Ta’alili, led by the visionary duo Aloali’i and Tori Manley-Tapu, has evolved through their exploration of dreams, imagery, and the reimagining of memories. Their recent stage performances, exhibitions, films, and conversations have revolved around themes of faces, language, and the dream world. Notably, their Etena Exhibition at the Mangere Arts Centre that paved the way for their stage production, “Faces of Nature,” which brought together the talented Rewa All Stars from Manurewa High School and Ta’alili artists in a reimagined utopian dreamscape. This production marked the genesis of their exciting journey into stage and film collaborations, with “Concrete Bloom”.

In the years 2022-23, Aloali’i, one of their co-directors, was among the group of 3 international choreographers selected to engage in an intensive eight-month choreographic research residency. Simultaneously, Tori Manley-Tapu continued her exploration as costume designer. This in the creation and presentation of their new work, “MANU MALO,” at Kampnagel in Hamburg, Germany. This project brought together artists from New Zealand, London, and Hamburg, setting the stage for a subsequent showcase at ASB Waterfront Theatre, where Aloali’i and Tori made their return to the stage as dancers, headlining the Pacific Dance Festival in June, 2023. Since 2016, they’ve been guest teachers and lecturers using their workshop Lofty Release as a door for participants to access a socially developed solo dance.