Dance: Mana Wahine, Q Theatre

Members of the Okareka Dance Co performing in Mana Wahine. File photo / NZME.

After seeing Mana Wahine, New Zealand Herald dance reviewer Bernadette Rae declared Okareka Dance Company hit the jackpot with "an exploration of the strength, the spirit, the wiles and primal beauty of woman, specifically Maori woman".

Rae said it featured: "Five extreme dancers, three choreographers at the top of their game, a totally in-tune composer, exquisite lighting and audio visual design and a wealth of cultural wisdom come together in one of the best contemporary dance performances we have seen in years."

In the two years since Mana Wahine played in Auckland, it's been performed in 11 New Zealand centres and at this year's World Theatre Festival (WTF) in Brisbane. Now it's returning to Auckland and Wellington before heading to a four-venue tour in Hawaii, a six-centre tour of The Netherlands, with Canadian, British and Australian performances planned.

Company manager/producer Rachel Penman says the opportunities followed appearances at the Australian Performing Arts Market as part of the WTF, where it was seen by around 600 international delegates.

"Being part of APAM reinforced to us that our production values are of an international standard," says Penman. "You never know how work will translate on to an international stage and to get this sort of acknowledgement that we strike that level is, of course, reaffirming."

She says it's also a chance for the company to keep informed about developments in dance outside of New Zealand and to exchange ideas with international companies so its dancers keep learning and growing their skills.

Mana Wahine features five women performers and was co-choreographed by Okareka's artistic directors Taiaroa Royal and Taane Mete with Malia Johnston.

The true story of Te Aokapurangi, a young maiden from Mokoia Island, influences the story. Te Aokapurangi was captured in battle by a tribe from the far north; many years later she returned and single-handedly saved her people from slaughter. Okareka said the story of her courage inspired them to create a vision of the strength that empowers women around the world.

Dance

What: Mana Wahine
Where and when: Q Theatre, June 7-11 and Circa Theatre, Wellington, June 21-25 June as part of Kia Mau Festival, Matariki 2016.