17 Aug 2009
Wellington City Council is encouraging people of all ages, shapes and sizes to put on their leotards and hit the dance floor for the 13th annual Dance Your Socks Off! Festival.
Running throughout September, the award-winning festival features a plethora of performances, workshops and fiestas that will have even the most straight-laced Wellingtonians tapping their feet.
The Councils Community Recreation Programmer, Leanne Parsons, says the festival will feature a fantastic mix of local and international dance talent and, going by previous years, could attract well over 20,000 people.
"Dance Your Socks Off! is all about showcasing the diversity of dance we have on offer in the Capital. From salsa to ceroc, ballet to breaking - theres something to get everyone moving to the beat. Whats more, heaps of the events are free so its the perfect way to beat the recession and have fun!"
Some of the highlights of this years festival include the Roller Disco - a perennial favourite for retro-fans of all ages which takes place in the Kilbirnie Recreation Centre on Saturday 12 September; and the Bats Season, which runs from 1-19 September with performances from five contemporary dance theatre groups.
Leanne says therell be a strong focus on events for the young ones too - with childrens sessions covering styles like jazz, hip hop and even Polish dancing. "Therell also be a chance for kids to get a behind-the-scenes look at the Royal New Zealand Ballet studios for a special creative dance workshop."
For further details on events and dates, look out for the Dance Your Socks Off! programme at Feeling Great stands around town, Wellington City Libraries, recreation centres and swimming pools, or visit www.feelinggreat.co.nz