The New Zealand Dance Company is hitting the road with their Language of Living tour this month.
"We were thrilled by the audience and critics' response to our launch last year and know Language of Living will appeal to a broad audience, whether aficionados or those new to dance,"
says artistic director Shona McCullagh.
"Our first tour is the next step in The New Zealand Dance Company's commitment to sharing great New Zealand dance with as many people as possible."
Language of Living is a diverse programme of exquisite works. Earthy, witty and beautiful, the 2013 programme features a selection of choreography by New Zealanders Michael Parmenter, Shona McCullagh, Sarah Foster-Sproull, Justin Haiu and Ashleigh Coward.
It showcases some of New Zealand's finest dancers: Ursula Robb, Craig Bary, Justin Haiu, Hannah Tasker-Poland, Tupua Tigafua, Lucy Lynch, and NZDC's newest members, Gareth Okan and Pamela Sidhu.
Formed in 2011, The New Zealand Dance Company has a vision to present compelling and professional work of the highest calibre on a national and international stage.
It also aims to attract new audiences to dance by demystifying the art form and fostering partnerships with other creative practitioners in fresh and inventive collaborations.
This creative alchemy is brought to life in Language of Living through a visual feast of stunning costume, video, light and set design created by Andreas Mikellis, Gerbrand van Melle, Matthew Marshall and Sue Gallagher.
This unites with an exquisite sound experience featuring compositions by Gareth Farr, CPE Bach, The Electric Boutique, John Gibson and Eden Mulholland. NZTrio, David Guerin and The Electric Boutique perform live on stage for selected works in Auckland, with NZTrio joining the company in Wellington.
Arts Laureate McCullagh says: "The stage is set for the Language of Living 2013 North Island Tour.
"We share with you our vision for contributing deeply to the future of New Zealand dance in the best way we can - by moving our bodies to tell you something words simply cannot."
The company makes a one-night-only return to Auckland's Aotea Centre before hitting the road to premiere the show in Wellington, Hawke's Bay, Whangarei, Orewa and Warkworth.
For full venue and ticketing information visit www.nzdc.org.nz
Shows for schools
As part of the Language of Living 2013 North Island Tour, the New Zealand Dance Company is also offering dedicated schools performances in Wellington, Warkworth and Orewa.
Student-priced tickets are available for the evening performances in Auckland, Whangarei and Hawke's Bay.
NZDC is committed to its Youth Engagement strategy vision: "The New Zealand Dance Company has a leadership youth engagement role, creating access and mentoring for young people to get hooked into dance. The art form and society are fortified by inspiring the values of courage, enthusiasm, independence and contribution," says artistic director Shona McCullagh.
In Hawke's Bay and Warkworth, selected talented local dancers will perform with the company.
Tour dates
Auckland: ASB Theatre, Aotea Centre, Saturday, May 25, 7.30pm. Bookings: www.buytickets.co.nz
Warkworth: Mahurangi College, Tuesday, May 28, 7.30pm. Bookings: www.buytickets.co.nz
Whangarei: Capitaine Bougainville Theatre, Saturday, June 1, 7.30pm. Bookings: www.ticketek.co.nz
Orewa: Orewa Arts & Events Centre, Tuesday, June 4, 7.30pm. Bookings: www.buytickets.co.nz
Hawke's Bay: Hawke's Bay Opera House, Hastings, Friday, June 7, 7.30pm. Bookings: www.ticketek.co.nz
Wellington: The Opera House, Wednesday, June 12, 7.30pm. Bookings: www.ticketek.co.nz