New Zealand’s leading contemporary dance company comes to Chicago for the first time.

Founded by Neil Ieremia, ONZM, Black Grace performs works that draw from Ieremia’s Samoan and New Zealand roots, reaching across social, cultural, and generational barriers. Rich in the storytelling traditions of the South Pacific, the works are highly physical and expressed with raw finesse, unique beauty, and power.

Black Grace features some of New Zealand’s finest dancers. The company has toured internationally to Europe, Japan, South Korea, Mexico, Australia, and New Caledonia. In 2004, Black Grace made its debut in the United States, performing a sold-out season at Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival, with a subsequent return in 2005. Since then, the company has performed regularly throughout North America, earning audience and critical acclaim.

Black Grace’s week-long engagement in Chicago will include conversations, workshops, and a performance suitable for all ages in the Harris Theater’s Family Series.