Coco News

Erica excelling thanks to StarJam

Fourteen-year-old Erica Aii could dance before she could walk and "always had the beat".

Down Syndrome hasn't affected her quality of life but she's never been able to relate to others with the condition until now.

She attends dance classes at StarJam in Manurewa, a programme giving young people with disabilities the chance to experience performing through the common love of music.

Erica has a Samoan background and enjoys traditional dancing.

Erica says she feels like any other student, and for the past 18 moths has grown from strength to strength.

"It's very normal and very challenging," says the young dancer, who's favourite dance is hip hop and Samoan.

"I love how diverse we dance, it's really nice to understand what you're telling a story about in a conscious way and telling a story in a dance."

Her mum Janene says Erica really looks forward to going to StarJam every week.

Erica is

"We lived in France and Japan so couldn't really find anybody to relate to there," she says.

"I think because she's been mainstream her whole life it really didn't make a difference to her. She's always been just a regular kid.

Janene says that is nice to see that she's completely comfortable there, saying that the kids are just free to just be kids, which is an amazing sight to see.