The New Zealand Dance Company (NZDC) presents the premiere season of Matariki for Tamariki – their first full length work specifically created for children and “kidaults” alike. The enchanting and engaging dance journey will be on in Auckland in the July school holidays.  at the Bruce Mason Centre on July 12 & 13 and Māngere Arts Centre on July 19 & 20.

A celebration for the whole family, Matariki for Tamariki brings to life a world where a band of players, a group of friends, and a whānau travel throughout Aotearoa and its landscape of lush ngahere (forests), mighty maunga (mountains), and majestic moana (oceans), encountering the flora and fauna through seasonal changes. The journey begins and ends through the setting and rising of the Matariki whetū (star) constellation.

Along the way, the performers inhabit the wairua (spirit) of each of the nine whetū of Matariki and through their adventures use the power and meaning of karakia (prayer), ritual, waita (song) and whakapapa (lineage) to plant the seeds of new beginnings for hope of the future ahead.

Sean McDonald’s majestic choreography paired with evocative costume and set design by Rona Ngahuia Osborne as well as spectacular sound design by Alistair Deverick will leave kids and “kidaults” alike filled with joy and gratitude for the whenua (land) we call home.

An exciting element of these performances will be two affiliated Youth Winter Schools  for aspiring dancers ages 12 years and older. Students “live a week in the life” of NZDC’s professional dancers, participating in daily contemporary technique and creative choreography sessions, culminating in a rare opportunity to perform alongside NZDC Company members in Matariki for Tamariki. 

Matariki for Tamariki is on at the Bruce Mason Centre on 12 and 13 July 2019 and the Māngere Arts Centre on 19 and 20.  Find out more here: https://www.nzdc.org.nz/