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Christchurch dance company Jolt is taking its internationally recognised, disability-led approach to performance and education to South Korea this November.
A team of dancers and tutors — with and without disabilities — will visit Seoul and Busan to share Jolt’s inclusive dance model, co-create performances, and lead training workshops with Korean artists and educators.
Jolt empowers dancers with intellectual disabilities through programmes that challenge mainstream views of dance, disability, and difference — exploring movements and connections that are artistically unique.
The group was invited by Seoul-based organisation Light Sound and Friends, who were inspired by Jolt’s Move programme — an initiative that supports dancers with disabilities to become teachers and creative leaders. Together they will collaborate on the MADE (Mixed Ability Dance Education) programme to create a new performance with local dancers with disabilities.
“When we work with dancers in South Korea, we will be giving them lots of mana and aroha and also getting them to learn the Jolt way of doing of things. We empower dancers to embrace their differences and be themselves, to own the space,” says Jolt dancer and tutor Lachlan Oakes.
The visit will also include professional development sessions focused on dance teaching and leadership.
After the Seoul festival, the team will travel to Busan to work with the Busan Cultural Foundation, the Busan Dance Company and the Ongru Creative Village. There, Jolt’s disability leaders Joel Forman and Lachlan Oakes will lead workshops and exchanges, showcasing the importance of disability leadership in the arts.
Artistic Director, Lyn Cotton is excited about the opportunities this trip will bring.
“We feel humbled and excited to share Jolt’s unique artistic approach to dance and our disability led kaupapa in South Korea. International collaborations allow us to grow our own practice and celebrate the pioneering work happening in this field in Aotearoa.”