Santa Fe Art Institute

Jade Whaanga

Jade Whaanga, an Indigenous Movement Artist from Ngati Rakaipaaka/Ngati Rongomaiwahine heritage, who holds a Masters in Dance Studies from The University of Auckland. Her research focuses on reclaiming the indigenous feminine body through dance as ritual. Since 2016, she has collaborated with Dancing Earth, an Indigenous contemporary dance company in New Mexico, performing in four cities, administrating in Yelamu/San Francisco, and serving as Assistant Director for “Between Underground & Skyworld” in 2019-20. She is an International guest Artist Facilitator for GONA (Gathering of Native Americans) Youth Arts Camp from 2021 to 2023 in California. In 2019, she founded Nū Collective, offering interdisciplinary performances and hosting Hui Wāhine (women circles) and Hui Ringatoi (Creative gatherings). She facilitates workshops at wellness festivals such as Splore and Earthbeat, and teaches classes in studio spaces like SOMM (School of Modern Meditation).