More than 250 dancers, from preschoolers to adults, put on a dynamic performance of ballet, jazz, contemporary and hip hop at the Pointe Central and Dance Out Loud end of year show on Thursday and Friday (December 17-18).

It was the first time the Pointe Central ballet academy and the Dance Out Loud school, which now share a studio, had combined their talents in a show.

The NZ Proud Showcase celebrated Kiwis’ pride in our country and its music, traditions, culture and lifestyle. The show also featured video vignettes of dance students talking about their favourite places, foods, and family traditions.

The majority of the music was from New Zealand, and dances referenced New Zealand birds, air and water, farming, ‘The Piano’ movie, and even possums. 

Joe Waide from @wanahaka made a special appearance in the show. PHOTO: Supplied

Before the first official performance, however, there was another special element. The United Dance Crew is a group of ten intellectually disabled youth who have formed a crew with Dance Out Loud.

The crew had not performed in front of a large audience until the show’s full dress rehearsal on Wednesday. 

They performed at the Lake Wanaka Centre with the other dancers, under lights and with the full sound system.

The United Dance Crew in action at the dress rehearsal. PHOTO: Wanaka App

Their performance was a practice run for the United Dance Crew being included in end of year dance performance in 2021.

“They were incredible - they really set the tone and were such a joy to watch and celebrate,” Dance Out Loud owner Rachel Bell said.

Rachel took the opportunity at the final performance on Friday evening to announce that Dance Out Loud has expanded to Waiheke Island.

“I already have some Wanaka dancers coming to visit and train with me up there booked, so it’s very exciting for us all to be expanding,” she said.