She likes to move it, move it | Auckland Entertainment | Events, Movies and TV Guide for Auckland

Dance in many forms will be on show in Auckland this weekend to raise money for stars in waiting, writes Sharu Delilkan.

"I've always loved teaching young children and it's absolutely beautiful what StarJam sets out to do." Estelle Vermeulen, the owner and director of Ballet Theatre of Auckland, says dancing has always been her passion and dancing to raise money for a worthy cause such as StarJam seemed a perfect fit.

We Like to Move It Move It is the first Dance4Love show staged by StarJam, the organisation that helps young people with disabilities work on their inbuilt talents.

In Dance4Love, young professional dancers from all over Auckland will put on a show to help rake in financial support for StarJam workshops. They don't charge for their services because they view it as a privilege to help out.

Performances include aerial silk dance, salsa, ballroom, belly-dancing, Ceroc, contemporary and classical ballet.

Vermeulen, of Takapuna, will perform variations from Paquita by legendary Russian choreographer Marius Pepita.

"I've always liked Paquita and have seen it performed since I was in ballet school. It's the most beautiful piece I could think of dancing to, which I feel is totally befitting," she says enthusiastically.

"I am honoured to be making my debut with this classic, purist piece while supporting such a noble cause such as StarJam."

Vermeulen, who moved here from South Africa five years ago, has recently established her own ballet school because she loves teaching so much.

"As a teacher and a dancer I try to instil discipline in the kids I teach. Working with children, I've had the chance to work with some different disabilities, quite often ones I believe society inflicts on them. That's why I love what the StarJam website says: 'Everyone has talent'.

"It's something I strongly believe in. And I feel it makes perfect sense to dance for their charity."

Aucklanders are urged to help the cause by buying tickets to this weekend's variety show.

Dance4Love presents We Like to Move It Move It, Dorothy Winstone Centre, Auckland Girls Grammar, 14 Howe St, Freemans Bay, Aug 22, 5pm. Tickets, see: www.dance4love.co.nz

In the spotlight

The Starjam organisation works on the principle that everybody - especially young folk who are in some way disabled - has a talent. Starjam gives kids the chance to develop those talents and bring them out into the light in front of an audience.