photo: John Mc Dermott

TAIAROA ROYAL is by far one of New Zealand's most outstanding dancers to date. Graduated from the New Zealand School of Dance in 1984 with Diploma in Dance, Taiaroa has worked with many of the major dance companies in New Zealand including Royal NZ Ballet, Douglas Wright Dance Co., Commotion Dance Co., Black Grace Dance Co and Atamira Dance Collective. Tai has also performed both globally and nationally with a variety of dance companies through England, Europe, Australia and America. The highest of profiled tours occurred during his involvement with Douglas Wright and the 'Forever' National Tour.

With his strong connections with the performing arts community, Taiaroa has participated in several Australiasian and Pacific festivals. These include using his choreography skills for the 'Montana World of Wearable Arts' Wellington, 'The Festival of the Dreaming' Sydney and 'Queen of The Whole Universe' Auckland and dancing in the 'Pacific Wave Festival' Sydney, South Pacific Arts Festival' Noumea and the Auckland Summer festival 'Concert In The Park'. His high level of professionalism has lead to positions within corporate entertainment, product launches, and television work with Maori TV and performances in a range of music video's collaborating with artists such as Maree Sheehan.

Throughout his career nothing has remained static as he constantly searches for new challenges and developments. These include teaching at the performing arts school 'Unitec', returning to the 'New Zealand School of Dance' and private dancing schools to choreograph and teach --passing on the knowledge to the next generation and sharing the wealth of dance. From 2004 Taiaroa has worked as a freelance dancer and found work with Michael Parmenter and Commotion Dance Co. in a retrospective tour. In 2006 he joined joined Douglas Wright's production of 'Black Milk' which successfully toured NZ. One of the largest of performances in its second national season 'Maui - One Man Against The Gods, directed by Tanemahuta Grey, facilitated Taiaroa returning to his spiritual roots with New Zealand. It also inspired him reason to look into his own genealogy and search for the next phase for himself.

Having been in this industry for over 20 years Tai is a highly versatile and experienced dancer. Fortunate enough to perform with some of New Zealand's finest dancers and choreographers, Taiaroa is enjoying each step of his physical journey . In 2007, saw a beginning in many small dance companies. Along with colleagues Ann Dewey and Taane Mete, Taiaroa collaborated with Spinning Sun to create 'Renu o te Ra ( Edge of the Sun)' a contemporary youth dance collective which successfully toured through the year. Alongside Taane Mete, he opened Okareka Dance Company.