photo: John Mc Dermott

TAANE METE is considered one of New Zealand's most outstanding and versatile dancers. After graduating with honours from the NZ School of Dance in 1988, his 21 years of experience has seen him perform with companies such as Footnote Dance Company, Fusion Dance Theatre, Taiao Dance Company, Michael Parmenters (Commotion Company), Douglas Wright Dance Company, The Royal New Zealand Ballet, and Human Garden Dance Company. Taane was a founding member and a senior dancer for Black Grace Dance Company.

Taane also works as a choreographer and dance tutor at UNITEC Performing Arts, The New Zealand School of Dance & Douglas Wright Dance Company. Taane choreographed sections for many New Zealand events including New Zealand Fashion Week, World of Wearable Dance and Aids Foundation 'Queen of the Whole Universe.' Taane was also featured in the short film 'Hurtle' by Shona McCullagh (Human Garden), 'Xena Warrior Princess' and Peter Jackson's 'King Kong'. Taane has toured nationally and internationally with various companies.

In 2005, Taane began a new lease of work in television with Front of the Box Productions working as a television presenter for the programme 'Takataapui' for a year. After an annual break from the stage, Taane returned to dance and worked for highly acclaimed Choreographer Lemi Ponifasio and his company Mau Dance Company touring through Vienna and Brussels with the production 'Requiem'.

Requiem was a highlight for Taane and inspired him to work with dance company Spinning Sun on Contemporary dance for young people. In July 2007 alongside Taiaroa Royal and Ann Dewey, Taane choreographed “Renu O Te Ra” a youth dance project performance with THE EDGE Performing Arts Centre, Auckland. The work gave new light to the direction Taane wished to lead and drew a strong sense of purpose to the collaboration and joint company between Taane and Taiaroa Royal 'Okareka'.

2008 sees the birth of the company 'Okareka' and the debut work “Tama Ma” that will premiere at the Maidment Theatre in Auckland in June 2008.