Dance styles on show at launch
A national celebration of dance begins in Palmerston North next week.
The launch of New Zealand Dance Week, run by Dance Aotearoa NZ, is coming to Palmerston North on April 27. It is the first time the event has been launched outside of a main centre.
Manawatu¯ co-ordinator Tania Kopytko said the idea started in 2016 as a way to raise the profile of dance. She said Palmerston North was chosen to host the launch due to its strong dance culture.
Te Manawa will host the first part of the launch. From 11am there will be free give-ita-go workshops for people to join in with and performances from local dance groups.
Kopytko said there would be a variety of dance styles from different cultures for people to try and watch, including Irish dancing, Bollywood and kapa haka.
Award-winning dancer Rodney Bell, who is paraplegic and dances in a wheelchair, will speak at Te Manawa and teach a workshop at The Globe.
Kopytko said Bell’s inspiring story would help break down the audience’s perceptions about who could dance.
In the afternoon, there will be a show at the Globe Theatre from 3pm to 4pm. Bell will perform alongside Tom Scrase, from Strike Percussion, to open. It is gold coin entry.
Kopytko said one of the aims of the event was to strengthen ties between different styles of dance and there will be a networking event at The Globe before the afternoon showcase.
Other events around the country for the week include a contemporary performance of Giselle in Auckland and a Shakespeare inspired dance showcase in Wellington.