Jolt Dance Trust
Jolt Dance
Vision
Jolt's vision has always been about giving a voice to people with disabilities and celebrating their uniqueness. We aim to:
- offer regular, ongoing dance training for people with and without disabilities
- provide public performance opportunities that promote mixed ability dance
- explore the boundaries and perceptions of what dance is
- challenge conventional attitudes about disabilities
The first Jolt class was set up in 2001 with the support of the Christchurch City Council KiwiAble programme and has grown consistently since then. The classes are the heart of Jolt and offer dance training for all ages and abilities. There are currently 9 classes in Christchurch and Dunedin catering for everyone from 3 to 60 of all abilities. Jolt also offers workshops and support for groups wanting to establish their own dance programmes. In 2004 Jolt won the prestigious NZRA outstanding programme award for excellence and was awarded national recognition by Arts Access Aotearoa as the best Creative Space for 2009.
Jolt performance companies have grown out of the classes. Jolt Dance Company was established in 2002 and Jolt Youth in 2007. Together Jolt Dance and Jolt Youth have created 8 major shows (including sell-out seasons in the Christchurch Body Festival) conferences, performances and special works for the Halberg Trust and Special Olympics.
poignant and powerful performances"Jennifer Sheehan Dominion Post
"inspiring and innovative dance shows"
Nanaia Mahuta, Minister of Youth affairs
“the production truly delighted the audience...long may Jolt continue its work”
Alan Scott, Christchurch Press, 2008
“On Her Own Two Feet is provocative and intense...a stunning and thought provoking performance”
Nicola Muir, Danz, 2008
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