Dance students step out with renowned studio

Black Grace dance studio has offered two Whitireia Performing Arts students internships.

The studio’s founder and artistic director Neil Ieremia and one of his dancers carried out a two-hour workshop with Whitireia students in Wellington recently.

Andy Tilo and Callum Sefo will train and rehearse during December with the world- renowned troupe and may then be selected to travel to the United States to perform with them.

‘‘This is a wonderful opportunity for these students,’’ said Pip Byrne, Whitireia Performing Arts programme manager.

‘‘Our students are having the opportunity to further train with some of this country’s most talented Pacific, contemporary dancers. We are proud of the success of these students – this success endorses the quality of our students, our programmes and tutors.’’

Black Grace has become internationally renowned for its artistry, creative excellence and innovation, while also being the world’s leading exponent of Pacific contemporary dance.

Ms Byrne said the polytechnic and Black Grace were now discussing the idea of providing the workshops on a yearly basis.

The Whitireia Bachelor of Applied Arts ( Performing Arts) programme teaches students extensive knowledge of dance genres and artistic endeavour in Maori, Samoan, Cook Islands and New Zealand contemporary dance.

Performance and touring forms a significant part of the Performing Arts programme at Whitireia.