DANZNew crowdfunding initiative to spark Chris Ofanoa's potential
'Spark My Potential' to help New Zealanders unleash their potential, realise their dreams, and achieve their goals.
The New Zealand Dance Company is being provided with the opportunity to be one of only nine crowdfunding projects being launched on Friday 8 August. Telecom has re-branded to become Spark and to celebrate they have launched Spark My Potential, a new crowdfunding initiative. Spark My Potential is a new crowd-funding programme helping New Zealanders unleash their potential, realise their dreams, and achieve their goals.
As the only dance company selected to be part of this launch this not only raises the profile of one of NZ’s next artistic potentials, but the visibility of dance across NZ beyond the confines of the arts sector. Melanie Esplin, General Manager of The New Zealand Dance Company says, 'We are so proud to have been selected and super excited to be representing the arts sector of NZ, and thrilled to be supporting the potential and talent of one specific young man – Chris Ofanoa.'
The New Zealand Dance Company met Chris when he was seconded to the company earlier in the year to understudy Justin Haiu, in their latest production of Language of Living. In 2015 The New Zealand Dance Company want to offer Chris a full-time apprenticeship and need to raise $35,000 to bring Chris into the company as a full time apprentice dancer.
Chris is currently competing at the Hip Hop Champs in Las Vegas with his current crew Fresh Movement and has the potential to be one of New Zealand’s brightest stars. With limited opportunities in NZ, some of our best artistic talent continues to leave our shores for international work. The New Zealand Dance Company want to keep Chris and his talent here in NZ.
Chris started dancing hip hop as a teen and discovered a love of dance. He was accepted into Unitec’s contemporary dance program after he completed high school. This year marks his third and final year at Unitec and then Chris is out on his own.
Spark wants to come on board and make Chris' dream to dance with the New Zealand Dance Company come true. Chris has been chosen from hundreds of applicants as one of nine individuals to leap forward in this crowdfunding launch. This weekend (August 8-10), Spark is matching every dollar that is pledged for Chris. To make a pledge. By pledging for Chris and adding your voice to this effort, you are investing in NZ’s creative economy and future. You are enabling this young man, fresh out of training, to shine on the stage and show the world what kind of talent we have here in New Zealand…that a boy from Avondale can dream a dream and it can come true right here in little ol’ NZ.