The story of Footnote is the story of contemporary dance in Aotearoa.

Almost every notable New Zealand dancer and choreographer for over a generation has worked with Footnote during their careers. 

Founded by Deirdre Tarrant in 1985, Footnote is an ambitious national arts organisation that is dedicated to enriching Aotearoa by amplifying dance as an artform. 

Footnote New Zealand Dance supports artists and shares bold, inclusive arts experiences. Footnote is known for creating and commissioning bold new work by New Zealand artists.

We are passionate about creating an environment that supports dancers, choreographers and other artists to advance contemporary dance in Aotearoa and provides a safe place for practitioners to take artistic risks.

Footnote New Zealand Dance is a Registered Charitable Trust governed by six Trustees. A management-led organisation, Footnote is headed by a General Manager Zoë Nicholson, who is supported by an Artistic Director Anita Hunziker and a Communications & Operations Manager Brynne Tasker-Poland.

Footnote employs four dancers who report to the General Manager and Artistic Director.

Footnote contracts choreographers and other practitioners for its creative processes and professional development activities.

Footnote is grateful to be supported by our Patron, Deirdre Tarrant (CNZM), who founded Footnote NZ Dance in 1985. Deirdre has had a long and hugely successful career in Dance both internationally and nationally.