'Isope 'Akau'ola
Performer & Tutor

‘Isope ‘Akau’ola is an emerging dance artist from the villages of ‘Utulau and Lotofoa in Tonga and raised in Tāmaki Makaurau. His passion for movement was ignited through Pacific dance and theatre, leading him to full-time training at Unitec, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Performing and Screen Arts, earning the Senior Scholar Award.

In 2022, during his final years of study, ‘Isope performed in the premiere of Eddie Elliott’s Waiwhakaata: Reflections in the Water at the Auckland Arts Festival. He was later invited to join the cast of Jo Lloyd’s What They Said with The New Zealand Dance Company.

Since graduating, ‘Isope has toured both nationally and internationally with NZDC and has been developing his choreographic and teaching practice.

In addition to his work with NZDC, ‘Isope has independently produced and choreographed the acclaimed solo Bunga’s Paradise and the double bill Last Man Standing. His practice is deeply rooted in storytelling, endurance, and exploring the pursuit of utopia through movement.

‘Isope is excited to continue evolving as an artist, sharing the transformative power and joy of dance with diverse audiences and communities.