When StarJam closed its doors last year, Kate Smith saw more than the loss of a dance class.

She saw young people with disabilities lose a place where they felt they belonged.

Determined not to let that happen, the Tauranga dance teacher founded Movement 44 – a free weekly dance programme for young people with disabilities and neurodivergent young people.

One year on, the Mount Maunganui-based programme has grown to 22 participants, a full class and a growing waiting list.

“It was a really sad time because I could see the impact it had on the people and the families,” Smith said of StarJam’s liquidation.

“Some of them had been part of StarJam for about 25 years, so it was a big part of their lives.”

Smith, who taught with StarJam, said it was her favourite day of the week.

“One day I decided, ‘Do you know what? I really want to start my own dance company for them’.”

She began contacting families and organising classes, launching Movement 44 in 2025.

The name reflects both dance and new beginnings. “Movement” represents dance, while the number 44 came from adding together the ages of Smith and her two sons at the time. After researching its meaning, she discovered it symbolised “new growth and new beginnings”.

“I thought that really tied into what I wanted to do.”

Jack Phillips and Cyclone Anderson at Movement 44. Photo / Supplied

The programme runs on Wednesday evenings during the school term at the Arataki Community Centre and remains free for participants.

Smith, who trained professionally at Bodywork, a performing arts college in Cambridge, England, said she wanted cost to never be a barrier for families.

“I just really wanted to be able to support these people and help them have fun.”

Funding from IHC helped cover studio costs and Smith volunteered her own time to run the programme. Two colleagues from her workplace at Lululemon also volunteer in the classes.

Although the class is at capacity, Smith hoped additional support would allow Movement 44 to expand. “It would be so amazing if I could get this out there,” she said.

“If there’s anyone who can help support this in any way, whether it’s offering a studio or helping us grow, it would make such a difference.”

Rather than focusing on participants’ disabilities, Smith said the emphasis was simply on dancing together.

“What I learned from StarJam is that we would never really talk about their disabilities. We were there just to dance.”

For Smith, seeing the friendships, confidence and enjoyment the classes bring had made the past year worthwhile.

“It’s such a cool thing to be a part of, and I just love it so much.”

For those who want to support Movement 44, contact Smith on ...... or email: