Twelve well known locals will don their dancing shoes and perform for Wānaka audiences at the Holy Family Catholic School’s (HFCS) fundraiser next month. 

HFCS teacher and event coordinator Phillipa Wilson said the fundraising event ‘Dancing with the Locals’, taking place on November 3 and 4, is inspired by TV show Dancing With the Stars. 

All of the dancers, performing in pairs, have been working hard to learn their two dance routines - taught by local dance teachers - and create their own freestyle routines, all of which will be performed at the Lake Wānaka Centre as part of a “fun and random” fundraiser, Phillipa said. 

“It will be a fun night out,” Phillipa said. “It’s nice to do something different.”

The HFCS fundraiser will also support seven local groups, organisations or charities.

Between acts ticketholders will enjoy complimentary bubbles and dessert; they will be able to vote for their favourite performers and purchase more food and drink from the cash bar; and they are also invited to “stay on and have a disco afterwards,” she said. 

In addition to supporting the school by helping to raise money for sun shades, the fundraiser will support local groups and organisations. 

Each dance duo represents at least one group and, in addition to $1,000 for each pair’s chosen group or groups, dancers will be aiming for the ‘people’s choice’ award each night, for an extra $250. 

Performers include Duncan and Kelly Good (for Wānaka SAR and M!NT Charitable Trust); Tim Zeestraten and Jessica Strutthers (for Food for Love); Gwen Hendry and Jason Clark (for Community Networks); Kathy Dedo and Dan Cullen (for Upper Clutha Hospice Trust); Torte Lyons and Jamie Kennerley (for St John Wānaka); and mystery duo ‘Beauty and the Beast’ (for Wānaka Community Hub). 

Phillipa said she was grateful to the locals who had agreed to perform: “None of them are dancers. It has been a huge commitment for them.”

Dancing with the Locals will take place at the Lake Wānaka Centre on November 3 and 4, 7pm-11pm. Tickets are $75pp. 

Book your tickets here.

PHOTOS: Supplied