Cook Island Dance and Flower Adornment Workshops with Aunty Kura

Join renowned Pacific dance practitioner Aunty Kura Taruia for a free ura (Cook Island dance) and an ei katu (crown) workshop as part of the 2025 season of the Pacific Dance Festival.

Celebrated for her deep expertise and dedication to preserving and sharing Pacific dance traditions, Aunty Kura leads participants through the vibrant movements and storytelling essence of Cook Islands ura – a dynamic dance form rooted in Pacific heritage.

Aunty Kura is also a highly skilled Cook Islands costume maker, known for her intricate craftsmanship and deep knowledge of traditional materials and techniques. Her costumes are more than adornment – they are cultural expressions, each piece is woven with meaning, identity and ancestral storytelling.

With decades of experience, Aunty Kura has created stunning regalia for performances, ceremonies and festivals, helping to preserve and pass on the artistry of Cook Islands attire to future generations.

Please book to attend so that we can prepare workshop materials. Your booking will require attendance for both workshops (not just one or the other). Please note that this workshop is in a public and visible space. Wear comfortable clothing (pareu or lavalava if available) and bring a water bottle.

• 11.30am–12.30pm: Ura (Cook Island Dance) Workshop
• 12.30–1.30pm: Ei Katu (Crown) Workshop

This workshop is FREE and follows on from the third Pacific Dance Open Rehearsal.