Stepping out to dance

Olivia Carr-Manoit (front), Nicholas Talbot (middle) and Tamara Iles have led the Kidz Rock programme at Mount Intermeidate School. Photo/Stuart Whitaker

When it came to helping her community Olivia Carr-Manoit looked into rather than outside her school.

Her Mount Maunganui Intermediate School year 7 class was learning about community issues and identifying what they would fight for. While many of her classmates looked at organisations outside the school, Olivia looked inwards.

She decided she wanted to work with other pupils who might not have access to dance and activity classes such as Jump Jam and teamed up with classmates Tamara Iles and Nicholas Talbot. They called the group Kidz Rock.

Principal Lisa Morresey says the students created an all-inclusive group to support students with all levels of ability to work on routines. The group met once a week through the term and last week held a special performance for parents and staff.

"They got group T-shirts and a training space to do the routines in their lunch break. There were about nine students involved and it was all student self directed," says Lisa.

Olivia has been involved in dance, musical theatre and Jump Jam and says she wanted to give others the opportunity. "It was a community challenge to contribute to the wellbeing of the community," says Olivia. "Some (students) did projects like the SPCA, but I decided to do something in our own school community." She says she hopes the group will continue next year.

Olivia choreographed the group's performances. Nicholas' mum Anne Lawrence says she was a little hesitant at the beginning.

"He was a bit overwhelmed at first, but was fine once he started learning and joining in - the group participation is a great thing for him and he's become good friends with the others."