Oli Mathiesen (Ngāti Hine, Ngāti Manu, Ngāpuhi) is an award-winning queer choreographer and dancer born and raised in the heart of Tāmaki Makaurau. He has danced nationally and internationally for Atamira Dance Company, The New Zealand Dance Company, Black Grace, The Farm, STRUT Dance, and Canadian choreographer Crystal Pite. He is the winner of the international call for a new choreographic creation at the Venice Biennale Danza, seeing his new work, ‘Just Between Me and Jesus’, premiere in Venice 2026.
Drawing from his queer and Māori communities, Oli infuses his choreography with innovation and precision while never losing sight of the inherent joy and entertainment value that dance can offer. He thrives on challenging conventions and pushing the boundaries of dance presentation. His work takes established dance formats and daringly leads them into experimental and avant-garde realms, all the while engaging and captivating audiences, both within the artistic community and the broader commercial sphere.
