Tautangata

“Tau-”: a prefix used with other words to indicate something that is strange or unusual. e.g. tauiwi (foreign people), tauwhenua (strange land), tautangata (stranger).

Tautangata is based around the ‘Dawn Raids’. A time in our history that shaped NZ society’s perception of Pacific people, in a way that alienates us. The Raids resonate heavily with us even in today’s society because it has etched discrimination against our people into our history as New Zealanders. From a Pasifika/Indigenous Maori perspective, we are here to show that we are capable of more than what is expected of us.

All dancers are current students and graduates from the Bachelor of Dance Studies programme at the University of Auckland.

We have all performed together for various pieces including:

– “Pou” – Xavier Breeds, Short and Sweet 2017.

– “Le Va” – Xavier Breeds, MANU Collective, Macau China 2018.

– “Teufatu” – Conner Masseurs, MANU Collective, Macau China 2018.

– “LALO” – Ankaramy Fepulea’i, Short and Sweet 2018.

– “Ro-utes” – Vahine Toa, Short and Sweet 2018.

– “Reka” – Vivian Hosking-Aue.

– “Ave” – Ufitia Sagapolutele, Performance Arcade, Wellington 2019.

– “Grounded” competition – Kisha September, 2017.

– “Grounded” competition – Gemma Naidoo, 2018.

– “Kia Tau” – Bianca Hyslop, Manu Project, Macau China 2019.

Our members also have a versatile background and have successful dance careers in the hip-hop area of dance as well, being apart of the hip-hop dance companies:

– The Brady Bunch

– Identity Dance Company

– Lil’ Saintz

Chas Samoa

Ankaramy Fepulea’i

Jireh Lalotoa-Peniata

Melissa Sripromma

Natalia Ioane

Semira Van Der Made

Moana Hikuroa Te Hei

Alaina Te Rore

Ayden Smith

Ngatau Leaf

Syrai-Tiare Taumihau