Black Grace Presents ‘The Outsiders’ Ball
One enchanted evening, twelve unlikely strangers meet at a ball …
Internationally renowned modern dance company Black Grace are putting together a show that is based around a party that everyone is invited to, especially the outsiders. Founding Artistic Director of Black Grace Neil Ieremia brings together a unique cast of past and current performers to dance and celebrate another day of living.
With a diverse cast including Edward Cowley (aka Buckwheat), Jody Jackson-Becerra, and Neil Ieremia himself – The Outsiders’ Ball promises to be a fun night out, set to tunes from Al Green to Grace Jones, Troy Kingi to Grandmaster Flash.
Over the past 25 years Black Grace has changed the face of contemporary dance in Aotearoa New Zealand, drawing upon Neil Ieremia’s Samoan heritage and melding it with Māori and Western influences to create unique expressions of contemporary identity. Black Grace has traveled the world through art, performing Neil’s choreography in Australia, Canada, Germany, Holland, Japan, Luxembourg, Mexico, New Caledonia, South Korea, Switzerland and the United States of America.
Neil and Black Grace have always maintained a deep connection with their Pacific roots. In 2009, the Guam Legislature passed a resolution in recognition of Black Grace’s work with local communities there, and in 2010 the Mayor of Honolulu officially proclaimed 6 February 2010 as “Black Grace Day”. Most recently, Neil received a Kea World Class Award and was inducted into the Porirua Hall of Fame. Now they're back where the group began, in Aotearoa with a show that is causing so much buzz they had to add an extra show.
New addition to Black Grace, Jody Fotuosamoa Jackson joins the Outsiders. She retold her reaction to being asked to join the show saying "When Neil asked me to do the show I thought, Bruh, are you for real? But I decided to trust his vision and get amongst it. He may be regretting his decision now but omg, what a riveting and fulfilling process this has been. Bucket list tick for sure”.
Also amongst the cast of The Outsiders’ Ball is long-time fan of Black Grace and Neil’s work – Lealaiepule Edward Cowley (aka Buckwheat). “It is indeed an honour and privilege to have been invited to be part of'' The Outsiders’ Ball” Edward said. He first performed with Black Grace on their tour to the United States in 2019, including a weeks’ performance season at The Joyce Theater, New York City. Now Edward returns to the Black Grace stage on Tuesday 6th of July.
The Outsiders’ Ball
6 – 9 July 2021, 7pm
Concert Chamber, Auckland Town Hall
*Plus a special additional show on 9 July, 9pm
Ticket Prices
Adults $50*
Concession $40*
Groups 6+ $40* each
Tickets on sale NOW - click on the link below to purchase