Oli Mathiesen is a choreographer and dancer based in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland. He is an emerging artist, working nationally and internationally with some of Aotearoa and Australia’s top companies, including Atamira Dance Company, Black Grace, The New Zealand Dance Company, The Farm, Borderline Arts Ensemble, as well as performing Canadian choreographer Crystal Pite’s ‘10 Duets on a Theme of Rescue’ (2023).

He is an accomplished performer and choreographer whose artistry traverses the dynamic intersections of dance, physical theatre, and film, all through the captivating lens of contemporary dance. His work is characterized by an unwavering commitment to discipline and a relentless pursuit of excellence, drawing inspiration from his diverse communities. This unique perspective, shaped by his indigenous, political, queer, and gendered identity, forms the essence of his artistry.

Oli is the sole winner of the international call for a new choreographic creation at La Biennale di Venezia. His new commissioned work, ‘Just Between Me and Jesus’ (2026), will make its world premiere at the Venice Biennale Danza in 2026.

Oli’s radical, award-winning show ‘The Butterfly Who Flew Into The Rave’ (2024) has been presented globally, including at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2025, Melbourne’s RISING Festival 2025, Auckland Art Festival 2026, Sydney’s Liveworks Festival 2024, Nelson Arts Festival 2024, Christchurch’s Tiny Fest 2024, Auckland Pride Festival 2024, and Wellington’s New Zealand Fringe Festival 2024. The show performed a smash hit season at the esteemed Summerhall in Edinburgh, selling out their final week, being listed as Theatre Weekly’s ‘Best Dance Performance’, and were the inaugural award winners of the ‘Bragi Award for Excellence in Creativity & Performance’. Furthermore, he has choreographed works for Atamira Dance Company, Black Grace, Tempo Dance Festival, The Auckland Live Cabaret Festival, and The Performance Arcade.