Festival Theme & Vision

By Moss Te Ururangi Patterson

Whenua Wāhi - Stories of Land and Place

Tempo Dance Festival - Te Rerenga o Tere 2024 seeks to explore the profound connection between people and their whenua through the universal language of movement. By weaving pūrākau mē ngā whakapapa with movement, a kete of performances will invite audiences to embark on a personal journey into the manawā of identity and heritage.

In this immersive celebration, the theme of Whenua Wāhi emphasises the significance of place, creating a platform for dance creatives to convey the essence of their ancestral landscapes. At its core, “He ora te whakapiri” integrates the vitality of coming together as whānau to celebrate shared histories and to forge new connections. The festival strives to be a catalyst for dialogue and reflection, fostering a deeper understanding of the world through diverse stories and the ways in which they are intrinsically linked to land and place.

Moss Te Ururangi Patterson Artistic Director / Guest Curator