Actress Claire Chitham will be donning her party dress for a very special event come June 15.
She is one of a handful of celebrities, including Antonia Prebble, who are donating their time to shimmy and boogie at the upcoming Dancing with Our Stars event at The Glasshouse in Auckland.
Presented by Dance For Abilities – a not-for-profit charity that aims to have the most aspirational dance parties for the unique abilities community across New Zealand – it will be a night of glamour, fun and lighting up the dance floor.
It is being organised by the same crew behind the hugely successful Dance for Abilities show at New Zealand Fashion Week in 2019.
Dancing with Our Stars is a take on the famous reality TV show, Dancing with The Stars, and guests are asked to come in their ballroom best.
“Mainly we’re excited to be able to create these opportunities again to enable people with unique abilities to feel like rockstars,” says Dance for Abilities director Daniel Hopkirk. “The last few years have been difficult for everyone, but the community has possibly suffered the most due to even more limited opportunities.”
Chitham says she’s been asked to do the ‘other’ Dancing with the Stars before but hasn’t been able to, so this is her time to shine.
She plans on making her way around the floor with as many partners as possible. “My aim will be to not squash their toes, or fall flat on my face as we all try to waltz, salsa and cha cha our way to a good time,” says Chitham.
However, what she is most looking forward to watching the Dance for Abilities stars dancing.
“Whilst I love to dance and will definitely be attempting to pull some moves out there, I’m most looking forward to watching others have a turn in the spotlight and putting their most glamorous feet forward,” she says.
“I have experienced firsthand the joy, uplift and sense of unity and belonging that performance with others can make you feel. It’s very different to ‘dance like you know people are watching’ than it is to just dance in your lounge. I’ve met a lot of people over the years with Down’s Syndrome who are the most compassionate, loving and fun people and love nothing better than a good excuse to party, but don’t always get the same opportunities as others to do that. My friend Dan Hopkirk, started Dance for Abilities with his brothers for his sister Rosie who has Down’s Syndrome, to do just that, provide equal opportunities. When he asked if I’d like to be involved, I jeté’d (leaped) at the chance (excuse the bad dance pun).”
With four weeks to go, Hopkirk says they are doing all they can to ensure the night is amazing. Like all their events, Dance for Abilities has made all tickets to this 18+ event free of charge for the community (tickets were snapped up in hours) which means Hopkirk is also busy fundraising.
“To put these events on we privately fundraise through Givealittle and private sponsors. Ports of Auckland, The Glasshouse and Crave Global have kindly donated some money this time, but we still have a significant shortfall to raise,” says Hopkirk.
Every donation of $50 helps to give one adult with an intellectual disability food, drink and an amazing experience for the evening.
You can sponsor a ticket here.
