Jolt Reconnects - London Project 2020

Jolt has been a leading, innovative inclusive dance company In NZ since 2001. We work with people with disabilities of all ages offering classes, creating performances and community and educational programmes. We are based in Christchurch, but our reach is national and we now have the opportunity to share our work on an international stage.

A groundbreaking company, we were the first in New Zealand to create performances for audiences with disabilities and our Move tutor training scheme for dancers for disabilities is not only unique in New Zealand but internationally. We have received a number of awards including Arts Access Creative Space 2009, Attitude TV “Making a Difference” award 2014 and in 2015 Artistic Director Lyn Cotton won a Winston Churchill Fellowship to study abroad. We have the opportunity to talk about this work in London alongside our performances. 

The Invitation

London-based Amici Dance Theatre Company has invited us to present our work to an international audience as part of their week-long 40th anniversary celebration. Jolt has been invited because we are part of the Amici story. Amici in many ways was the beginning of Jolt – it is where Artistic Director and Founder Lyn Cotton first experienced inclusive dance. Wolfgang Stange is the Founder and Artistic Director of Amici and Lyn's time with Wolfgang informed Jolt's work and inspired us to always place our dancers at the heart. This is a reconnection for us and we are honoured to be chosen.

What We Will Do

Amici is paying for two Jolt members to go, but we would like to bring three extra performers/teachers with us. We have received funding to create a new work, “Takiwatanga,” which explores Carl's experience of autism, which will be performed by Carl and Aleasha in London. We have also received funding to create a new short film, “They call me Sam,” which challenges attitudes arounds having a child with Down Syndrome. The film will premiere in London. Rochelle will have the opportunity to teach using the Jolt approach, and the team will have opportunities to share and talk about Jolt's work.

Outcomes

This project is exciting on many different levels. The opportunity to meet and learn as well as contribute to a worldwide discussion around inclusive dance is an amazing gift. There will be many groups performing and sharing throughout the week – Jolt is part of a worldwide movement that recognises the unique and powerful voices of people with disabilities in the arts.

Now we need your help to get there. Your support will go towards, flights, accommodation and travel costs for Carl, Rochelle and Aleasha.