First Flight offers a unique opportunity to see contemporary dance choreographed and performed by young people. Inspired by Young and Hungry's annual festival for young playwrights and actors, First Flight consists of five fresh, original pieces and will premiere at BATS Theatre on 19 September as part of the Les Mills Dance Your Socks Off Festival 2007.First Flight offers a unique opportunity to see contemporary dance choreographed and performed by young people. Inspired by Young and Hungry's annual festival for young playwrights and actors, First Flight consists of five fresh, original pieces and will premiere at BATS Theatre on 19 September as part of the Les Mills Dance Your Socks Off Festival 2007.First Flight is a new initiative by a young Wellingtonian Lydia Zanetti, who sees the need for passionate young contemporary dancers to be able to create and perform in a professional environment.

"It seemed like there was support for young people to create new, exciting dance works but only if they were willing to be producer, publicist and just about every other job on top of that!" says Zanetti. "How could this be possible for someone who was relatively new in the field? I realised that this was a stumbling block for aspiring contemporary dancers in Wellington, so I decided to do something about it. That is how First Flight has developed and the positive response has been absolutely overwhelming."

Zanetti hopes to make First Flight an annual event on Wellington's dance calendar.

"These wonderful individuals are the future of New Zealand dance," she says. "Why wouldn't we support them?"

The theme for 2007's show is: First Flight - new beginnings, spreading your wings and soaring free.

When: 19-22 September 2007
Where: BATS Theatre, Kent Terrace, Wellington
Tickets: (04) 802 4175 or http://www.bats.co.nz.