by GEORGE GARDNER 05:00, Oct 09 2013 for stuff
http://www.stuff.co.nz/auckland/local-news/suburbanite/9256500/Upping-the-tempo-for-dance-festival
Island resident Celia Walmsley is set to get Auckland dancing as she celebrates a decade of one of this country's most popular festivals.
She is director of the Tempo Dance Festival running for the next two weeks at Auckland's Q Theatre, in Queen St.
Celia says she is "excited and honoured" to be at the helm again, particularly for the 10th anniversary celebration.
"This is my second year in the role and I sure lucked in with getting the 10th anniversary," she says.
The festival attracts established and upcoming dancers, providing. With more than 700 dancers and choreographers involved in the 2013 programme, Celia says it will be the biggest and best yet.
"Everyone wants to be part of the 10th anniversary celebrations. Our dancers range in age from 4 years to 50-something."
The biggest event this year is the Gala Night, which features work from artists and choreographers who have been part of Tempo's first decade.
Performers at the event include the Royal New Zealand Ballet, Michael Parmenter, Mary Jane O'Reilly and Charles Koroneho.
The festival will also feature Justin Haiu, the Hip Hop All Stars, Monisha Kumar, Aruna Po-Ching, Footnote Dance, Touch Compass, and Brian Jones.
Celia also moonlights as a professional photographer.
"As a photographer I get to shoot the most amazing dancers, costumes, lights and moves. The poster this year is one of my favourites.
"Andrew and Kayla were great dance models. Andrew is a top New Zealand hip hop dancer and Kayla is an amazing ballet and contemporary dancer.
"Andrew competed with IDENTITY at the World Hip Hop Champs in Las Vegas - the same champs in which Waiheke's own Hip Op-eration Crew competed."
IDENTITY won silver at the worlds and will be performing in Y Chromozone at Tempo on October 16 and 17.
The festival starts today and offers a programme of New Zealand, Maori, world, youth, family, contemporary and showcase events until October 20.
Visit tempo.co.nz for the programme and ticket details.
