Making its Arizona debut, Black Grace brings the raw power and ceremonial depth of Pacific Island movement traditions to the stage as it redefines what contemporary dance can be.

Noting the company’s innovative flair and theatricality, The Boston Globe says Black Grace “packs the raw visceral power of a primal communal rite into a carefully constructed form of rigor and sophistication.” The work itself is highly physical, rich in the storytelling traditions of the South Pacific, and expressed with unique beauty and finesse.

Drawing from his Samoan and New Zealand roots to create innovative dance works that reach across social, cultural, and generational barriers, Artistic Director Neil Ieremia has changed the face of contemporary dance in New Zealand and turned Black Grace into one of the most recognizable and iconic cultural brands.

“The distinguishing spirit of this troupe is incredible speed and stamina, an exhilarating, seemingly inexhaustible energy.” — The New York Times

About the Company

Black Grace is New Zealand’s leading contemporary dance company. It was founded in 1995 by Neil Ieremia (Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit), one of New Zealand’s most accomplished choreographers, a creative entrepreneur, and an inspirational leader. Ieremia draws from his Samoan and New Zealand roots to create innovative dance works that reach across social, cultural, and generational barriers. The Company features some of New Zealand’s finest dancers and has toured internationally to Europe, Japan, South Korea, Mexico, Australia, and New Caledonia. In 2004, Black Grace made its US debut, performing a sold-out season at Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival.