Footnote New Zealand Dance

Footnote New Zealand Dance
Name	Footnote New Zealand Dance
Founded	1985
Founder	Douglas Wright
Location	Wellington, New Zealand
Genre	Contemporary dance
Artistic director	(see Artistic Direction and Leadership)

Footnote New Zealand Dance is a contemporary dance company founded in 1985 that became one of New Zealand's most prominent professional ensembles for contemporary choreography, performance, and touring. Established during a period of growth in New Zealand performing arts, the company developed an international profile through collaborations, commissions, and national tours, contributing to the cultural life of Wellington and the wider Aotearoa arts sector.

History

Footnote emerged in the mid-1980s amid a flourishing scene that included institutions such as the New Zealand Festival of the Arts, St James Theatre (Wellington), and companies like Royal New Zealand Ballet and Black Grace. The company was founded by choreographer Douglas Wright and initially drew attention alongside contemporaries including Neil Ieremia, Douglas Wright, and Kate Dewey. During the 1990s and 2000s Footnote navigated funding landscapes shaped by entities such as Creative New Zealand, performing at venues like Bats Theatre, Circa Theatre, and regional performing venues across Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch. Footnote's history intersects with touring networks and festivals such as Auckland Arts Festival, Tempo Dance Festival, and international presenters including Sadler's Wells Theatre, Dublin Theatre Festival, and institutions that program contemporary dance.

Artistic Direction and Leadership

Artistic leadership passed through figures who shaped New Zealand contemporary dance, including Douglas Wright, Mary Jane O'Reilly, and others linked to national arts leadership such as Loughlan Prior and Malia Johnston. Directors often had training or connections with institutions like New Zealand School of Dance, Toi Whakaari, and international conservatories such as the Royal Ballet School and Juilliard School. Leadership decisions were influenced by collaborations with choreographers and dancers associated with companies and artists like Chunky Move, Sydney Dance Company, Meryl Tankard, Batsheva Dance Company, and producers who engage with presenting organisations like Arts Council England and Creative New Zealand. Administrative and artistic teams liaised with funders and venues including Wellington City Council, ASB Waterfront Theatre, and festival directors at the New Zealand International Arts Festival.

Notable Works and Repertoire

Footnote's repertoire encompassed original works by Douglas Wright and subsequent choreographers, often shown alongside creations by international artists such as Agnès Varda-influenced interdisciplinary collaborators and choreographers from companies like DV8 Physical Theatre and Akram Khan Company. Signature pieces toured nationally and sometimes internationally, appearing in programmes curated by festivals such as Queensland Performing Arts Centre seasons, Edinburgh Festival Fringe, and regional seasons in Te Whanganui-a-Tara. Repertoire included solos, ensemble pieces, and commissions that engaged performers trained at Victoria University of Wellington and alumni from the New Zealand School of Dance, featuring set and costume collaborations with designers connected to institutions like Toi Māori Aotearoa and galleries such as Te Papa Tongarewa.

Collaborations and Community Engagement

Footnote engaged in collaborations with a wide range of artists and organisations, partnering with musicians and composers from groups like NZSO musicians, independent composers who worked with Nimbus Records, visual artists exhibiting at City Gallery Wellington and community promoters across iwi organisations and community arts providers. Projects involved community dancers alongside professionals, co-productions with regional promoters such as Mayfair Theatre (Palmerston North), and outreach tied to festivals including Wellington Festival and Arts on Tour (Aotearoa). International partnerships saw shared projects with companies like State Theatre Company of South Australia and residencies involving choreographers from Canada's National Ballet School and presenters connected to Asia Pacific Triennial networks.

Awards and Recognition

Footnote and its artists received national recognition through awards and nominations associated with institutions such as the New Zealand Film and Television Awards when crossover work was filmed, dance honours presented by the Arts Foundation of New Zealand, and regional accolades from city arts awards in Wellington. Individual company members were recipients of fellowships and commissions from Creative New Zealand, arts residencies at organisations like McCahon House, and acknowledgements at festivals such as the Tempo Dance Festival and the Auckland Festival of Dance.

Education and Outreach

Education initiatives connected with tertiary institutions such as the New Zealand School of Dance, Victoria University of Wellington, and community providers like Dance Aotearoa New Zealand. Footnote offered workshops, masterclasses, and mentorships for emerging choreographers and dancers, partnering with youth programmes run by local councils and tertiary performing arts departments. Outreach included Schools Programmes presented in collaboration with venues like Michael Fowler Centre and community arts hubs in regions including Manawatū, Hawke's Bay, and Southland.

Touring and International Presence

Footnote toured extensively across New Zealand, performing in cities and regions such as Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, Dunedin, and smaller centres via regional promoters and festivals. The company's international itinerary included invitations to festivals and seasons featuring presenters such as Sadler's Wells Theatre, Edinburgh Festival, and exchanges with companies from Australia, United Kingdom, and Canada. Touring strategies were supported by networks including Arts on Tour (Aotearoa), Creative New Zealand’s International Programme, and partnerships with presenters at institutions like Queensland Performing Arts Centre and Canberra Theatre Centre.

Category:Contemporary dance companies Category:Dance in New Zealand