Contemporary dancers Taiaroa Royal and Taane Mete have taken their dance work Tama Ma on the road again. Tama Ma tells the story of two men who travel from boyhood, to manhood, and the real life tale of love, life, joy and sorrow.

Okareka Dance Company was formed by Taane Mete and Taiaroa Royal to fuse contemporary dance with other creative art mediums.  Taiaroa Royal says the essence of the dance company is guided by Maori beliefs – “Mana (Honour and Integrity), Whanau (Family) and Matataki (Challenge).”

Tama Ma premiered at Tempo Dance Festival (Auckland) in 2008, where they won four awards and Metro Magazine announced that Tama Ma was the ‘Best Dance’ in Auckland in 2008.

This year they have performed in Hamilton, are currently in Auckland at Maidment Theatre and will travel to Wellington and Christchurch.

During what hours of the day do you feel most inspired? 

It varies, inspiration hit anytime throughout  the day.

How would a good friend describe your aesthetic or style? 

Quietly confident with sophisticated aire!

What aspect of your creative practice gives you the biggest thrill?

Communicating with people through dance.

How does your environment affect your work?

It depends on the environment: At the dance studio I am very focused,  at home  -- I’m usually relaxed; on stage – I’m ‘uber’ focused & busily communicating; countryside --  breathing lots !!!; city – partying !!!

Do you like to look at the big picture or focus on the details?

Both … big picture first then the detail.

What's your number one business tip for surviving (and thriving) in the creative industries?  Keep in EVERYONE’S good books as much as possible & never give up.

Which of your projects to date has given you the most satisfaction?

The opening night at the premiere season of Tama Ma, this was at Tempo Festival of Dance 2008.

Who or what has inspired you recently? 

The people close to me, my partner & always my family.

Tama Ma is an autobiographical dance journey - what is the story and the journey?

Mine & Taane’s lives, our childhoods, growing up as teenagers, coping with sexuality, leading up to becoming mature men & establishing our careers in the NZ contemporary dance world.

It is presented as five acts – what is each act about and how is involved in each one? 

(these are my personal views & not necessarily those of the choreographer/director)

Act 1: short dance film about the connection between 2 beings that when they find their individuality find they need each other to survive. Both Tai & Taane.

Act 2: a metamorphosis, finding the masculine within the feminine & vice-versa, vulnerability, re-birth. Both Tai & Taane.

Act 3: childhood memories, cold winter mornings, bacon & eggs cooking, school bus. Solo split between Tai & Taane.

Act 4: the mature male dancer, dependency & independency.

Act 5: spiritually connected, paying respects the future.

What is the essence of Okareka Dance Company? 

Particular Maori beliefs – Mana (Honour and Integrity), Whanau (Family) and Matataki (Challenge)

What does Matariki mean for you? 

New Year, new beginnings, celebration.

Tama Ma premiered at the Tempo Festival last year – where has it travelled since and what have been some of the highlights? 

It has just recently toured to Hamilton and is about to return to Auckland then tour to Wellington & Christchurch. Highlight has been selling out its premiere season.

Has the work changed since then – if so in what ways and why? 

Yes. We have developed some of the acts, edited material out & added some in.

What are the strengths and challenges of the dance industry in NZ? 

Securing enough resources to be successful, getting ‘bums on seats’, finding & securing potential sponsors.

If you could go back and choose a completely different career path to the one you've chosen, what would it be? 

Growing & exporting orchids, landscape gardening, a florist, anything horticultural.

What place is always with you, wherever you go? 

The Farm at Lake Okareka.

What's the best way to listen to music, and why? 

On really good noise reduction headphones.

You are given a piece of string, a stick and some fabric. What do you make? 

A Tama Ma banner !!!

What's the best stress relief advice you've ever been given? 

A total body pampering session.

What's great about today? 

The fact I’m still dancing !!!

What’s your big idea for 2009? 

A successful Tama Ma tour & beyond !!! 

Tama Ma

Auckland
Maidment Theatre 24 - 28 June, 7.30pm
Wellington
Te Papa Tongarewa Soundings Theatre, 7 - 10 July, 7.30pm
Christchurch
James Hay, 6 October, 7.30pm