Touch Compass Competitors

AXIS’ artistry redefines dance and disability by collaborating with disabled and non-disabled artists to create virtuosic productions that challenge the perceptions of dance and disability. AXIS strives to create a radically inclusive dance sector and world by removing barriers and showcasing the beauty of difference. Founded in 1987, AXIS is the nation’s most acclaimed ensembles of disabled and non-disabled performers based in Oakland, CA. In 1998, Judith Smith took over Artistic Direction, and visioning a repertory company quickly trajected AXIS into the dance world with a commission by Bill T. Jones. Under her direction until 2017, AXIS toured to over 100 cities in the USA, Israel, UK, Europe and Russia. The Company has received seven Isadora Duncan Dance Awards and has appeared twice on FOX TV’s So You Think You Can Dance, exposing integrated dance to millions. In 2017, AXIS appointed acclaimed international choreographer and dancer Marc Brew to the position of Artistic Director. Marc Brew comes to AXIS with over 20 years of performance and Artistic Direction experience. Alongside our artistic performance program the Company provides unparalleled integrated dance education and outreach programs. From recreational to professional training, AXIS builds access to dance education for people of all ages with and without disabilities.

The New Zealand Dance Company (incorporated as The New Zealand Dance Advancement Trust) is an Auckland based, nationally focused contemporary dance company with a vision to create accessible, inspiring, high-calibre dance productions, grow audiences for dance in New Zealand and to provide ongoing career opportunities, mentoring and tutelage for the country's finest dancers and choreographers. Established in 2011, by co-founders Chief Executive/Artistic Director and Arts Laureate Shona McCullagh and the founding General Manager Frances Turner, the company seeks to break the paradigm of dance companies operating on a project by project basis, presenting work by one choreographer, and moved instead to a sustainable model of presenting a variety of choreographic works developed by a suite of emerging, mid-career and experienced practitioners. The New Zealand Dance Company provides a platform for both senior and emerging dancers to develop viable careers in New Zealand and to provide high quality work for our growing audience and artform..

Taki Rua produce, commission and develop theatre with a distinctively Māori voice. Since 1983, Taki Rua has been an arts industry leader – a creative rule breaker, continually evolving the definition of Māori theatre. We exist to connect our past and present and ensure Māori voices are heard worldwide.