September 2024

Choreographer: Amy Flannery

Artist Collaborators: Maddision Fraser and Aroha Pehi

Songwoman: Akala Newman

Mentors: Ella Havelka and Rhiannon Newton

Costume Design (dress detail artist): Shana O’Brien

Lighting: Blake Williams

Producer: Anthea Doropoulos

Sap is a vital substance that moves through a tree’s vascular system to help it stay healthy and heal. This thick, sticky liquid shows up when a tree is hurt or stressed, and it can look different depending on the type of tree. While the exact type of sap and why it appears can vary, sap generally acts as a protective shield for the tree. Besides keeping trees healthy, sap can be useful for people too. Its sticky texture and sweet smell make it a special and valuable natural resource.

We explored the intricate dance of the hidden pathways within the trees, the healing and cleansing processes that occur when unwanted critters bore through the bark, and the broader implications for ecosystems and habitats. We also started investigating deforestation and the impact it would have if it continues at its current pace.

Thank you to my mentors Ella Havelka and Rhiannon Newton,

Shana O'Brien, the team at Dance Makers Collective, March Dance, Critical Path, Akala Newman and DirtyFeet