Paraplegic Harper Heta champions the stage of treatment in performing arts

Harper Heta, 12, winners the performing arts. She says the true secret to succeed in life is to not limit by hand. Photo / Josie Gritten

After a back-flip eliminate wrong at the age of 7, Harper Varma of Te Aupouri (12) suffered permanent injuries preventing her ability to walk again.

The middle Harper, her passion to joueur the performing arts has did more than ever, taking her from the pursue in her school Kapa Haka to contemporary dance on the larger stage.

“I’ve generally had a passion for arts, ” she says.

Upon fact finding her talents, Harper started rap dancing where she met paraplegic performer Rodney Bell who by means of her to the stage production Hurihuri.

It fuses hip hop or contemporary movement with traditional kapa haka, and is set to premiere at all the Hamilton Gardens Festival next month, that have Harper as one of the main performers.

“He [Bell] inspires me to learn more about dance and I really enjoy creating new ways of movement in doing my wheelchair. ”

Hurihuri which means to spin, rotate and unite, explores different outlooks from an cultural worldview, and uplifts people who have disabilities.

The passion for pursue performing stemmed from Harper’s appreciation for kapa haka where the beauty discovered untouched talents, something the person knew was worth exploring even more.

Kapa haka delivered a strong sense of self because confidence, solidifying Harper’s identity like wahine Māori which has given his the confidence to push through your loved one’s toughest challenges.

Inspired by kapa haka, Harper is able to channel your girlfriend’s confidence in exploring other roads of performing arts.

Hurihuri director Malia Johnston says Harper has “injected what she moves” into the production, showcasing a woman poi talents.

Johnston says she’s been amazed at Harper’s ability to comprehend a mature setting along with proven that she is ready for all challenge.

“She immediately has something strong to offer, inches Johnston says.

Harper describes Hurihuri as “educational, pleasant, and lots of hard work”.

“I love to express myself in dance and I feel very honoured to help with this [Māori] wood stock and to learn more about our culture from a so many different point of view. ”

And yes it doesn’t stop there. Harper desires to ignite change by helpful others whether they have disabilities not really.

“I do tom things but no more than your average person. I do life through positivity as well as , good intentions so I can be positive. ”

“I prefer to inspire others and show them these people can do anything in life and that they should never put-up barriers for themselves to succeed in life. alone