Judges
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.”
I’m so excited to have been asked to be a judge for Dancing for Life Education in partnership with Penny Homes.
My background has been dance all my life… starting at 4 years old to becoming a member of the Royal NZ Ballet Company at 16. I also judge ballet, jazz and tap comps around NZ. I’ve danced on many TV shows for the ballet company and also a show called the Glen Tucker show, that feature NZ and Australian artists.
Something you don’t know about me …I’m a racing car driver and currently the national champ… a kickboxing instructor and the only international nail competition judge in NZ.
This is going to be an amazing night ..make sure you get your tickets and a big thank you to our major sponsors Penny Homes. Good luck to all the contestants !
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.
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
