Thirty years is a long time. It’s a long time to be at the forefront of contemporary dance, and it’s enough time to learn that survival isn’t possible without adaptation.
Footnote New Zealand Dance continues to flourish. This year they present 30Forward – a spirited new production celebrating their 30th birthday. Part reflection and part premonition, 30Forward acknowledges the massive contribution of New Zealand choreographers throughout Footnote’s evolution. Founding Director Deirdre Tarrant selects highlights from full-length works commissioned for the Forte series over the last ten years.
The second half of 30Forward, a new commission from renowned choreographer Malia Johnston, draws on the company’s physical history to suggest where the next steps may take them. Johnston’s piece is made in collaboration with AV designer Rowan Pierce and current Footnote dancers, and is influenced by choreographic, visual and musical archives.
We know history can be traced and remembered. 30Forward flips, samples, stretches, disrupts and regenerates the solid foundation of a dance company fuelled by three decades of invention.
Duration: 80 mins, including interval. Please Note: the second half of 30Forward features some strobe-like visual effects as part of the projection element of the show.
Here are some reviews from their current Wellington season:
‘High octane choreography’ DOMINION POST
‘With such a legacy to build on the future for dance has never been brighter’ THE PRESS
Footnote New Zealand Dance is a significant part of the dance experience for thousands of Kiwis. Over the past 30 years, Footnote has presented the fluid energy of dance as a real reflection of our New Zealand identity in the theatre, in schools and in the community.
