A small group of disabled dancers in Christchurch are getting ready to represent New Zealand on the world stage.
High-energy group Jolt Dance has been invited to appear at Glasgow's inclusive dance festival 'Indepen-dance: Gathered Together' early next month.
Jolt Dance general manager Rachel Tully said the group's seven members will present Whakapapa - a performance piece that tells the stories of six Jolt dancers.
"It's talking about individuality, uniqueness, people's own history, and sort of sharing that. Sharing that we are stronger as a unit, as a community by having differences and by sharing and celebrating it."
The trip has special meaning for young Jolt dancer Jacob Levington. He's looking forward to seeing his family again.
"It's my first time back to my hometown. I get all my moves, like the way I dance, from my family piece."
Jolt Dance was founded 23 years ago, providing a platform for more than 200 dancers with intellectual disabilities to challenge stereotypes and break down barriers through dance.
Dancers are encouraged to choreograph their own performances, using every space on stage to tell their story.
The pioneer of innovative, inclusive dance practice will be in hot demand in Glasgow.
"They're also running a workshop to showcase Jolt's approach to dance and giving a presentation about the MOVE programme, which is our trainee programme where dancers learn to be dance teachers," Tully said.
Jolt Dance plans to hold a special 'pay-what-you-can' preview performance of Whakapapa at 7pm on August 20 at the Piano, to help raise money for their trip.
https://www.joltdance.co.nz/support-jolt
- By Geoff Sloan, made with the support of NZ On Air
