Born and raised in Napier, Aotearoa, Taane is the youngest of seven and was a free spirited and wildly nomadic child. Taane was first introduced to dance through kapa haka with whānau and friends. His experience of Dupree Jazz, from the age of 15, initiated his pathway to formal training at the New Zealand School of Dance in Wellington.

He graduated from the School with honours in contemporary dance and has performed with all the major dance companies in Aotearoa. Taane has sustained his performing career for more than four decades.

Taane’s life work has been inspired by his late parents in remembrance of the gifts and wisdom they taught him. Influenced by mātauranga Māori and the rich cultural tapestry of Aotearoa, his artistic expression is steeped in te ao Māori. His embodied spiritual practice as a dancer, yoga teacher and massage body worker brings together ‘the healing arts’.

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