Strong Voices

What do I do (or like to do)?

I am part of Jolt. I teach my own class for Jolt, Creative Movement with Rochelle and Kate Z. I perform in Block Party in different areas in Christchurch; we do a lot of workshops with different people. I’m in Move Outreach on Tuesdays where I help to teach the community class, which has lots of non-verbal people and people who are in wheelchairs. I love teaching on IHC Media Zoom sessions because we have lots of cool people coming on. They have fun and we get to know people from all over, and they get to express themselves and move and dance.  

Outside of Jolt I like riding my bike and going to different places. I go to Fat Eddie’s in Christchurch on Friday nights with my family and hang out at home and listen to music.

What is the coolest thing that has happened to me lately?

I went with my brother Daniel to represent Jolt at the New Zealander of the Year Awards in Auckland and we got to see famous people, we had a nice meal. Jolt didn’t win but we got on the short list for Community of the Year, and it was cool to go to the awards. I saw the rugby sevens captain, Sarah Hirini and Lisa Carrington and Richie McCaw.  

What makes me happy?

Having fun, being excited and being active makes me happy. I get enjoyment from doing dancing, and I feel happy when I listen to songs that I love. I love hanging with my Jolt whānau. My friends are important to me, they give me courage and joy. I love my family, and I love spending time with them.  

What does New Zealand need to do better?

Bringing people together so they can be part of something, like we are part of Jolt.  

Who are some of my favourite people?

I like everyone at Jolt! My favourite class is Move Outreach.  

What are you most proud of?

Building my mana and honouring my Māori whakapapa and my connection to Ngāi Tahu and getting to know Hana O’Regan. I have aroha for my family in Christchurch but also my family at my marae, and I like helping out with projects there. In the show Whakapapa we told my story of connecting to Ngāi Tahu and I took that to Glasgow to perform.

In August, 2024 Jolt Dance travelled to Glasgow to participate in the International Inclusive Dance Festival Gathered Together.

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Joel Forman is a dance teacher with Jolt Dance in Ōtautahi. He presents Jolt Dance on IHC Media, Monday mornings at 11am. Sign up at www.ihcmedia.org.nz

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My Voice is a new feature in Strong Voices to get to know some of the people in our community.