Wakatu Dance Theatre Trust

The Wakatu Dance Theatre Trust was established over 30 years ago, funded by Peta and her Dance Academy, as a way to provide support and encouragement to the young people of Nelson. Peta felt strongly about ensuring each and every child had the opportunity to dance if they wished! Today the home of the Wakatu Dance Theatre Trust provides so much more to our community. It offers a physical space to a huge diverse range of community groups from mums bubs classes, special needs classes, elderly groups, adult dance, Tai chi, community yoga, pilates and barre, group fitness, circus classes and meals for the homeless … to name a few.

Through public funding the Trust was able to purchase it’s buildings, meaning this community hub had a home. Through her own Dance Studio (including annual dance shows), Peta has shouldered the ongoing stresses and upkeep of these buildings, to the detriment of her own business. So instead of being a profitable business, most of its income goes towards the maintenance of these buildings.

Over the years, Peta has been able to provide so much for so many … too many to mention all. Peta has also helped Nelson families, providing financial support, a place to stay and acted as a support to those unfairly treated, but with changing circumstances, it is putting too much financial stresses on her. This is not a personal call for help. The Wakatu Dance Theatre Trust needs financial support to ease the stress of all the building maintenance required.