Jolt Performances
Jolt has established a reputation for beautiful, quirky and innovative works Our aim is not only to create dance works of the highest standard, but to celebrate the unique qualities of our dancers and challenge perspectives about disability and contemporary dance. Jolt dancers are central to the choreographic process. They provide the inspiration for the works and are continually challenged to achieve technically as well as creatively.
As well as major shows, Jolt has performed at conferences for the IHC, Disabled Persons Assembly and Ministry of Youth affairs.
Past Performances
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Homeland
Homeland features all of the jolt dancers - from the very small to the very tall. It is a celebration of our link to the land, its physical beauty and our cultural heritage. Featuring work choreographed by Fleur de Thier and Erica Viedma, the show also includes a work specially commissioned by the Christchurch City Council as a tribute to Christchurch. (November 2011)
The Paperbag Princess
The Paperbag Princess by Robert Munsch was Jolt Youth's third show. Using original film by Rick Harvie it told a heroic tale of love, bravery and a fire breathing dragon. Elizabeth begins as a traditional princess, but as she journeys to save her prince she finds she is capable of much more. (October, 2009)
Retrospective
Retrospective was a celebration of 7 years of Jolt Dance Company. Featuring excerpts and dancers from all of the Jolt shows it brought together a large group of diverse and talented dancers. The show reflected the unique quality of Jolts work: quirky, poignant and challenging. It was also a moving reflection of the journey to company has taken over the last 7 years. (October, 2009)
The Man Whose Mother was a Pirate
Jolt Youth's original adaptation of Margaret Mahy's wonderful story fused dance, physical theatre and puppetry to recreate the journey of the little man and his pirate mother. Working with internationally renowned puppet maker Rebekah Wild, the show captured the humour, joy and imagination that are the prevailing features of Mahy’s work; her love of life, people and the sea. (October 2008)
On Her Own Two Feet
On Her Own Two Feet explored the textures and complexities of womanhood through the experiences of its individual dancers and asked the question "Does what we share in common as women overcome the physical differences that define us?" Sensual, sassy and strong it asked the question What does it mean to stand on your own two feet. (November, 2008)
Where The Wild Things Are
"Where the Wild Things are" by Maurice Sendak was the first performance by the newly created Jolt Youth performance company. Fusing dance, drama and film the piece recreated the magical journey by Max to the land of the wild things where he comes to realise who loves him best of all. (September 2007)
Let inside me Laugh
"Let inside me Laugh" was created as an exploration of the experiences of two of our core dancers Stephen and Michael Krammer, both of whom have Autism. Using dance in combination with original film by Rick Harvie, the piece was a powerful and moving expression of both the frustrations and fragile beauty inherent in this condition. (February 2007)
Special Olympics Closing Ceremony
Jolt's performance at the Special Olympics was a celebration of both sport and integration. The piece was in two parts. The first celebrated the skill and creativity of our adult dancers. The second captured the essence of our philosophy, combining adults and children with and without a disability in an uplifting and moving performance. (December 2005)
Absolute
Absolute was presented in three parts, each seeking to explore a different aspect of what it means to be human. "Absolute Trust" explored the unique bond between our dancers. "Absolutely Absurd" offered us a chance to laugh at ourselves. "Absolute" was about the need to be whole without the need to explain or justify yourself to the world. (June 2005)
Click the pictures to view two short video clips (2MB each)
Crossing Point
Crossing Point used film, dance and drama to powerfully portray some of the issues that surround having a child with downs syndrome. Based on the life of Jolt dancer, Amy Lysaght, it dramatically explored the pressures and expectations placed on us by society and how we need to break these by celebrating what is unique about all of us. (December 2004)
Tread Softly
"Tread Softly", our second show, presented a range of pieces that sought to celebrate dance: from the hauntingly beautiful to the theatrically comic. Based around favourite poems and music it explored movement and space. It also included live music written and performed by visually impaired pianist, Sean James. (July 2003)
Jolt
Jolt's first show was simply entitled "Jolt". It brought together 8 young dancers of mixed ability to explore relationships: how we connect and respond to others and our need to overcome our own inhibitions about differences. (December 2002)
