Remix chats with Black Grace’s Company B dancer, Paige Downard, about their latest production, Rage Rage, and what it takes to dance for one of Aotearoa’s most vigorous dance companies.
In the lead-up to their latest performance, filled with explosive, boundary-pushing movement and individualism, Rage Rage by Black Grace’s Company B, is set to transform the Aotea Centre into an experience like no other. Featuring a traverse stage and some of Aotearoa’s most powerful contemporary dancers, Paige Downard talked with Remix about the concept and demand behind the show. Conceptualising the chaos of the world and each dancer’s unique rage towards different worldly issues, Rage Rage is bound to leave guests questioning their stance on what’s going on around them.
Can you tell us about your background in dance?
I started dancing when I was four in Taupō and grew up doing jazz, contemporary, and a bit of hip hop. After finishing high school, I moved to Auckland to pursue dance more seriously and trained in commercial and urban movement. I auditioned for Company B last year and have been focusing on contemporary ever since.
How did you get the opportunity to become a part of Company B and their latest production, Rage Rage?
I first auditioned for Company B in 2024 and was lucky enough to be part of a production that same year—it was an amazing experience. I’ve been training with them ever since. I actually heard about it through some dance friends; they were talking about a ‘company day’ and I remember thinking, ‘What is that?’ I had never heard of it before.
How long have you been with Company B, and can you give us some insight into the demand for the program?
As dancers, we train about six times a week, every weeknight and then again on Saturdays. Saturday rehearsals alone can run for around seven hours, so it’s a pretty intense schedule.
Do you find you’ve had to eat or treat yourself differently to facilitate this kind of training? How has your regime changed since before you started training with Black Grace & Company B?
Yeah, definitely. I’ve had to change a lot of things, especially when it comes to how I fuel my body. I’ve been a vegetarian for eight years, but with the level of training I’m doing now, I realised I wasn’t getting enough protein. I ended up introducing chicken into my diet, and it’s made a huge difference in my muscle recovery.
In terms of my routine, I’ve had to become really disciplined outside of training—managing my sleep, movement, and recovery carefully. One thing I’ve learned is that what I do in my spare time—mentally and spiritually—is just as important. It all shows up in my dancing.
To help maintain my mental health, I’ve been reading more and becoming more conscious of what’s happening in the world. I’m exploring how global issues affect me and the people around me, and I’ve been working on forming my own opinions rather than just following what others think. These days, I ask myself, ‘How does this make me feel?’—because having that personal perspective breathes life into the concepts and intentions we bring into the studio.
How has Company B added value to your life?
I’m genuinely grateful every day that I get to do this as my job. I love everything about it—the people, the environment—and I’m constantly learning from everyone around me. It’s been incredible not just for my dancing, but also for my personal growth and development. I feel like I’m growing in confidence and intelligence all the time, which is really exciting.
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned from training with the Black Grace dancers and being mentored by Neil Ieremia is to always give it my best. It’s easy to get in your head and start comparing yourself to others who have more experience or training. But I’ve come to understand that if I’m showing up and giving 100%, then I’m making progress—chipping away and getting 1% better every day.
Can you paint us a picture of your day-to-day life recently?
A typical weekday starts with arriving at the studio around 10 a.m., where we train until it’s time to leave for Company B rehearsals, usually around 4 or 5 p.m. We head over to the Aotea Centre and rehearse in the various spaces provided by Auckland Live. Rehearsals usually run until about 8:30 p.m.
What has the process been like for Rage Rage? Tell us a bit about the production.
The process has been really fun—it’s honestly so refreshing to be in a creative space again. Working under Neil and watching him create is incredibly special and genuinely exciting. There’s this collective energy in the room, like we’re all striving toward something meaningful together. The intention behind the show has been a big focus for me—it's pushed me to explore how I feel about certain topics and where I hold rage or emotion about what’s happening in the world.
What was the inspiration behind Rage Rage, and what message is the production aiming to leave with Tamaki’s audience?
It’s about the chaos we’re experiencing in the world right now—whether that’s war, politics, personal struggles, or the treatment of minorities. It weaves together all of those things. The show touches on these big issues, but also explores how each person experiences them differently. That’s what I think is so powerful about it—everyone in the audience will connect with it in their own way, depending on how they perceive and relate to the concepts being explored.
Would you recommend Company B to other aspiring dancers?
100%. It’s such a unique and incredible experience—there’s really nothing else like it in New Zealand. Personally, I’ve never seen or been part of anything like Company B. Looking back, I had no idea what I was getting into, both physically and mentally. The program goes far beyond just dance—it’s about music, intention, and your mental state. One of the biggest things it’s taught me is how to work as part of a collective, which has been really powerful. I’d recommend the program to anyone who’s thinking about giving it a go.
What do you think Aotearoa’s dance and performing arts scene needs more of?
Proper training that prepares dancers for the professional realm. From my own experience, I didn’t see many options like that in New Zealand—and I really wish I had. I understand New Zealand is much smaller than other places globally, but I think there’s still a gap when it comes to instilling discipline, professionalism, and providing strong mentorship.
Buy tickets to Rage, Rage at aucklandlive.co.nz
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