Ryman Healthcare is supporting grassroots community dance groups by offering three $5,000 grants to those groups that encourage people of all ages and abilities to keep moving through a love of dance.
As New Zealand’s largest retirement village operator, Ryman has proudly supported the Royal New Zealand Ballet since 2015. Each year the Ryman Healthcare Season of the Ballet captivates residents, team members and their wider communities as the company take them along on their theatrical journey.
This year, Ryman is going one step further. To get back to where a love of dance begins – in church halls, school gymnasiums or the local recreation centre. Where families and communities come together, where they celebrate creativity and individuality, and where they encourage movement and establish lifelong connections.
Ryman Healthcare New Zealand Chief Executive Cheyne Chalmers said the idea for Love to Dance came from the company’s close collaboration with the Royal New Zealand Ballet, and a desire to further extend the support given to the arts.
“Everyone starts in similar places. Usually, it’s local town halls and community stalwarts who provide the springboard for generations of artists. We are really thrilled to celebrate the arts at all levels and to play a part in supporting accessible arts across Aotearoa.”
“Dance schools provide opportunities for thousands of people of all ages to get active and involved. As well as giving the performers a chance to express themselves, they’re a wonderful spectacle for all generations across the country.”
Ryman’s Love to Dance grants are open to dance groups of any kind to apply. Whether it’s pre-schoolers or seniors, Scottish dancing or salsa, kapa haka or Kathak, breakdance or ballet – they want to hear from you.
Finalists will be decided by a panel of judges, including Ballet Mistress Clytie Campbell of the Royal New Zealand Ballet as well as a Ryman resident.
A shortlist of nine finalists will go out to public vote, rallying community support before the final three grant recipients are awarded.
