Female cast shine in dance production

Rotorua-born Taiaroa Royal is the artistic director of Okareka Dance Company's latest production. Photo/Supplied

Unique, thought-provoking and enchanting is how Taiaroa Royal describes the upcoming production of Mana Wahine.

The Okareka Dance Company will hold the premiere of Mana Wahine in Rotorua's Civic Theatre on Friday, with a second performance on Saturday.

Rotorua-born Mr Royal, along with Taane Mete, are the artistic directors of the show and are joined by World of WearableArt artistic director Malia Johnston.

Mr Royal said he was thrilled to bring the production to his home town, which was the city that helped inspire it.

Mana Wahine tells the story of Te Aokapurangi, a young maiden from Rotorua who was captured in battle by a tribe from the Far North. Many years later she returned and single-handedly saved her people from slaughter, by outwitting members of the tribe.

"It's an incredible story. She's a character with such integrity, strength, love, cleverness, and all of that is conveyed by movement."

The show features an all-female cast, including renowned performers Bianca Hyslop, Maria Munkowits, Nancy Wijohn, Chrissy Kokiri and Jana Castillo.

The all-female cast was something that made the show unique, Mr Royal said.

"The dancers, they're all so beautiful and feminine, but at the same time convey such strength. It's amazing to watch."

Mr Royal said the production had been several months in the making, with dancers putting in about 40 hours most weeks for the past five weeks.

He said it was an incredible opportunity for locals to see a talented dance crew deliver an engaging and "emotional" performance.

The company has performed around the world, including in America, Australia and China.

They recently performed at the opening of the Holland Dance Festival which was attended by the former Queen, Princess Beatrix of the Netherlands.Tickets for the Mana Wahine performances cost $25 to $40 and are available from Ticketmaster, phone (09) 970 9700 or on the web www.ticketmaster.co.nz