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As the national support organisation for dance, DANZ provides services and leadership to realise our vision for vibrant and thriving dance in Aotearoa; to move inspire and transform lives, therefore contributing to the creative, spiritual, physical and cultural health of the nation.

Given the power of digital technology, social media and the ways it provides opportunities in creativity, visibility and communion, DANZ is proud to present a nationwide dance video – For the Love of Dance in Aotearoa which will be launched on International Dance Day, 29 April 2016.

The project was inspired by YouTube phenomenon ‘Where the Hell is Matt?’ – a compilation video of American based, Matt Harding, performing a simple ‘jig’ in different places around the world. The For the Love of Dance in Aotearoa video project was pitched to a number of groups and individuals around New Zealand in the dance community. The premise of the project was to get lovers of dance together to come up with a piece of choreography and film it in a space significant to New Zealand or their town. The footage, submitted to DANZ, was then edited and combined to create a video montage showing the joy, diversity and community of dance in Aotearoa.

Groups from Auckland, Hamilton, New Plymouth, Wellington, Christchurch and Dunedin all participated in the video project, with its launch at 12pm on International Dance Day falling within New Zealand’s first National Dance Week. The music for the project was provided by Wellington musician and disability advocate, Pati Umaga, with his song Siva.

Linda Lim, DANZ Communication Manager says; ‘The aim of the video is to elevate the presence of dance in New Zealand and create a platform for dance lovers to show their passion for the art form.’

The groups featured in the video include Hip Op-eration Crew (Waiheke Island), StarJam (Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch), Festival One (Hamilton), JDK (Wellington), Dance Mechanics Latin Groove (Auckland), St Hilda’s Collegiate (Dunedin), Natraj School of Dance (Upper Hutt), Jodie Bate, Emma Payton and Thommy Bate (Dunedin), Masterclass Dance Studios (New Plymouth) and RASA School of Dance (Dunedin).

‘We are stoked with the response we have had to this project, which has enabled DANZ to forge new connections with our stakeholders and the wider dance community. There is so much amazing dance happening throughout NZ, and the power of digital technology has provided us with an opportunity to work with groups in the regions,’ says Lim.

The Hip Op-eration Crew from Waiheke Island and record holders for the world’s oldest dance crew are looking forward to the release of the video and intend on marking the day with a celebration viewing session. Billie Jordan, Founder and Manager of the Hip Op-eration Crew says; ‘The Hip Op-eration Crew are thrilled to be part of For the Love of Dance in Aotearoa. We feel so excited and privileged to be involved in this creative project to showcase New Zealand dance to the rest of the world.’

The video will be available for viewing from 12pm, 29 April on the DANZ website - http://danz.org.nz/For+the+Love+of+Dance+in+Aotearoa+2016.

‘We want all New Zealanders to watch it, like it and share it with their friends and family, and in so doing to support dance and New Zealand Dance Week. This is chance to celebrate the work of the many amazing talented dancers and choreographers in New Zealand and is just one way of highlighting the value of dance in our society,’ says Lim.