Touch Compass Releases Latest DanceBox Short Film 

Touch Compass Dance Company has released the latest short film in their DanceBox series in time for International Dance Day, this Friday 29 April. Flipped: My Body Stopped To Let Me Remember, the newest collaboration in the company’s poignant and boundary-pushing series, is a five-minute glimpse into dancer Renee Ball’s inspiring journey from paralysis to performer.

Six years ago Renee Ball’s life was flipped on its head. Midway through a Bachelor of Dance Studies, the 19-year-old contracted Guillain-Barré Syndrome and within a few days she was paralysed. Initially only able to communicate through blinks and clicks, five years of rehabilitation has seen most of Renee’s movement return.

Through dance and music Flipped is the moving story of her loss, strength and fight to dance again.  

Chappell says, “The impact Touch Compass has on the lives of all its dancers is profound, as well as giving individuals with unique disabilities, like Renee, the opportunity to dance and choreograph at a professional level.

“We take our role very seriously in challenging and changing views on what dance is and who can do it, and we hope Flipped goes even further to impact views around disability and the performing arts.”

The film was led by Touch Compass Artistic Director Catherine Chappell and Director / Producer Romola Lang (Spartacus, Lumen), along with Director of Photography and Lighting, Ado Greshoff. (Greshoff recently scooped prizes for his cinematography on the homegrown film Housebound). Ball’s family also worked closely with the creative team to bring this heart-warming story to life.

Chappell is the creative talent behind Touch Compass’ DanceBox series. Flipped is the fifth installment in the series, and was filmed over two days at Corban’s Estate. It was made with funding from the Ministry of Social Development’s Make a Difference fund, Creative New Zealand and Foundation North.

Touch Compass’ DanceBox series is a community outreach project comprising a collection of short films that shine a light on profound personal moments that are life changing.

Renee is a now a dancer, dance tutor, choreographer and dance judge based in Palmerston North.

Flipped will be playing prior to selected films at The Victoria Theatre, Victoria Road, Devonport, from Thursday 28 April until Wednesday 4 May. Please see the session times below.

Flipped will be screened at The Victoria Theatre, Victoria Road, Devonport before the following feature film session times.

Eddie the Eagle
Thursday 28th April: 2.10pm, 3.30pm
Friday 29th April: 12.10pm, 2.15pm, 4.20pm
Saturday 30th April: 12.10pm, 2.15pm, 4.20pm, 6.40pm
Sunday 1st May: 12.15pm, 2.20pm, 4.20pm, 6.55pm
Monday 2nd May: 12.25pm, 3.45pm
Tuesday 3rd May: 12.15pm, 3.45pm, 6.10pm
Wednesday 4th May: 12.15pm, 3.45pm, 6.10pm

Mother’s Day
Thursday 28 Apr: 4:15pm, 5:40pm
Friday 29 Apr: 12:05pm, 4:25pm, 8:30pm
Saturday 30 Apr: 2:05pm, 4:25pm, 6:30pm
Sunday 1 May: 2:05pm, 8:30pm
Monday 2 May: 11:10am, 1:30pm, 5:50pm
Tuesday 3 May: 11:10am, 1:30pm, 5:50pm
Wednesday 4 May: 11:10am, 1:30pm, 7:50pm

View online: https://vimeo.com/164196905