About Us
DFA was founded by Jonathan Hopkirk, the younger brother of Rosa who was born with Down Syndrome. Being a part-time DJ and having been involved in organising events, Jonathan often took Rosa along with him for a night out and to help him spin the decks, which she absolutely loved. Many great memories were made on these nights out and Jonathan saw an opportunity to make many more for the wider community. And with this in mind, DFA was born.
Social opportunities logistically can be limited for people with intellectual disabilities and funding also presents an issue. There are some incredible groups and individuals doing amazing things week in week out to offer opportunities to this community. However our vision was to host events for people with intellectual disabilities in the same venues that we 'all' like to attend with the same frills that we ‘all’ take for granted when socialising. THis also allows the interaction between those who get involved offering their services and those that have a disability which helps to build a positive familiarity in an often, segregated society.
Meet the Team
Jonathan Hopkirk
Founder
Jonathan is a Medical Doctor by trade. He is one of four siblings. His older sister Rosa has Down Syndrome, which is the driving force behind Jonathans commitment to change the game for people like Rosa all over the world.
Originally from New Zealand Jonathan now resides in Bondi, NSW. Outside of work he is a keen DJ and has placed much focus on building up the Dance for Abilities platform.
Jonathan’s vision is to launch DFA in other cities nationally with the ultimate goal of spreading globally. He wants to raise awareness about the positive impact diversity such as intellectual disability has on a community and the world at large.
Daniel Hopkirk
Director – New Zealand
Daniel runs Crave, his own Communications and events agency in Auckland, New Zealand. He is one of four siblings of which include Jonathan, the founder of Dance for Abilities and his younger sister Rosa who has Down Syndrome. Daniels passion stems from the opportunity to use his skill set to create events and experiences for people like Rosa all over the world. The joy and happiness that Rosa gets from dancing and interacting with other like-minded people with intellectual disabilities is a driving force for launching the New Zealand chapter of DFA.
Daniels career started in New Zealand with Red Bull, before travelling abroad to really broaden his marketing skillset globally. Following a tenure in the United Kingdom, Daniel moved to Australia where he ignited his love of delivering world class experiences through Virgin Australia Airlines and more recently Urban Purveyor Group in hospitality. Daniel wants to focus his expertise and create experiences for people with intellectual disabilities to bring them happiness in New Zealand.
Nicole West
Director
Nicole West is a marketeer by day and a DFA advocate by night. She has a marketing career spanning over 15 years, with extensive experience in both food retail and the beauty service industry. Nicole is currently Head of Marketing for Laser Clinics Australia and is responsible for leading the marketing strategy with particular focus on digital innovation, building brand equity and empowering people to be the best versions of themselves.
Originally from sunny South Africa Nicole now resides in Australia. Outside of work you will find her outdoors (preferably at the beach), socialising at her local hangouts or at home planning her next trip away.
Nicole’s role as Director at DFA is to coordinate all stakeholders involved to ensure that our guests always enjoy a great night out in a safe, fun and memorable environment.
