Tour News - Black Grace announce major double bill - November 2025

Presented by Black Grace

Photo credit - Toaki Okano

Fresh from performing Neil Ieremia’s highly acclaimed work, Paradise Rumour at the Aichi Triennale in Nagoya, Japan, BLACK GRACE is absolutely thrilled to announce their groundbreaking tour in November.

In what has already been a mighty year for the company, two landmark anniversaries will converge in a powerful celebration of dance: the 30th anniversary of prolific dance company, Black Grace and the 50th anniversary of Esplanade, the iconic work by legendary American choreographer Paul Taylor.

The November double bill will feature a compelling, new world premiere by Neil Ieremia alongside Paul Taylor’s ‘Esplanade’ for strictly limited performances in Auckland at The Civic Theatre on November 21 and in Christchurch at The Isaac Theatre Royal on November 25 and 26.

Tickets will go on sale October 15th.

The November tour marks the first time ever, a professional New Zealand company has been licensed to perform Taylor’s work – this represents an historic collaboration for Black Grace and Paul Taylor Dance Company that bridges continents, cultures and generations.

In what is also a huge honour for the company, Director of Licensing for the Paul Taylor Dance Foundation, Mr Richard Chen See will travel to New Zealand to hold rehearsals with the Black Grace dancers.

Paul Taylor’s seminal work Esplanade is regarded as one of the most iconic and celebrated choreographies in modern dance history.  Only previously performed once in New Zealand in 1999 by the Paul Taylor Dance Company itself.

Black Grace founder and artistic director Neil Ieremia shares a deeply personal connection to Taylor’s work.  Renowned New Zealand choreographer, the late Douglas Wright danced for the Paul Taylor Dance Company in New York in the ‘80s which shaped his style of choreography, in turn Ieremia who was working with Wright from the age of 20, was deeply inspired by Taylor’s work, which has been particularly evident in his use of composition and musicality throughout his long career. 

For his latest creation, Ieremia is embarking on a new creative process: after 30 years of meticulously planning each work, he now enters the rehearsal room without a fixed blueprint, allowing the premiere to be shaped through discovery, alive to spontaneity and the unexpected. Fans and followers can stay up to date as this new work unfolds by following @blackgracedanceco on Instagram.

In what promises to be a dynamic and diverse presentation of dance, these performances are unmissable.

Tour Dates:

Auckland – The Civic Theatre – November 21st @ 7:30pm - ticketmaster.co.nz

Christchurch – The Isaac Theatre Royal – November 25 & 26 @ 7:30pm - ticketek.co.nz

Ticket Sales:

Tickets available from Wednesday, October 15

Tickets: $45* - $99*

*booking fees and levies will apply

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