Justine is all 'positivity and passion'

PRIDE: Justine Eldred, founder of Greytown community dance company Tangle, works with Greytown School pupil Alexander Walsh, 8, during a retelling last year of Samuel Oates' journey over the Rimutaka Ranges. Mrs Eldred has been nominated for a Pride of NZ Award.PHOTO/ANDREW BONALLACK

A spectacular community show over Easter and two years of working with performers "from all walks of life" has prompted a nomination for Greytown woman Justine Eldred for the APN Pride of New Zealand awards.

Mrs Eldred is the founder of the Greytown community dance company Tangle, which uses non-professionals from the community as performers for her shows.

Her nominator, who is putting her forward for the Community Spirit category, has praised her Easter show, Fire and Water, "as one of the most dynamic and powerful examples of community I have ever witnessed".

The show, showcasing the last days of Jesus, involved 36 dancers and included an art gallery where 14 local artists were exhibited.

Performers at her shows range in age from eight to early seventies, including a youngster with Downs Syndrome and a man with advanced Parkinsons Disease.

"Her positivity, encouragement and passion has inspired and empowered everyone who took part or simply attended this event.

"This was her third show in the past two years and the quality was as good as anything you would see on a professional stage.

"I can't think of a better ambassador for Community Spirit or a more deserving candidate for this award than Justine Eldred.

"She is a powerful, creative and spiritually dynamic force in our town."

Mrs Eldred says it's "amazing" to be nominated and professes herself undeserving.

She enjoys working with people who haven't danced before, but want to.

It might be their first dance experience, but "it's just in them".

"As long as you are willing to inhabit what you are doing, it just pours out of you."

She said Tangle is "kind of like my church - you are bringing the community together".

Subject matter can be "pretty gritty", and included death, forgiveness, angelic meetings.

"You take people on a journey, challenging them with the role they are going to be doing.

"It feels very sacred going on that journey together."

For more information and to submit nominations, visit www.prideofnzawards.co.nz