New Zealand's Atamira Dance Makes US Debut at SFIAF Today

The San Francisco International Arts has announced that the organization will present the mainland U.S. debut of Atamira Dance Company from New Zealand. The performance is part of the ensemble's first national American tour that also includes dates in Hawaii and the Jacobs Pillow Dance Festival in Massachusetts.

Atamira Dance Company is the leading creator and presenter of Maori contemporary dance theatre of Aotearoa ( New Zealand ). The company's work embodies the essence of a unique landscape shaped by the cultural identity of their people and their stories. The choreographers, dancers and designers reflect the diverse cross-section of voices in Aotearoa today through the artistic expression of their rural and urban backgrounds.

The company creates compelling, high quality Maori contemporary dance theatre that reaches out to audiences and reflects the many aspirations of our Mana Whenua (territorial rights, power from the land - power associated with possession and occupation of tribal land). Founded in 2000 as a response to the need for a platform for Maori urban identity through dance in New Zealand , the collective vision and history of Atamira Dance Company through the support of its community and supporters has continued its rapid rise as a world force in indigenous contemporary performing arts.

Prior to the concert this morning, July 27, company members are scheduled to bestow a Maori ceremonial blessing on the New Zealand boat in the America 's Cup. On the afternoon of Sunday July 28 they will teach members of the public to perform a traditional KA MATE KA MATE. This will be followed by an Ohlone Welcome Ceremony performed by members of the Ohlone Nation. Atamira will respond with a performance of the famous Maori HAKA (war dance). There will then be a traditional Maori Hangi Banquet (with food cooked for several hours in a subterranean earth pit) presented in collaboration with New Zealand American Association of San Francisco. The exact time and venue for the Sunday Activities is TO BE DETERMINED. Members of the public should call 415-399-9554.

Atamira Dance Company will present KAHA Mixed Repertory Performance at the Joe Goode Performance Annex, 401 Alabama St. (@ 17th Street ) on Saturday July 27, 8:00pm. Tickets: General admission $20 advance, $25 door, $18 FT students/seniors; Box Office: www.sfiaf.org and 800-838-3006 or 415-399-9554.