Dance Around Local Gems Volume 3

Dance Around Local Gems Volume 3 is an exciting series of dance videos that blends captivating choreography with the breathtaking landscapes of Auckland, New Zealand. This project celebrates the beauty of local gems, showcasing locations like Mount Eden and Cornwall Park through expressive dance performances that tell the stories of their surroundings.Since 2022, we've produced over 150 videos in two successful volumes, gaining significant viewership across platforms. Volume 3 will feature refined choreography, improved cinematography, and exploration of hidden areas. To support this endeavor, we are launching a crowdfunding campaign for costumes, transportation, and marketing.Shooting is set for December 2024, with editing and sharing planned for early 2025. Join us in celebrating New Zealand's natural beauty through the art of dance!

Ashley Zhou is our talented dancer, rocking traditional Chinese costumes and bringing her love for nature to life through movement. A self-taught dancer for three years, Ashley also juggles being an English teacher and a piano salesperson. She finds that dancing helps her connect with the beauty of herself and the world around her.

Jack Li is our go-to videographer, teaming up with Ashley to capture all the magic on film. With over ten years in the video production game, Jack loves working in a small crew to create something special. He’s all about turning ideas into stunning visuals that showcase our beautiful backyard here in Auckland.Together, they’re on a mission to blend dance and nature, celebrating the incredible landscapes of New Zealand. 

Let’s get this show on the road!

We're not after the big bucks, just a bit of help to make this project sing. Here's where your hard-earned dosh will go:

• Costume and Props:

• New threads for Ashley to dance in (gotta look the part, right?)
• A fog machine to add some extra magic to our shots (because who doesn't love a bit of drama?)

• Getting Around:

• Petrol money to reach those hidden gems (some of these spots are a bit off the beaten track)
• Kai to keep our energy up during long shooting days (can't dance on an empty puku!)

• Spreading the Word:

• A bit of coin for marketing to make sure our videos reach far and wide
• We want to share the beauty of Aotearoa with the world, after all!

What We've Already Got Sorted:
We're not starting from scratch, fortunately. We've already got:

• Our own filming gear (camera, lights, the whole shebang)
• A post-production setup to make our videos look choice

The Bottom Line:
We're just after a modest boost to help us share these dance videos with a global audience. Every little bit helps, and we promise to make the most of whatever support you can give.

What We're Up To

Dance Around Local Gems Volume 3 is our latest crack at showcasing the stunning beauty of Aotearoa through dance. We're not just making videos; we're creating visual love letters to our breathtaking backyard. Picture this: People scrolling shorts and see a beautiful girl busting moves in some of Auckland's most jaw-dropping spots. We're talking major parks/reserves and a bunch of hidden gems in Auckland that'll make them go "Wow, I can't believe this is a walking distance to any houses! What country is it? "

Why We're Doing It

We reckon it's time the world got a proper look at what we've got going on down here. But we're not just about pretty views - we're mixing it up by adding dance to the mix. See, we believe there's something magical about expressing the spirit of a place through movement. It's like we're having a yarn with nature, but instead of words, we're using dance. Ashley's choreography is her way of telling the story of each location, bringing out the character and vibe of every spot we visit.

The Big Picture

We're not just making these videos for the sake of it. We want to:

1. Show off New Zealand's natural beauty to the world (because let's face it, we live in paradise)
2. Inspire people to get out and explore their own backyards
3. Prove that art and nature make a bloody good team
4. Celebrate the diversity of Auckland's landscapes and cultures

This project is our way of giving back to the community and sharing the love we have for this stunning country. We reckon if we can make even a few people see New Zealand in a new light or inspire them to bust a move in nature, we'll have done our job.

Here’s why Dance Around Local Gems Volume 3 deserves your support:

Showcasing Aotearoa's Beauty

• We’re highlighting New Zealand’s stunning landscapes and hidden gems.
• Encouraging both locals and tourists to explore our beautiful backyard.

Celebrating Cultural Diversity

• Blending traditional Chinese dance with Kiwi landscapes.
• Promoting appreciation for Auckland’s multicultural fabric.

Inspiring Connection with Nature

• Encouraging people to engage with nature and appreciate the environment.
• Demonstrating how art and nature can beautifully intertwine.

Boosting Local Tourism

• Putting lesser-known spots on the map and attracting visitors.
• Supporting local communities by increasing interest in diverse areas.

Promoting the Arts

• Showcasing dance as a powerful form of expression.
• Inspiring other artists to collaborate across disciplines.

By backing this project, you’re helping us create a visual love letter to Aotearoa. Together, we can celebrate our land, culture, and creativity, sharing the magic of New Zealand with the world.