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Story: Samoans

Black Grace contemporary dance group

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Black Grace contemporary dance group

A unique Pacific identity is developing in New Zealand, especially in Auckland, combining traditional Pacific and contemporary elements. Black Grace is a predominantly Pacific Island and Māori dance group. Some of its members, including the creative director Neil Ieremia, are Samoan, and a number of the works are based on Samoan dance. This photograph shows Black Grace rehearsing in 2001.

Using this item

New Zealand Herald

Reference: 29 October 2001

by Derek Flynn

Permission of the New Zealand Herald must be obtained before any re-use of this image.

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How to cite this page

Lupematasila Melani Anae, Samoans – Contributions to New Zealand, Te Ara – the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, https://teara.govt.nz/en/photograph/1582/black-grace-contemporary-dance-group (accessed 3 June 2026).

Story by Lupematasila Melani Anae, published 4 March 2009, reviewed and revised 7 September 2022 with assistance from Lupematasila Melani Anae.