OUR STRATEGIC VISION
Empowering the voices of dancers with intellectual disabilities
At Jolt, we believe dance is a powerful tool for connection, leadership, and change. Our work centres the lived experience, creativity, and potential of dancers with intellectual disabilities — challenging perceptions and reshaping what inclusive excellence looks like in Aotearoa and beyond.
Our Kaupapa
Community
We are grounded in community. Our programmes are dancer-led, relationship-driven, and whānau-centred. We invest in people, value connection, and believe that strong, diverse communities create the greatest impact.
Te Ao Māori
Our work reflects and honours the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi. We are committed to working in ways that are respectful, bicultural, and responsive to our community.
Accessibility
There are no barriers to being part of Jolt. Our programmes are accessible financially, emotionally, culturally, and creatively. We actively recognise and respond to inequities, ensuring those most marginalised are supported to participate and thrive.
Empowerment
We create meaningful pathways for leadership and professional development. By holding high expectations and championing excellence, we challenge negative attitudes toward disability and empower our dancers to lead, influence, and inspire.
Innovation
Jolt is artistically bold. We continually explore new ways to engage, teach, and perform, creating innovative dance experiences that push boundaries and redefine inclusive practice.
Our Outcome
To change the narrative on disability — to see the individual, reimagine inclusion, and respect difference.
Our Pou
Disability Leadership
We empower dancers with intellectual disabilities to lead and shape the future of our organisation and sector.
Artistic Excellence
We challenge deficit thinking by holding ourselves to high artistic standards.
Cultural Competency grounded in Te Tiriti
We work biculturally in ways that are inclusive, respectful, and accessible.
National Advocacy
We raise the mana of inclusive dance and amplify the voices of our community nationwide.
Sharing Practice – Thought Leadership
We support others to do this work well, strengthening local impact and national reach.
International Engagement
We position Jolt as a creative export for Aotearoa.
Sustainability
We are building a strong, resilient organisation for the future.
