For 25 years, Atamira has proudly stood at the forefront of Māori contemporary dance by providing the space, stage, and support for our artists to create, perform, and teach. Through creativity, endurance, and evolution, we’ve built a foundation grounded in cultural identity and artistic excellence.
At the heart of it all are our artists. Over 25 days, to celebrate this milestone, we’re putting the spotlight on the incredible dancers and choreographers who have worked with us in 2025 through stories, reflection, and gratitude.
At the heart of it all are our artists. Over 25 days, to celebrate this milestone, we’re putting the spotlight on the incredible dancers and choreographers who have worked with us in 2025 through stories, reflection, and gratitude.
We are committed to sustaining Māori contemporary dance, but as the tides shift, so does the funding landscape.
That’s why we’re raising $12,500 to uplift and sustain our artists. Every dollar goes towards meaningful opportunities like studio time, dancer and choreographer fees, and workshops.
This year, more than 2,500 people from our community watched us perform. If each person donated $5, we would reach our goal. When you give to Atamira, you invest in the future of Māori contemporary dance, its artists and the communities whose stories it shares.
Will you support us, to support our artists?
25 Days for 25 Years - Tautoko mai, tautoko atu!
That’s why we’re raising $12,500 to uplift and sustain our artists. Every dollar goes towards meaningful opportunities like studio time, dancer and choreographer fees, and workshops.
This year, more than 2,500 people from our community watched us perform. If each person donated $5, we would reach our goal. When you give to Atamira, you invest in the future of Māori contemporary dance, its artists and the communities whose stories it shares.
Will you support us, to support our artists?
25 Days for 25 Years - Tautoko mai, tautoko atu!
“Ka Tiri o te Moana is a meditation on courage, curiosity and the power of movement to carry us into new worlds, just as our tīpuna once did.”
Paul Young, Theatreview
Paul Young, Theatreview
He mihi nui ki Ngāi Tūāhuriri, mana whenua o Ōtautahi, for your generosity and aroha grounding this work in place; to Beca for your generous support and belief in this mahi; to Adaptation Futures for creating a platform to share this kaupapa internationally and open kōrero on climate action through art; to Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetū for your manaakitanga and for hosting this performance; and finally, he mihi mutunga kore ki te tīma o Ka Tiri o te Moana — your creativity and dedication are the life force of this work
Photography: Petra Mingneau
Atamira Dance Company were invited to embody the live activation of Destination Earth, directed by artist and movement director Salomé Bazin from Cellule Studio (UK).
A multi-sensory interactive art installation that reveals the vital connections between ocean, atmosphere, and human activity.
A multi-sensory interactive art installation that reveals the vital connections between ocean, atmosphere, and human activity.
We loved seeing the tamariki bring the exhibition Taimoana | Coastlines to life through dance, movement, and storytelling. The energy, curiosity, and creativity (from both tamariki + parents!) were incredible.
Huge mihi to Norah and the amazing AAG team for the collaboration - and to our awesome kaikanikani Madi Tumataroa & Tai Hemana for bringing all the magic to the floor.
Huge mihi to Norah and the amazing AAG team for the collaboration - and to our awesome kaikanikani Madi Tumataroa & Tai Hemana for bringing all the magic to the floor.
Photography: David St George
Kia Pohewatia
Work-In-Progress Showings
Kōanga Festival
Work-In-Progress Showings
Kōanga Festival
Over four weeks, with two choreographers in residence and two sharings, Kia Pohewatia held space for experimentation, discovery, and exchange. Kua Rangatira a Atamira i a kōrua ko Rachel, ko Samara!
In the spirit of Kōanga, the season of new growth, these seeds of working methodologies, play, and inspiration are now sown.
Tēnei te mihi nunui ki a koutou Te Pou Theatre, otirā te ahurei toi o Kōanga. Nā koutou i hanga i tēnei huihuinga whakahirahira e whakanui ana i tātou nei ao Māori.
In the spirit of Kōanga, the season of new growth, these seeds of working methodologies, play, and inspiration are now sown.
Tēnei te mihi nunui ki a koutou Te Pou Theatre, otirā te ahurei toi o Kōanga. Nā koutou i hanga i tēnei huihuinga whakahirahira e whakanui ana i tātou nei ao Māori.
Photography: Jinki Cambronero
Rongo Whakapā
Choreographed by Brydie Colquhoun
Choreographed by Brydie Colquhoun
A sold out season, debut choreography by Brydie Colquhoun and Atamira’s first show presented at Te Pou Theatre.
“There are many moments I feel my dancing spine enjoying the current of the dancers’ vibes…”
Claire O’Neil, Theatreview
“There are many moments I feel my dancing spine enjoying the current of the dancers’ vibes…”
Claire O’Neil, Theatreview
Photography: Andi Crown
KA MUA KA MURI
Kua tutuki pai te kaupapa!
Kua tutuki pai te kaupapa!
“There is vitality and powerful commitment to traditions and the path to the future.”
Deirdre Tarrant, Theatreview
Deirdre Tarrant, Theatreview
Presented in Pōneke by KIA MAU Festival and supported by Aronui Indigenous Arts Festival in Rotorua. Funded by Creative New Zealand, Foundation North and the Rotorua Civic Arts trust.
Photography: Roc Torio, supplied by Kia Mau Festival