest performers from outside the company to produce a season of original dance.

The new programme, called Black Grace & Friends, features three works, including Whai by Dunedin-based choreographer Daniel Belton, this year's Tup Lang scholarship recipient for choreography.

After spending many years in Europe as a dancer and choreographer, 32-year-old Belton has returned home with his young family and settled in to develop his dance and film work from Dunedin.

His short film Henge showed at the TTV Performing Arts on Screen Festival in Riccione, Italy, and in September, Belton's Court (Caught) will appear in VideoDance 2002, the Third International Dance Film Festival in Greece.

In Whai, the dancers explore the mysterious and complex art of string figure-making. In its simplest form whai is commonly referred to as a recreational pastime for ancient Maori. But beyond the complex lines and angular forms are more serious considerations. Whai has also been a means of explaining legendary events, stars and constellations.

In researching the project, Belton used Dunedin's Hocken Library for images and text. He also searched the New Zealand Film Archives and found 1920s footage of elderly Maori creating string patterns with two or three people. This became the premise with which he worked with seven Black Grace dancers.

Through an intense workshop, the dancers revived complex patterns from the old photos and film footage, and drew on their cultural heritage to bring the work into its theatrical setting.

"I have kept away from the narrative," says Belton. "I want the audience to keep an open mind and enjoy the complexities of the work without having to try to make sense of it."

Lighting and a sophisticated soundscape form an important part of this dance. "My approach to movement is fluid and organic. The main challenge is for the dancer to interpret this style in such a short time," says Belton.

After 14 years of dancing and choreographing in New Zealand and abroad, Belton takes a global viewpoint of dance in this country. "Contemporary dance is a young art form here, it takes a while for society to embrace it."

While Whai refers to ancient Maori tradition, it is made accessible for contemporary audiences through its treatment by Belton and Black Grace. The work features an original soundscape by Dutch composer Jan-Bass Bollen, and Belton has designed the lighting in collaboration with Jeremy Fern.

One of Polynesia's most admirable strengths is the ability to adopt to new, modern surroundings while retaining traditional links to culture and recreational pastimes. It is a lifestyle that links the past and present for many Pacific Islanders.

The Black Grace & Friends season will not only broaden the company's existing repertoire, it also marks another point in the journey of a group of dancers committed to exploring themes significant and unique to Aotearoa/ New Zealand.

* Black Grace & Friends will also feature works by Taiaroa Royal and Neil Ieremia; for the first time, the Black Grace boys will be joined by three guest female dancers; Sky Theatre, Wednesday to Saturday.