Originally published on press.co.nz

Reviewed by Vicki Anderson
27 June 2021

Inspiring, moving and joyful – the Jolt dancers should be compulsory viewing.

It was a privilege to watch the Jolt dancers flutter and gracefully recount the seasons in style, superbly aided by the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra (CSO).

Based in Ōtautahi Christchurch and New Zealand's largest inclusive dance company, Jolt offers dance training and performance opportunities for people with disabilities, led by artistic director, Lyn Cotton.

Those present at the matinee session on Saturday afternoon quickly became aware that this was no ordinary experience and the audience, many of whom had loved ones on stage, settled in for a visual and aural treat.

Dancing with passion and precision and a great deal of heart, the Jolt dancers presented a one-hour show which was thought-provoking, inclusive and beautiful.

The dancers worked together to help each other shine in their moment in the spotlight.

Using their hands to create scenes in the surrounding air on their journey from spring to winter, the dancers used every space on stage to tell their story, weaving around the members of the CSO performing on stage beside them and occasionally also giving them a high-five.

I attended the ''relaxed'' matinee session, one of three performances, where audiences were free to make as much noise as they wanted.

CSO concertmaster Martin Riseley performed as violin soloist on German composer Max Richter's reimagined Vivaldi's The Four Seasons.

As the leaves fell through dancers’ hands, the music and dance moved seamlessly in harmony together.

It was liberating to see people of all ages and abilities dancing freely beside and around our city's orchestra, the joy of experiencing the music and the moment written over everyone's faces.

Congratulations to all performers involved in creating this special show.

Take a bow - Jolt Youth performers: Adelaide White, Aman Nautiyal​, Brooke Joyce, Cameron Boot, Carl Huia, Claudia Cassin, Daniel Forman, Jacob Levington, Janelle Olley, Joel Forman, Lachlan Oakes, Robert Sopoaga​, Rochelle Waters, Samuel Pethig, Sam Stevens, Paris Gorlick, Hannah Kofoed, Ava O'Loughlin, Brega Moloney, Niamh Moloney​, Oliver Knight, Ruby Fitzgerald, Saskia Manning, Tessa Low, Ruby Low, Gabby Fergus.