All stages of life feature at wearable arts
Whether you’re just 10 years old or approaching your 70th birthday, the World of WearableArt will have a spot for you.
Every year, dozens and dozens of performers take part in the annual event and this year is no different – although the ages of the performers will vary a bit.
Taking to the WOW stage from September 26 will be five members of the Crows Feet Dance Collective, a dance group for women over the age of 35.
Two of the dancers – including Jan Bolwell – are in their 70th year, one is in her 50s and the other two are in their 60s. For all of them, this is their first time on the WOW stage.
Bolwell said it was incredible to take part in a production like WOW alongside bigger dance groups, such as performers from the New Zealand School of Dance and Footnote New Zealand Dance.
‘‘We’re just poncing about really, but thoroughly enjoying it,’’ she said.
This weekend will be the first rehearsal for the dance crew with all the technical aspects in place, something they were all looking forward to. They’re dancing in two sections: Aotearoa and Mythology and have three specially designed costumes each.
‘‘We’re performing in the first half, so hopefully we can be home in bed by the second half,’’ she joked.
At the other end of the scale are performers who haven’t hit their teens yet.
Since the very beginning of WOW, children have been part of the elaborate performance – in 1987, 2-year-old Ben Palmer, son of competition director Heather Palmer, took to the stage, holding hands with his older sister Jane.
Some years there have been up to 50 children in the show: this year has two children, alternating the small but important role of ‘‘child’’: Maytal Noy, 10, and Jessica Taal, 9.
Also , appearing will be the Wellington Parkour Group – featuring a 13 year old, Emily Morse.
Group leader Jack Newton said Morse and other young members of the parkour group were incredible athletes – at the same level as the adult performers.
‘‘They’ll ‘wow’ and surprise the audience, as well as emphasise the beauty of the garments with a unique set of tricks,’’ he said.
Every WOW season employs around 300 people assisted by 100 or so volunteers.