Pacific Dance New Zealand Honours Tuvaluan Heritage Through Their 2020 Artist in Residence

Pacific Dance New Zealand celebrates its 10^th Anniversary of their Artist in Residency program by announcing Auckland resident and Tuvaluan heritage dance choreographer and creative, Molia Alama Tulafono as its Artist in Residence for 2020.

The inclusion of a heritage artist hailing from Tuvalu, the 4^th smallest nation in the world that is battling its own adversities, is significant not just for Pacific Dance New Zealand but also the strong patriotic Tuvaluan community here in Aotearoa.

Molia grew up in Tuvalu and was introduced to fatele dancing at a very young age and has been involved with dancing for over 25 years. Dancing for her started in her Fale ote Kaiga (in the family home) and she observed and learnt the basic dance forms in the fale through her aunts. She also learnt at the faleumu (working/cooking hut) the practicalities of the dance artforms, including lakei (costuming), kupu o fatele (fatele lyrics) choreography and movement and performed in the falekaupule (island meeting house). In Aotearoa through the ‘Nukulaelae Fenua’ (Island Community) Molia acquired advanced training and cultural understanding through dance from traditional knowledge holders.

‘Sautalaga a Tautai – Ke mau tau foe!’ has provided inspiration for the residency and highlights the importance of stimulating and strengthening dialogue between Tuvaluans, notably connecting elders, youth and the Aotearoa born and raised generation. It is through this dialogue where stories are captured and explored that provides more than just the warm-fuzzies. It is enriching, enabling and builds strong knowledge-holders and future leaders.

‘We tell our stories through the art of dancing, and we empower our young people to embrace their language, culture and heritage. We develop creative, confident and resilient leaders through the art of dance and costume making. The vision is to continue to invest in our cultural dance practices and progress into prominent leadership to identify and address issues and be a beacon of light for our future .’ says Molia.

During the 6-week residency the artist has selected and incorporated unique themes: The Laeva effect (a concept that empowers people to strive for the best), Te Alofa (weaving strands of love), Te Niu Fakamauganiu (climate change using coconut shells to convey stories and message), Taku Fatele (Cultural instruments and storytelling), Tou Fou (garland and fatele) and Te Fenua (the final showcase). These themes will cover myths and legends, dance costumes and the art of dancing ‘fatele’. Inherent in the residency is homage to Tuvalu at the forefront of climate change.

The artist will engage and network with community, primary and secondary schools as well as tertiary dance schools in both Auckland and Wellington.

As a proud Henderson resident for over 25 years, it is only befitting that the Residency be hosted in West Auckland. A strong Tuvaluan community live in West Auckland and the residency provides an insight into the dance and art spaces that will encourage engagement amongst elders and youth.

Molia will kick off her residency on Saturday 22^nd August at the Auckland Central City Library with a costume making workshop followed by a launch at Te Manawa that evening. The residency will conclude during Tuvalu Language Week on Friday 2^nd October, with a free evening show and the public and community are invited to celebrate all things Tuvaluan and experience how truly patriotic her people are in keeping their language and culture present and active in the fast-paced and ever-evolving world we live in.

The residency will be delivered at Te Manawa in Westgate and is supported by Creative New Zealand, Foundation North, Massey-Henderson Local Board and Auckland Council.

The public are invited to attend the FREE community workshops and are guaranteed of being able to leave the residency with not only knowledge and dance but with their own costume piece that they will make during the 6-week journey.

Pacific Dance NZ Artist in Residence Program:
Saturday 22nd August:
Auckland Central City Library, 1-3pm: Dance & Costume Workshop (FREE)
Opening and Launch, Te Manawa, 6-8pm – Closed Event
 
Week Commencing 24th August:
Free Public Workshops at Te Manawa, Westgate
Mondays: 5pm – 7.30pm. & Thursdays: 5 – 9pm
Registrations recommended. Click Link to register.
 
Tuvalu Language Week: 27th September – 3rd October, 2020
Friday 2nd October: 6-8pm, Artist in Residence Final Public Show (FREE)