ABOUT KAHURANGI:
Kahurangi (Cloak from Heaven) is New Zealand's only full-time Maori Dance Theatre of professional caliber to maintain a consistent presence in North America for the past thirteen years.
Kahurangi was formed in 1983 to provide cultural, recreational, educational and employment opportunities for graduates of Takitimu Performing Arts School, based in Hastings, New Zealand, which has established itself as a pioneer in the field of Maori Performing Arts and was the first tertiary institution to offer a full-time under-graduate degree in Maori Performing Arts. Since 1985, Kahurangi has presented over 2000 performances in New Zealand, Australia, China, Singapore, Mexico, India and Malaysia along with the United States of America and Canada.
The company has appeared in many festivals, conferences, public and private schools presenting unique cultural performances, demonstrations, lectures and workshops relating to the Maori and Polynesian Cultures and ways of life. A performance by Kahurangi brings to life the ihi or life force of the Maori, through the songs and dances that are part of the history and fabric of Maori life. They bridge the past and the present with genealogical chants, martial arts techniques, powerful songs and pride in being Maori. Each presentation engrosses and excites the audience and imparts a wealth of cultural and tribal knowledge to foster a greater understanding of a very unique and exciting indigenous culture.
Members of Kahurangi are graduates of Takitimu Performing Arts School. In order to provide an in-depth learning experience for its members, Kahurangi performers are brought to North America to tour for a full year. Personnel are rotated every 12 months to enable many young Maori to tour North America and gain valuable artistic and performance experience. Kahurangi performers bring with them the stories and heritage of their individual tribal areas and enjoy the support of their family, sub tribe and tribe as they represent Aotearoa New Zealand as Cultural Ambassadors.
BRIEF PERFORMANCE HISTORY:
2005 Performances in USA include:
- Yale Center for British Art, New Haven CT - January 2005
- Los Angeles Music Center, Los Angeles, CA - February 2005
- Broward Center for the Performing Arts, Fort Lauderdale, FL - March 2005
- 2 week residency for Arts Center, Carrboro, NC / Creative Spark, SC - April 2005
- American Museum of Natural History, New York, NY - May 2005
- New Zealand / Australia pavilion, Tourism New Zealand trade show, Chicago - September 2005
- Middfest International Festival, Middletown, Ohio - September 2005
2006 Performances in USA include:
- American Museum of Natural History - Galapagos Exhibition
- Week long performance residency with Children's Creative Project, Santa Barbara, CA - February 2006
- Two week residency with Los Angeles Music Center
- University of Wisconsin Eau Claire, Eau Claire, WI
- ANZACC Down Under Ball, Atlanta, GA
- Two day performance residency with University of Georgia, Athens, GA
- Theatreworks, Jacksonville, FL
- John Michael Kohler Arts Centre, Sheboygan, WI
- Festival of Native Arts, Fairbanks, AK
This itinerary does not include performances completed in Canada or Mexico.
MORE INFORMATION:
Kahurangi Maori Dance Theatre of New Zealand Website
http://www.kahurangi.com/
U.S. Booking Agency for Kahurangi Maori Dance Theatre
Bess Pruitt & Associates Inc.
http://www.uniqueartists.com/html/kahurangi.html
