Latin dancers around the country have thrown their support behind a Tauranga resident who's working towards making partner dancing more inclusive.

Kazel Law is one of the organisers of the Rainbow Connection Project that raised enough funds through a nationwide raffle to run free classes for the LGBTQIA+ community. They're aimed at providing a fresh new gender-neutral approach to partner dance classes, so everyone feels welcome to give it a go.

Diversity is welcome

'There was so much support for this project, and I was really touched by the stories from people about how much it matters to them that we're spreading the message about inclusion,” she says.

'We collaborated with GenderDynamix in Tauranga to put on a webinar for dance teachers and event organisers to learn about using people's pronouns and allowing people to choose their dance role rather than assuming which they'd feel more comfortable in.”

Kazel says traditional gender-driven ‘lead' and ‘follow' roles in partner dancing have become more fluid.

'I found one particular dance style, Brazilian Zouk, that is modern and easily allows for roles to be switched. Basically, people dance with people,” she says. 'Diversity is welcomed.”

Three free workshops will be held at Elizabeth St Community Centre and taught by Luiz Gabriel.

His dance company in Brazil develops contemporary research in partner dancing.

'The events are aimed at making dance more inclusive and transformative,” he says. 'Learning to better move with others is at the heart of every social dance.”

Everyone can attend

'Everyone should feel welcome to attend,” says Kazel. 'There will be experienced and friendly dancers there who will support those who feel a bit out of their comfort zone. Partner dancing is a fabulous way to meet people and have fun learning a new skill.

What: Rainbow Connection Introductory Dance workshops

When: Saturday, January 28, Saturday, February 11, and Saturday, February 25.

Register your interest at: docs.google. com/forms/d/17zcKd7DbfKyH8dHwkYJ-r4bUm6JptmQwSZzQXVNP81g/edit

You could also follow ZoukBoost on Facebook to find the event.