DANZ ANNOUNCES TRU PARAHA AS THE 2018 MĀORI CHOREOLAB RECIPIENT

Dance Aotearoa New Zealand (DANZ) has selected Tru Paraha as the 2018 Māori Choreolab: Te Kanikani Whakamātau recipient. Supported by DANZ and with funding from Foundation North, Tru will facilitate the three week choreographic lab, based in Auckland, to explore and develop key choreographic projects.

"It is enlivening to see DANZ support experienced wāhine choreographers who are generating a bold vision and experimental practice. More spaces and opportunities for committed independent artists to thrive are greatly needed in Aotearoa dance,” says Tru. “I am grateful to be granted this residency, ngā mihi nui ki a koutou."

Te Kanikani Whakamātau is a unique opportunity for a Māori dance artist to explore their craft and expand their choreographic expression. This project presents a new pathway for Māori artists in the Auckland and Northland region, to have time and space to explore ideas, concepts, styles and forms of expression. The emphasis is on exploration, experimentation and is open to all dance styles and Māori movement.

Tru is a New Zealand School of Dance Graduate and holds a Master’s Degree in Dance Studies with first class honours from the University of Auckland. Her artistry spans across dance, performance art, theatre, visual arts, poetry, and performance writing. Tru is a former company member of Lemi Ponifasio’s MAU and recently choreographed, designed and produced blackOUT, an experimental dance work at the Kenneth Myers Centre in Auckland. She has also been a performance educator at the Auckland University of Technology, University of Auckland, Manukau Institute of Technology, and Unitec.

Tru will use the three week period during September and October to develop choreographic material towards a new performance event and an experimental short dance film, which will culminate into a public showing in Auckland (venue TBC). She will work alongside three dancers and one film-maker in this choreographic laboratory; her working title for the project is ANON.

Te Kanikani Whakamātau is organised by DANZ, with the support of Toi Māori Aotearoa and is funded by Creative New Zealand and Foundation North