Black Grace Opens Auckland Dance Academy on K Road

After seven years away from the city center, Black Grace has brought its creative energy back to the heart of Auckland with a multi-purpose studio and dance academy that's already training its first cohort.

The contemporary dance company launched its part-time academy on August 1 with six recruits. The three-month intensive program teaches pre-professional and professional dancers the distinctive Black Grace technique, blending classical ballet, Pacific dance, vocal training, and choreography.

Current and former company members are leading classes at what founder and chief executive Neil Ieremia calls their "urban Fale" on Karangahape Road. The studio space represents years of planning to create pathways for emerging talent in contemporary dance.

"I'm proud of our new multi-purpose studio," Ieremia said. "We're excited to once again be part of a wider, multi-cultural community and look forward to hosting a range of exciting events in the future."

The Ripple Effect

Black Grace's return to central Auckland does more than expand training opportunities. The company plans to open its doors for intimate performances, mixed-media projects, and immersive digital experiences that will bring contemporary dance to new audiences.

When Black Grace tours internationally, other arts organizations will have access to the studio space. This collaborative approach means the K Road location will become a hub for Auckland's creative community, not just a single company's headquarters.

The academy's curriculum goes beyond technical training. Students learn the creative process itself, gaining insight into how professional contemporary dance works are developed from concept to stage.

By establishing permanent roots in one of Auckland's most vibrant and diverse neighborhoods, Black Grace is investing in both its own future and the broader arts ecosystem. The next generation of contemporary dancers now has a dedicated space to learn, create, and grow.