Dancing for a Cause is 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, we chat with contestants Ben Douglas, Angela Miller, and Kat Campbell about preparing and their hopes for the event.
What first drew you to Dancing for a Cause?
Ben: An email out of the blue from Sarah. I was familiar with the event having supported Hamish Fletcher last time round but never thought it was something I would be involved in.
Kat: For the 2021 Dancing for a Cause, KC&CO. Real Estate sponsored Clint the MC, we love being involved in anything that assists and supports Nelson Hospice.
Angela: After attending the previous two shows I’ve always thought what a great event it was and an amazing thing to do to raise money for Hospice.
Tell me about your previous dancing experience (or lack of).
Kat: Zero! Unless you count the dance floor clearing moves I use to bust out with friends on Friday nights.
Angela: Zero - none. I’ve been a marching girl my entire life, but I quickly learned that that is more of a hindrance than help for dancing purposes.
Ben: Picture arms and legs going everywhere and that’s about it.
What’s been the hardest part of the process?
Angela: The ‘dancing’! I didn’t for a minute realise how hard it was going to be.
Ben: The trainings are super hard, so much to take in and remember, but at the same time very enjoyable.
Kat: Learning to do spins – oh my golly, they look easy as, but nope.
How much money are you hoping to raise?
Ben: Millions. Anyone out there that has millions and wants to share them with an amazing cause..?
Kat: As much as I am able!
Angela: We all had a target of $5000, so something above that.
Why is the Nelson Tasman Hospice important to you?
Kat: Hospice is an awesome facility that we are fortunate to have; the staff, the buildings and grounds, the care experience and expertise.
Angela: I’ve had friends having to use hospice services and the wonderful care they and the families receive during what is an extremely difficult time is amazing.
Ben: Endless stories I hear around the community about the support offered by the Hospice team and facilities.
What can people expect from your performance?
Angela: Well, hopefully a good one… it’ll be great to show everyone what we’ve been working so hard on.
Ben: Expect arms and legs going everywhere…. No, I think anyone that knows me will have low expectations so I aim to mesmerize all concerned.
Kat: Hopefully a lively and dramatic performance.
What are you most nervous about?
Ben: Losing to Ryan Edwards.
Kat: I’m not yet, ask me on the night.
Angela: Probably the obvious…. Completely stuffing up the dance on the night!
Is this the craziest thing you’ve ever done? If not, what was?
Kat: I don’t tend to do crazy things – so I guess this is it.
Angela: Yes… I think learning something I have no clue about ready to perform it in front of thousands of people has to be right up there.
Ben: By far the craziest thing I have ever done.
Has anything surprised you?
Ben: The skill and patience involved to perform these dances, huge respect for all you dancers out there! So much harder than scrums and lineouts.
Kat: It’s certainly been an interesting time, I think I’ve surprised myself at some of the things I’ve learnt along the way!
Angela: I was surprised how hard it was. It’s sooooooo hard and no one would have any idea until they go through the process.
What sort of practice or preparation and how much of it have you been doing?
Angela: For a few months we have only had one lesson a week with our dance teacher. Now that the event is closer, Anthony and I have added another two practices each week.
Kat: Every time I walk up the hallway, I have to practice something. Head, chin, chest up – step 1,2,3…..
Ben: One hour per week since February, along with honing my skills any chance I get – beer seems to help with this oddly enough.
