DANCING FOR LIFE EDUCATION

Teacher: Holly Rabone

Holly started dancing when she was 5 years old doing jazz, ballet and contemporary. At university she started competing in modern jive competitions around the country. She then moved on to West Coast swing where she has competed in New Zealand and abroad. Holly moved to Taupo 2 years ago after working in Tauranga for a couple of years. She is a companion animal veterinarian with VetPlus. She has really enjoyed learning base step with Julian the past year and has been grateful for the opportunity to choreograph for and teach novice dancers.

Richard is a Whakatāne based community worker and mountain bike coach that loves to ride and take risks! Last year he threw himself on stage and at the mercy of an audience as a Dancing for Life Education Eastern Bay of Plenty contestant.

“Being partnered with the lovely Virginia Jeeves was a lot of fun, we’re both very extroverted and were given hip hop as our dance genre. We both had the time of our lives, met new people, learnt some new skills and had so many laughs. Incredibly on the night, we were not only awarded the People’s Choice award but we also WON!!”

Richard says it was the most stressful, scary, yet rewarding thing he’s ever done! He swore never again so now he’s on stage as a judge!

“I know exactly how these Central Plateau dancers will be feeling leading up to their performances. I wish them all the very best.”

Teachers: Robin & Faye Morre

Faye and Robin Moore live in Kinloch and moved to the Taupō area four years ago to be closer to family. They teach Rock’n’Roll and have been dancing 50’s/60’s dance for over 30 years.

They didn't start R’n’R dancing until they were in their 40’s when this type of dance was very strong throughout NZ.

They have attended the NZ National Championships held at Labour weekend for the past 30 years as competitive dancers. When held in Christchurch they also organised the event with Robin taking the MC role for a number of events too! They have been dance instructors for much of the time they have been involved.

Faye and Robin say “Both our children were involved with dance when they were young and still dance today, now in their 40’s. Our son runs his own dance studio in Wellington with his dance partner.”

They are both looking forward to Dancing for Life Education in partnership with Penny Homes and are enjoying teaching their two couples - “Lots of laughs and fun already.”

Teacher: Teresa McIntosh

Teresa is a modern jive dance teacher who has been teaching predominantly ceroc, ballroom and latin dance for 15-20 years combined. Teresa has competed and placed in numerous NZ competitions and loves teaching others “It’s exciting and fun.”

Teresa is assisted by Corey McIntosh and Norr Tane, both experience competitive dancers who enjoy sharing this passion with those keen to learn.

Teacher: Stacey "Stussy" Jacobs

Stussy from Misfitz Dance Studio has been teaching dance for over 15 years teaching Hip Hop, Zumba Fitness, Adult, Aqua and Fitness classes to all ages and abilities in New Zealand and Overseas.

Misfitz thrive on giving students the chance to express themselves in a more creative outlet, building confidence and self-esteem, and give the opportunity to build their dance careers in local and national events. Some of which are currently about to head off to L.A in September to perform at Disneyland, on Hollywood BLVD and work with some of the top choreographers in the world.

She is excited and honoured to be a part of Dancing for Life Education in partnership with Penny Homes and is ready to put the dancers through their paces!

Teacher: Julian Bishop

Julian Bishop started partner dancing at age 11. A few years later he was invited to partner for the upcoming junior champs at Harbour City Rock and Roll Club in Wellington. He  is also experienced in Latin and Argentine Tango and Performance. Julian has a passion for teaching others and today, runs classes in Rock and Roll and Basestep Modern Jive. Currently around five public classes per week over three nights between Turangi and Taupō. Additionally, he conducts private classes and coaches performance teams as they prepare for upcoming events. Julian has been assisted by the fantastic Holly Rabone.

Teacher: Dale Boddy

Dale Boddy retired 3 years ago after running a dance studio in Taupō for the past 30 years.

She is a qualified Ballroom and Latin American teacher with NZFDT.

She was also a qualified (Ballet) RAD teacher, a qualified AJDA (Jazz) and a AJDA examiner.

Teacher: Marcus Ashwell

Founder of Dancewell Studios Hamilton, Marcus is a fully qualified principal, who is not only an ex-Australian Dancesport Champion, he currently competes in Professional with Amateur events in New Zealand.

Marcus is a Fellow with the Ballroom Branch and holds two Licentiate Diplomas in, Latin American and New Vogue, and has been involved in dancing for more than 35 years.

Dean has Directed / Choreographed and /or produced many shows including Cats, Beauty and the Beast, Mary Poppins, Mamma Mia, 42nd Street, Broadway bigger than ever! with Jackie Clarke, The Rocky Horror Show with Richard Long and the touring Chicago starring Michael Barrymore and Tina Cross.

Based in his studio complex, Dean McKerras School of Dance thrives with over 500 dancers passing through its doors each week.

Having gained a Diploma of Teaching and Bachelor of Education, Dean has created and implements a ‘Dance in Education’ programme which has seen him share dance with over 50,000 school children. He currently shares his ‘passion and energy’ for dance with students through master classes which see him travelling around New Zealand, and internationally has taught in Vancouver, London and the Philippines.

Dean is the creator & director of DanceNZmade branding which runs competitions and workshops around the country for studios and schools, and provides Hip Hop, Contemporary and Performance (jazz based) Levels- a syllabus being danced in studios around the country

Taupō District Mayor David Trewavas entered local body politics in 2001 and served one term as a councillor before becoming Deputy Mayor in 2004.

He was elected Mayor in 2013 and since then has maintained a strong focus on encouraging economic development in the district.

Drawing on the skills and knowledge he gained during the development of his own business interests in Taupō, David enjoys advocating in the best interests of the district at both a regional and national level, and is passionate about ensuring the world knows the Taupō District is open for business.

David is married to Anna and has four daughters.