Footnote New Zealand Dance (founded in 1985) is New Zealand's oldest contemporary dance company.[1] Based in Wellington, it has been described as "New Zealand’s most enduring and influential contemporary dance company."[2]

History

Footnote was founded in 1985 by Wellington ballet teacher Deirdre Tarrant with a “dual commitment to fostering original works by local choreographers and composers, and establishing dance workshops in schools”.[3] Tarrant had recently returned from dancing overseas; her vision was to 'establish a real community of creative dance people as well as to develop contemporary dance in New Zealand'.[4] The company has played an important role in establishing and supporting contemporary dance in New Zealand.[5]

Footnote received government funding: in the early 1990s it shifted from project-based funding to receiving recurrent funding through Creative New Zealand.[6]

In 2005 Footnote established its 'Forte' season, where a New Zealand dance artists working internationally was brought back to New Zealand to create a new work for the company.[7]

Dancers and choreographers who have worked with Footnote include Michael Parmenter, Shona McCullagh, Malia Johnston, Raewyn Hill, Lisa Densem and Ross McCormack.[8] The company regularly tours in New Zealand, and has performed in Shanghai, Berlin, Brussels, Antwerp and London.[2]

In 2015 the company marked its 30th anniversary with 30 Forward, a programme of works commissioned over the past ten years from the Forte seasons and a new work by Malia Johnston, Flip Pivot Boom.[9][10]

Present–day company

In 2012 Tarrant stepped down as director and joined the company's arts advisory panel.[6] Tarrant was succeeded by Malia Johnston.[11] Richard Aindow was general manager from 2014 - 2020[12] Brian Wood in 2021, and Zoë Nicholson joined in 2023.[13] Anita Hunziker leads the company's artistic vision as Artistic Manager.

The company was headquartered on Wellington's Cuba Street. In 2022, the company moved to a temporary studio in Northland, Wellington, while looking for a permanent premises.

The company is funded through Creative New Zealand, Wellington City Council, Wellington Community Trust, The Lion Foundation, and individual and family donors.[14]

References

  1. ↑ Swarbrick, Nancy. "Creative life – Performing arts". Te Ara – Encyclopedia of New Zealand. Retrieved 7 May 2016.
  2. 1 2 Horsley, Francesca. "Interview: Deirdre Tarrant on retiring from Footnote Dance Company". New Zealand Listener. Retrieved 7 May 2016.
  3. ↑ Schultz, Marianne. "Contemporary dance – New companies and international work, 1990s to 2000s". Te Ara – Encyclopedia of New Zealand. Retrieved 7 May 2016.
  4. ↑ Judson, Natasha. "Deirdre Tarrant to leave Footnote". DominionPost. Retrieved 7 May 2016.
  5. ↑ Ian, Lochhead. "Footnote put best foot forward". DominionPost. Retrieved 7 May 2016.
  6. 1 2 "Up, up and away, 1991". Te Ara – Encyclopedia of New Zealand. Retrieved 7 May 2016.
  7. ↑ Rae, Bernadette. "Three decades of dance have fitting celebration". New Zealand Herald. Retrieved 7 May 2016.
  8. ↑ Rae, Bernadette. "Footnote Dance at 30". New Zealand Herald. Retrieved 7 May 2016.
  9. ↑ Bate, Anna. "Shifting every which way". Theatre Review. Retrieved 7 May 2016.
  10. ↑ Harvie, Julia. "Long may it continue". Theatre Review. Retrieved 7 May 2016.
  11. ↑ "Footnote Dance announces new Director after 26 years". Creative New Zealand. Retrieved 7 May 2016.
  12. ↑ "Richard Aindow – General Manager". Footnote New Zealand Dance. 27 February 2017. Retrieved 17 August 2021.
  13. ↑ "Footnote Dance gets new general manager". Wellington.Scoop. Retrieved 23 March 2022.
  14. ↑ "About Footnote New Zealand Dance". Footnote. Retrieved 7 May 2016.
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