For one afternoon only, on Saturday 13 April, from 12pm Potters Park transforms into a dancefloor for Dancing in Parks – an event that brings together and showcases a variety of local community dance groups of all ages and abilities.
Funded through Albert-Eden Local Board’s Neighbourhood Arts programme, the dance-focused event is packed full of performances and workshops by local dance studies, school groups, cultural dance groups, independent choreographers and more to raise awareness of existing groups and talent within community and to encourage others to join in.
Albert-Eden Local Board Chair, Margi Watson is excited about the event.
“This event is a fantastic opportunity to liven up our local park, support local creatives, champion our diverse communities and attract more visitors.”
“It’s the board’s vision to see our people thrive, have a strong connection to the area and celebrate our differences and talents – which is exactly what the Neighbourhood Arts programme delivers through events such as this one.”
Dancing in Parks was founded in 2019 by Cindy Jang-Barlow, who has a desire to see more community dance events in public spaces.
“I asked myself, why are there music and movies in parks but not dancing in parks? And that’s how it started!” explains Jang-Barlow.
A passionate advocate for supporting the arts community, multidisciplinary art, collaborations and audience participation, Jang-Barlow has delivered successful productions at a wide range of events including, Auckland Arts Festival, Melbourne Fringe Festival and more.
“Through the support of Albert-Eden Neighbourhood Arts and Creative Communities Scheme, in 2019 we delivered three events across three local parks, Tahaki Reserve Mount Eden, Potters Park Balmoral and Coyle Park Point Chevalier,” she says.
Glowing reviews and feedback were received for the three inaugural Dancing in Parks events and now the event is back from a hiatus – ready to revive the dancing fever in Albert-Eden.
“Led by collective, Jang Huddle and with new co-producer Weichu Huang on board, we have put together a jam-packed programme with professional, specialist dancers that will hopefully get everyone at Potters Park up on their feet.”
Check out the programme here.
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