Neil Ieremia and Black Grace Quiz

When and where was Neil Ieremia born?

• 1975, Auckland

• 1970, Porirua

• 1968, Wellington

• 1972, Apia

What cultural background did Neil grow up in?

• Māori

• Samoan

• Tongan

• Cook Island

Did Neil attend a professional dance school when he was young?

• Yes, at age 10

• No, he was mostly self-taught

• Only during university

• He learned overseas

Which company did Neil dance with in the early 1990s?

• Royal New Zealand Ballet

• Douglas Wright Dance Company

• Atamira Dance Company

• Limbs Dance Company

At what age did Neil Ieremia found Black Grace Dance Company?

• 18

• 20

• 22

• 25

Why was it unusual for Black Grace to start as an all-male Pacific Island dance company?

• Because most contemporary companies were female or mixed-gender

• Because male dancers weren’t allowed in New Zealand

• Because Pacific men didn’t usually perform in theatre

• Because it was based in Samoa

What inspired Neil to begin dancing as a child?

• School performances

• Listening and dancing to music while at home sick

• Watching TV dance shows

• Learning from his parents

Which other art form was Neil originally interested in?

• Visual art

• Singing

• Poetry

• Acting

Name one of the main influences in Neil Ieremia’s choreography.

• Ballet technique

• Pacific dance traditions

• Jazz dance

• Tap

What are two qualities his choreography is known for?

• Soft and graceful

• Strong rhythm and grounded power

• Abstract and minimalist

• Delicate and lyrical