Dancing for a Cause a major fundraiser for Nelson Tasman Hospice. It sees 10 locals, with varying degrees of dancing experience, team-up with trained dancers and hit the dance floor on Saturday 27 May at the Trafalgar Centre.
This week Sara Hollyman talks to contestants Ben Brownie and Rosie James about preparing and their hopes for the event.
What first drew you to Dancing for a Cause?
Ben: First of all the hard-working Sarah Lindup from NBS Dancing for a Cause planted the seed to see if I would be interested......the rest was a no-brainer for me, let’s help hospice, the local community and put on a fun night together.
Rosie: A Facebook post on Sarah’s story not long after I lost a friend to cancer. I couldn’t think of a better way to channel that grief than to raise funds for hospice.
How much money are you hoping to raise?
Rosie: Still hoping to get close to $30,000. So, dig deep Nelsonians.
Ben: $40,000+ would be great.
Tell me about your previous dancing experience (or lack of).
Rosie: Terrible! My Mum pulled me out of ballet classes after one term as she said it was a waste of money.
Ben: I would say my dance experience would revolve around Mum and Dad having parties at home as we were youngsters, they encouraged us to express ourselves on the dance floor and move our hips! Other than that...The Little Rock??
What’s been the hardest part of the process?
Rosie: The dancing! By a long shot.
Ben: Waking up with sore muscles that I haven’t used for a long time or ever. To start with asking people for money I found hard but because it is for hospice everyone is very generous.
Why is the Nelson Tasman Hospice important to you?
Ben: They have supported my family network, friends and the wider community, everyone wants this amazing service in our region, they are highly skilled and look after people so well.
Rosie: After losing a friend to cancer last year and my stepsister about 14 years ago. Hospice provides much needed care and support for the terminally ill and their families. Anybody at the end of their life deserves dignified care.
What sort of practice or preparation have you been doing?
Rosie: One session a week with my partner Olly, and one session a week with Olly and our teacher (the amazingly patient Emma!).
Ben: My dance partner Shannon and I have been having one lesson per week with the legendary Sally, one practice with Shannon each week, one practice with my wife Wendy each week and numerous steps made in the shower or work place.
What are you most nervous about?
Rosie: I’m not really nervous! I just hope there is still enough time to get the dance somewhat right.
Ben: Entering the dance floor on the night, by far.
Is this the craziest thing you’ve ever done? If not, what was?
Rosie: Quite possibly! I’m not really a thrill seeker but I have donated my eggs three times. Some people think that is a little crazy.
Ben: Yes, by far this will the most out-there thing I have ever done.
Has anything surprised you?
Ben: Yes, the limited amount of dance competitions/clubs now available for competitors in NZ, there are so many talented dancers in NZ.
Rosie: That I can actually dance - somewhat.
What can people expect from your performance?
Rosie: Hopefully that I remember all my steps and keep in time to the music.
Ben: Fast moving, hips, and hopefully two dancers standing at the end of it.
