He Taura Whakapapa - A Rope of Genealogy

Choreography by Charles Koroneho

Historical Background

In 1991, Taiao Dance Theatre created a new choreographic platform Te Taumata, developed for experienced Maori choreographers to explore their work. I was invited to lead the Te Taumata project and created ‘Waimirirangi’ the first evening length work for Taiao Dance Theatre. Waimirirangi was 90 minutes in length and from it arose a signature piece consisting of solo and group choreography, ‘He Taura Whakapapa: A Rope of Genealogy’.

Performed by Atamira Dance Company

He Taura Whakapapa is the only surviving section of choreography from Waimirirangi that has been performed periodically over the last 23 years. The work has been presented by Taiao Dance Theatre, Te Toki Haruru, Michael Parmenter Commotion Company, Black Grace, Atamira Dance Company, NAISDA Dance School and performed throughout New Zealand, Australia, Rarotonga, Samoa and North America.