Atamira

Overview

Kelly Nash's latest choreography for Atamira Dance Company, the self-titled Atamira, sees the company interpreting the Maori worldview of sexuality, solitude, ageing and death through contemporary dance. Atamira in Maori means "the process of caring for those who have died" or "platform for the dead body" or "stage". The immersive show focuses on exploring representations of atamira historically, currently and in future.

The work draws on subtle movements to communicate more complex emotions and memories, says Nash.  "There is such a deep subtext that even the dancers at times are unaware what they are communicating, a memory, an impulse or an instinct can be the trigger for movement. It's the challenge of the choreographer to frame their subtle suggestions."

Performers include Nancy Jo Wijohn, who has toured across New Zealand, the Pacific and the United States, the New York Times-lauded Daniel Cooper and Sean MacDonald, the founding member of Black Grace Dance Company. Choreographer Kelly Nash has the 2012 Tup Lang Choreographic Development Award, residencies at Kahawi Dance Centre and Banff Centre for Arts in Canada as well as years worth of national and international tours under her belt.