DANCING FOR LIFE EDUCATION

MP for Taupō and Minister for Social Development and Employment, Louise also hit the dance floor to support Life Education Trust Central Plateau in 2019.

Leading a very busy lifestyle, Louise has three teenage children who she loves spending time with along with doing work on her lifestyle block just south of Cambridge.

Louise is very supportive of the work that Life Education does teaching children about making healthy choices in life. She says “Thousands of children have been impacted by Harold the Giraffe and I’m keen to see this work reach more kiwi kids.”

“I have gone outside my comfort zone on several occasions since I became the MP for Taupō, but have to say being a dancer in Dancing for Life Education in 2019 was the scariest. Having been told as a child I was too “big” to do ballet or any form of dancing I really am a beginner. I hope that going well beyond my comfort zone shows others they can “feel the fear and do it anyway.”

Teacher: Casey & Caitlyn

Teacher -  Casey Davies

Feel the fear and do it anyway" were the words that came from Robyn, in the same meeting I was about to sit down and tell her I couldn't do it... and that is the main reason I decided to take the leap and take on the huge task and responsibility of teaching a couple to dance. I have been dancing since I was a young girl and then my heart took to cheerleading which combined dance with the likes of stunts, tumbling and acrobatics. I am so passionate about helping people move and improve every single day through my work and I hope to do exactly the same here at the wonderful Dancing for Life Education Trust. 

Teacher - Caitlyn McRae

Hi I’m Caitlyn, a dance teacher at one of Taupō’s local dance schools. I am so excited to be apart of this experience helping amazing people. I grew up dancing until the end of high school and have returned to the studio where I danced to start my teaching journey. 

I love creating so I’m very excited to be apart of dance for life education and choreographing to a new style of dance.

Teachers: Heather & Russell Cooper

This energetic and talented couple competed in New Zealand and Australia during the 1980’s and 1990’s during which time they were New Zealand Senior Ballroom champions 3 times and New Zealand Senior Latin American champions 5 times. They competed in the TV dance series Battle of Ballroom and appeared in a Christmas edition of Celebrity Wheel of Fortune.

In 1999 they turned Professional and they took over Tango and Cha Dance Studio in Tauranga running it successfully until 2017 when they retired and moved to Tūrangi to be closer to family. Currently they run a small social class in Turangi charging a token fee which is paid back into the community.

Teachers: Hannah Golebiowski

Teacher - Stacey Jacobs

Hey, my name is Stacey "Stussy" Jacobs from Misfitz Dance Studio.

I have 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.

At Misfitz we thrive on giving our students the chance to express themselves in a more creative outlet, building confidence and self-esteem, and giving 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.

I am so excited and honoured to be a part of the Dancing for Life Education event and ready to put the dancers through their paces!

So get ready to strut your stuff, pop lock and drop it and bring it to the floor!

Teacher - Charlotte McClintock

Charlotte was born in Taupō, discovered her passion for dancing at the tender age of three. She embarked on a journey, dedicating herself to the art form, culminating in achieving the prestigious Solo Seal from the British Ballet organization. Throughout her childhood, Charlotte won numerous dance competitions and accolades.

Her pursuit of excellence led her to Auckland, where she seamlessly transitioned into the realms of modeling, acting, and professional dance. Joining the esteemed Candy Lane Dance Company, Charlotte's artistry took her beyond borders, performing on international stages.

Charlotte ventured into choreography, lending her creative vision to various beauty pageants, including clinching the title of Miss Taupō and representing New Zealand on the global stage. Despite her many accomplishments, the love for dancing remained steadfast in Charlotte's heart.

Charlotte McClintock shares her wealth of experience and passion for dance as a dedicated instructor at HQ Dance. Specializing in ballet, contemporary, jazz, and the SliverSwans, she continues to inspire the next generation of dancers with her unwavering dedication to the arts

Teacher: Iggy Gloy

Hi!  My name is Iggy Gloy and I am the principal of Dance Central.  In a former life (for over 20 years!!) I taught at secondary schools in South Africa and locally at both Tauhara and Taupō-nui-a-Tia College. My own dance journey started at the age of 2 and it hasn’t stopped!

I have a passion for Dance Education and Dance Training.  I feel we are all lifelong learners and the Life Education Trust not only instill this in our tamariki but also provide opportunities, such as this event, for ANYONE to learn something new!  I feel really privileged to have been asked to be part of this event as it ticks so many boxes for me – supporting education, stepping out of your comfort zone, growth, learning new skills, building relationships and developing a passion/understanding for Dance and Learning – the list goes on. 

Not only do I hope that I can pass on some new skills to the couple I will be working with, but also, I want to pass on the enjoyment and soul filling experience that is Dance, to the audience and the whanau and friends of the people I work with.

Teachers: Julian & Connie

Teacher - Connie Takarangi

Connie has always had dance in her DNA, from a young age starting with Ballet, then as an adult she found a love for Ballroom & Latin dance and competitions. Also having a host of skills in Belly dancing, Rock n Roll, stage work, choreography and being a Creative Textile artist, Connie partners Julian Bishop in Basestep classes/private lessons, show dance and Wedding Dance Taupo.

Connie is passionate about sharing the joy of dance, the experience of Mind, Body, Soul, and is super excited to work with Julian and their DFL dance couple to make dancing magic for Dancing For Life Education.

Teacher - Julian Bishop

For his third season with DFL Ed., Julian and his partner Connie will coach a couple in a beautiful Wedding Dance performance. Julian brings over 20 years of championship-level dancing experience as a certified instructor, choreographer, and coach for wedding dances and competitive partnerships. He offers demonstrations, team-building activities, and corporate event entertainment.

Julian started partner dancing at age 11 at the Margaret O’Connor Studio in Wellington, NZ. Inspired by his teachers, he joined the Harbour City Rock and Roll Club, where he excelled and discovered his passion for teaching. After moving to Palmerston North and then Auckland in 1989, he ran community education classes, performed at public events, and served as President of the Zephyrs RnR Club.

Julian co-hosted the inaugural Salsa Lambada dine and dance cruise in 1992 and judged and performed at the 10th annual Salsa Latin championships in 1998. He taught at Ceroc NZ, partnered for Argentine Tango classes, and led choreography for Hoyts Movies. Now, Julian offers private classes and performance coaching, crediting Graciela Heredia, Angelique Meyer, and Michelle Stoupe as influential partners in his career.

Holly started dancing when she was 5 years old doing jazz, ballet and contemporary. At university she competed 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 is a senior veterinarian and shareholder at VetPlus.  She loves being involved in community events. She has been a previous dance teacher for Dancing for Life Education and has choreographed for and performed in other local charity events.  Holly is super excited to be a judge and can't wait to see what wonderful routines this year's couples and teachers put together.