The most of an opportunity
For Black Grace’s newest junior dancer, Thomas Fonua, it also means being responsible for the chores.
“It’s my job to mop the floors of the dance studio,” the 19 year old says. “You just can’t dance on a dirty floor.”
Domestic drudgery aside, Fonua is lapping up the opportunities given an apprentice to one of New Zealand’s leading Pacific contemporary dance companies. He’s learning from the likes of Sean MacDonald and Neil Ieremia, and he’s toured to Germany, Switzerland, Canada and the United States with the company.
I’m really fortunate,” Fonua says. “Dance apprenticeships are rare and to be offered this opportunity is a once in a lifetime.”
Fonua’s first love was sport. Growing up in South Auckland he was a prop for Onehunga High School’s 1st XV, did athletic track and field and was a New Zealand representative in discus. Then his mother sent him to ballet lessons.
“I only agreed to go for the fitness and discipline.
I discovered dance was similar in terms of the physical aspect but it’s a lot harder in terms of discipline. Dance is definitely more of a challenge and I like to be pushed.”
He was discovered by Black Grace in 2009 when he auditioned during the company’s urban youth movement project. While his apprenticeship ends this month he’s hoping a job with the company will follow.
“It’s really hard work but I really love to perform. If you really want it you have to chase after it and keep fighting for it.”
Fonua is about to hit the Wellington stage in Black Grace’s Verse 2, a collection of the latest short works and excerpts featuring traditional Pacific music and body percussion as well as music written by Jimi Hendrix, Johnny Cash and Johann Sebastian Bach. Eight Black Grace cast members will be joined by 12 students from the New Zealand School of Dance, as well as harpist Natalia Mann presenting a new work titled The Nature of Things.
Verse 2, Black Grace Dance Company, The Opera House, September 12 and 13.










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