Hi all

I attended my first dance lesson at the age of twelve. It didn’t take long until I fell in love with the sport of Ballroom dancing and wanted to take my new passion to the competition floor.

While competing throughout my high school years, I travelled to represent Nelson at nationals in Wellington and Christchurch. I have completed my Latin medal Gold Cross to an Honours standard as this was my preferred style until recently when I re-discovered my love for ballroom and New Vogue.

Outside of dance I am a proud mum of one year old Locky, and wife to the awesome Matt.  I work as the Domestic Market Coordinator at Hoddys Fruit Co.Ltd.

I enjoy the outdoors and love to get out on the water with family and friends. I believe being active and surrounding myself with supportive, loving people gives me a great quality of life.  I believe everyone deserves this from birth until their last day, which is why I jumped at the opportunity to do Dancing For a Cause to raise money for Hospice.

I am proud to help a charity that will help anyone who needs it, regardless of age, ethnicity, culture and gender.  I hope my community will get behind myself and the other competitors to raise money for a cause that will support our loved ones in their greatest time of need.

I started Jazz at 2 years old which quickly turned into a love of Ballroom when I went to watch a local competition.
I quickly started competing in National events & training out of Christchurch while still living in Nelson but this quickly led me onto the opportunity to compete internationally in Ballroom, Latin & New Vogue. During my time as a ballroom dancer, I walked away with many achievements & put away the diamantes at 15 just as Ballroom peaked here in New Zealand.
I was honored when I was asked to participate in Dancing for a Cause, I cannot wait to put on those dance shoes & raise as much money as possible for such an amazing cause!

Anthony started dancing at the age of 6, competing nationally and in Australia throughout his childhood and teenage years. This isn’t Anthony’s first foray into show business, does anyone remember Battle of the Ballroom? Anthony brushed off his dancing shoes again 6 years ago when introduced to the Nelson dancing scene. He loved being back on the dance floor and got on with his dance partner Sarah so well that they soon married.

 Three small children have put a halt on the competitive dancing for now however Anthony is thrilled to be part of this charity event for Hospice once again. He took part in the 1^st Dancing for a Cause in 2018 and came away with a win with his partner Ros Pochin dancing the Samba!

 These days when Anthony’s not engineering tor train tracks, he can be found leading the creche at his local church or working as a horticulturist.

Derryn was born to dance literally. Both his parents are dance teachers and ran a highly successful studio in Nelson for many years. Derryn has danced almost his entire life winning many NZ titles over the years.

When Derryn started dancing with his now-wife Emma Silke-French the two found success on the dance floor when they reach a career highlight of winning New Zealand Professional title in the New Vogue style. Together they have taught both National and international champions from there dance studio DanceWise.

Derryn talents aren’t limited to the Dance floor. He has had a highly successful softball career playing both locally, nationally and internationally. During the winter he can be found on the footy field on Saturdays and at the Kart track on Sunday’s racing his Go-Kart.

These days Derryn Along with Emma run their businesses Sportswise Signs and Graphics Dancewise Studios and High Rev. Derryn is excited to be judging this exciting event for the 2^nd time and wishes all the dancers and their partners all the best for Show Night!  

I started dancing at the age of 5 when I took up ballet.  At the age of 8, ballroom dancing captured my attention.  I have competed at both local and national levels.  Along with ballroom dancing and ballet, I have also been actively involved in jazz, hip hop and contemporary dance styles at various periods throughout my life. I have gained many achievements across all styles.

In 2018 I was lucky enough to be involved in the 1^st ever Dancing for a Cause where I dance with both Matt Lawrey and Pic Picot (& his dog Fido).  It was such an amazing experience and I cannot wait to do it all over again in 2020.

Oliver started at the age of 14.  He competed both nationally and internationally in Ballroom, Latin American and New Vogue styles. Having danced and competed through high school Oliver went on to study costume construction at Toi Whakaari. 

Oliver enjoyed being back on the dance floor for the 1^st Dancing for a Cause in 2018, where he partnered Rachel Boyack dancing the Foxtrot.  Oliver is now looking forward to the next challenge – Dancing for a Cause 2020.  Oliver has a huge appreciation for all the work and support provided by the Hospice and can’t wait until show night!

Hi, my name is Joel Scott. I started dancing back in 1995.  I danced for 10 years, turning professional in 2005 to be able to teach dance here in Nelson.

In 2003 I was NZ C grade ballroom champion.

I moved away from dancing at that stage to work on the West coast.  In 2010 I returned to Nelson and applied to get my amateur status reinstated … fast forward to 2019 and I decided to give it another try after 14 years away from dance.

My wife Vicki and I have two children, Carly (10) and Nixon (8).  We have a lifestyle farm in Belgrove and run a small Hydraulics company here in Nelson.  My other hobbies are Moto trials, golf, and working on classic cars.

I jumped at the chance to participate in this years Dancing for a Cause. It’s a fantastic event supporting Hospice and something that affects so many around us.

Hazel is a Professional Ballroom dancer with a passion for all dance styles. She has competed all over NZ and more recently performed in musicals in Christchurch.

Hazel loves a chance to get back on the ballroom floor so couldn’t pass up the opportunity to be involved in 2020’s Dancing for a Cause! She’s so excited to perform for you while raising money for Nelson Hospice. Come along and enjoy the show!

Many thanks

I started dancing at the age of five dabbling in Tap and Irish dancing. Until falling in love with Ballroom, Latin and New Vogue at age ten. Throughout my high school years I competed all over the country, including representing Nelson at five New Zealand national events and at one Australian Championship.

I love Ballroom Dancing as it’s a great social, creative and team building sport which encourages people to work together to achieve.

Day to day I now use my creative skills as a hairdresser where I like to be on my feet helping people feel their best.