Indigenous World Dance 3.0 2026

Santee Smith, Tekaronhiáhkhwa (Picking Up the Sky), is a renowned multidisciplinary artist and cultural leader from the Kahnyen’kehàka (Mohawk) Nation in Ohswé:ken/Six Nations of the Grand River. Internationally recognized for her visionary contributions to dance and Indigenous performance, by weaving ancestral knowledge systems with contemporary practice to create transformative works rooted in identity, land, humanity, and our shared responsibility to the natural world. She trained at Canada’s National Ballet School and holds degrees in Physical Education, Psychology from McMaster University and a Master’s in Dance from York University. A Member of the Order of Canada, she serves as the 19th Chancellor of McMaster University.

As the founder and Artistic Director of Kaha:wi Dance Theatre, Santee creates, produces and tours numerous works and advances Indigenous methodologies through land-based and creativity research, international collaborations, cultural exchange and vitalization. A sought-after collaborator, speaker, teacher and mentor. Santee continues to inspire as an artist, leader, and cultural visionary.

Peter Rockford Espiritu is the Executive & Artistic Director of Tau Dance Theater, the only professional dance company based in Honolulu founded by a native Hawaiian.  Espiritu choreographed the stage production of Disney’s ‘The Tale of MOANA’ which world premiered on the inaugural voyage of the newest ship of its fleet, the Disney TREASURE in 2024.  Espiritu choreographed the luau at the Disney’s ‘Aulani Resort; is a seven-time Hawaii State Foundation for Culture and the Arts - Choreographic Award winner and served for 7 years as a commissioner representing dance for the Mayor’s Office of Culture and Arts in Honolulu. Espiritu was awarded a Jacob’s Pillow LAB residency for the creation of new work in February 2025; is a Western Arts Alliance – Performing Arts Discovery Fellow 2024; a WESTAF BIPOC Fellow 2024; Advancing Indigenous Performances - Native Launchpad Fellow 2023; a Dance USA Fellowship to Artists Fellow and in 2022 was awarded a prestigious Intercultural International Choreographer’s Creation Lab residency at Banff Center for the Creative Arts in Canada. The company presented 5 sold out performances at the Lincoln Center in New York City for the Festival of Firsts in 2022 and continues to be a driving force throughout the artistic realm of the greater Pacific. The company celebrates its 30th anniversary in 2026.

Taane Mete is a Rongoa Mãori healer, dancer / choreographer and a teacher of yoga, HITT Pilates Pulse and breathwork, for "The Art Of Healing'"
With over 40 years of movement experience, Taane blends ancient wisdom and traditional themes to offer a holistic approach to creativity and wellbeing. He is affiliated with the Ngati Kahungunu and Ngãti Koroki-Kahukura iwi (tribes), and his work often incorporates matauranga Mãori (Maori knowledge).
Born in Napier, he is the youngest of seven children and grew up immersed in kapa haka, a traditional Maori performing art form, alongside his family and friends.
At 15, he discovered Dupree Jazz, which marked a turning point in his lite, leading him to pursue formal dance training.

Mete graduated with Honours in contemporary dance from the New Zealand School of Dance in Wellington in 1988. He furthered his leadership skills by completing the Leadership New Zealand Programme, Pumanawa Kaiãrahi o Aotearoa, in 2008, soliditing his role as an advocate and mentor in the New Zealand dance community.
Taane has danced with various dance companies and was former Co Director of Okareka Dance Company. He has made significant contributions to the art of dance in New Zealand.
His approach emphasizes the interconnectedness and integration that reflects his-broader artistic philosophy that views movement as central to personal and cultural expression.
As a choreographer, Mete has created notable works and collaborations such as Tama Ma, Ngã Hau e Wha, Mana Wahine, K' Rd Strip, Piata, He Taonga, Te Mata, Pohutukawa, Marae in the Sky, Estrella, Hikoi and All Eyes Open.
Taane is currently developing his latest work “Pīata” for this years Matariki season that will premiere at the Auckland Art Gallery July 10 2026.  

His collaborative work also extends to the visual arts with renowned New Zealand video arist Lisa Reihanas for her video work "IHI"