Gearing up for the fourth NBS Dancing for a Cause, for the first time the event will now run over two nights.
Project manager Emma Silke-French says they are proud of the event they have created, which is a major fundraiser for Nelson Tasman Hospice.
“When we first looked at doing it, it was in a little school hall. We begged people to be in the first one,” Emma recalls of the first event.
Fast-forward to 2025 and the Trafalgar Centre is expected to sell-out again, this time over two massive evenings.
“We are going to do the night twice,” Emma says.
On the first night – Friday, 16 May 2025, the show will replicate previous shows. Each pair will perform one dance, with judges scoring out of 10.
At the end of the night a People’s Choice Award will be given out to one of the dancers. On Saturday night, all dancers will dance the same routine again with an overall winner announced at the end of the night.
“Whilst they’re doing the same dance, they can dance them very differently, it still is anyone’s game over the two nights,” Emma says.
“We’re very grateful we have created this event that people respond to and want to be at. Selling our tables is the most stressful part, there’s not enough tables to go around. It’s got to the point where we thought, ‘let’s try it’,” she says of extending the event to two nights.”
With the event last year generating $440k for hospice, Emma says a more realistic expectation will be $250k this year. Keep an eye out here for ticket details.
Nelson App has been introducing the 10 contestants over the last month and this week we profile the two final contestants, Wendy Blincoe and Richard Norriss.
Richard Norriss
I am Ritchie Norriss, born and bred here in Richmond, a Waimea Old Boy and proud to continue to call this region home. A few of you may remember me from the early days, leading you through your aerobics classes in the 90’s, but most will know me more from my 37 years building homes here in Nelson. I am the owner and LPB of Norriss Building Limited. There are no surprises, I am a regular family man with three lovely daughters, two of whom have been successful dancers most of their lives. I am looking forward to showing them what their dad is made of, but most importantly, I am looking forward to being able to contribute to something that is far bigger than any one of us. Hospice needs our help, and I am ready to step out of my comfort zone, step up to the challenge, and step out on to the dance floor.
Wendy Blincoe
This is going to be an amazing experience, and I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to help raise money for such a great cause! For those who don’t know me, I’m Wendy, but you can call me ‘Red’. I’m originally from Karamea but have lived in beautiful Nelson for most of my life. These days, I’m living my dream job - selling cars. I’ve been in car sales for seven years now, working at The Car Company, and I’ve met so many wonderful people along the way. My love for cars runs deep - I have a little collection at home. That’s how I met my wonderful husband, Graeme Blincoe. He’s the genius behind the Nelson Car Show, which has run for 10 years. I also love going to F45, where I train seven days a week. Yes, you read that right. For someone who couldn’t last a week in a gym before, F45 has been a game-changer. Here’s the thing: I have absolutely no idea how to dance, or wear heels. But I’m diving in headfirst, and I’m so excited for the challenge! With your support, we can make this a hugely successful fundraiser. Let’s do this together and create some unforgettable memories!
