Holy Family Catholic School (HFCS) teacher Phillipa Wilson says the school’s Dancing with the Stars inspired fundraiser, which took place on the weekend, was a huge success. 

‘Dancing with the Locals’ brought together six pairs of locals who competed at the Lake Wānaka Centre with a range of dance performances that were everything from funny to impressive and uplifting.

“It was just such a good laugh,” Phillipa said. “People keep telling me they can’t believe how much they laughed.” 

Phillipa had come up with the novel fundraising idea in a bid to “do something different” and it was so well received by the audience that the school has already decided it will bring the event back for 2023.

Performers include Duncan and Kelly Good; Tim Zeestraten and Jessica Strutthers; Gwen Hendry and Jason Clark; Kathy Dedo and Dan Cullen; Torte Lyons and Jamie Kennerley; as well as Philippa herself, performing with HFCS parent Karen Wells who was disguised in a gorilla costume. 

A ballet performance. PHOTO: Wānaka App

Each pair of performers - none of which were experienced dancers - spent months practicing their routines, which included two choreographed dances as well as a ‘freestyle’ routine..

The performers were all representing local charitable groups, and vying for the winning title and the people’s choice awards in order to raise even more money for their charity. 

Winning performers Gwen Hendry and Jason Clark. PHOTO: Supplied

Philippa said the teams were amazing: “Everyone had a different flair and they were all phenomenal”.

“It’s really lovely because we’ve raised $7,775 for the charities.”

Gwen and Jason, representing Community Networks, won the competition, which was judged by local dance teachers. 

Duncan and Kelly Good. PHOTO: Supplied

This raised $1,500 for Community Networks, and performances by Torte Lyons and Jamie Kennerley raised $1,225 for their charity, St John Wānaka.

The remaining charities - Wānaka SAR and M!NT Charitable Trust, Food for Love, Upper Clutha Hospice Trust, and Wānaka Community Hub - will each receive $1,000. 

The final amount raised for the school hasn’t yet been confirmed, Phillipa said. 

She thanked the dancers, all the people who came along, and fellow organisers behind the scenes for making the event a success.