Giving the silenced a voice through the medium of dance

Sonia Nazzer Founder and Director of Academy of Jazz in Hong Kong has spent the past 16 years bringing the beauty of dance to students throughout the world. At 21 years old with nothing but a suitcase and a passionate desire to transform lives of children who were the most vulnerable, Sonia left her homeland of New Zealand and set off to live and volunteer in Bogota Colombia. Academy of Jazz dance studios in Hong Kong were born out of this incredible experience of seeing how dance can heal, transform, and transcend language, socio economic barriers and bring out authentic expression and joy. After operating in Hong Kong for the past 9 years Academy of Jazz is delighted to be working with The Vine Community Services Ltd to offer dance classes to refugee children from all over the world whose parents are seeking refuge in Hong Kong from war, famine, political and religious violence. 

Within our city there are over 11,000 men, women, and children who have been forcibly displaced from their home countries. They were teachers, businessmen, lawyers, mothers and fathers like yourself. They have fled war, persecution, and violence. They come here seeking safety. Once here, they are not legally allowed to work or fully participate in society. They have effectively fallen through the cracks. We give them community, financial support, and the tools they need to rebuild their lives.

The over 600 children here with their parents are the most vulnerable. We work to give them hope by providing educational opportunities that open their minds while improving their capabilities. We strive to install confidence in their abilities to deal with every day life and overcome obstacles. We seek to provide outlets for them to express themselves and share their gifts with the world around them. By giving them these opportunities we help them to become better neighbours tomorrow.

Academy of Jazz and The Vine Community Services Limited are delighted to host the first Dancetastic Hip hop and Jazz Dance workshop this Saturday October 15th from 10.30am - 12.30pm. Open to children ages 6 - 10 years of age and hosted at The Vine Community Church in Wan Chai. Cost is $100 and children will learn a variety of Jazz and Hip Hop dance moves and be supporting the work of The Vine Community Services Limited. 

"Academy of Jazz celebrates diversity and creative expression. Students rehearsing for "Time Machine" the Academy Of Jazz original dance musical performed February 2016 at the Youth Theatre in Chai Wan.

Music and Movement Class with a volunteer at VCSL

Story Telling comes to life for the kids with volunteers at VCSL.

Address: 

The Vine Community Services

29 Burrows Street, Wan Chai, Hong Kong

Phone: +852 3527 6000 Fax: +852 2865 5381

Email: [email protected]