Dance with diversity
Dance with Diversity is the Fit Hop NZ movement activation program for our neurodiverse tamariki and rangatahi with autism and other special needs. We use dance movement, interactive games, team work tasks and stimulating equipment to create a fun space where our students can express themselves and get physically active. Our program can cater to a range of abilities, from high needs to higher functioning students, each class designed for everyone to engage at their own level.
Established in 2022, we have had a huge positive impact in so many lives of young people by including the neurodiverse community in mainstream events, challenging their own ability to help them grow and continuing to bridge the gap and end the stigma of what these incredible people are capable of.
Mangere
College
"I have worked with Mangere College since Term 2 2025 thanks to support from Sport NZ. This is the is the Sir Keith Park satellite and I look forward to reaching out to more schools of SKP and bringing our exciting dance program to their doorstep.
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This class was a great vibe, always ready to get up and get involved. Leaders emerged, peer encouragement witnessed and student support was frequently visible through the exercises that practiced compassion, inclusion and friendship."
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ROSEHILL SCHOOL
"My experience in 2022 working with Rosehill School students with autism and other disabilities has been abundantly rewarding. Starting in term two we began introducing dance movement and football skills to the students. It was an instant thrill for many of the students, having a creative and physical outlet available to them in the middle of their school day. Some of the students took a while longer to adapt to this new class on their timetable, and we faced some challenges to encourage each student to participate within their own ability. I have witnessed amazing progress over the year and look forward to working with these students again in 2023."
- Sonjia Peck, Head Coach
Papakura
high school
"Our students at Papakura High School loved the dance and football program every Thursday in 2022. Our biggest highlight was learning a full dance choreography to perform at the end of year showcase with fellow South Auckland schools. Dance truly is a platform for so many opportunities like creativity, confidence, fitness and team building!"
- Sonjia Peck, Head Coach
kereru park school
"Our 2024 dance program for years 1-4 at KPS was always a massive highlight in the week of learning. Students in their year groups got together for a 30min dance session including warm up, agility dance drills and a performance piece that was then showcased for their whanau at the end of year prize giving celebration. Awesome to see our tamariki engaging in physical fitness and creative expression through out Fit Hop In Schools program!"
Sonjia Peck, Dance Instructor