Strictly Dancing in Uawa was an evening celebration as part of Te Ahikā 2019. This event was held at Reynolds Hall in Uawa.
Story by Shanan Gray, Coordinator - Strictly Dancing in Uawa
On the 16 of December 2019, a dance event inspired by 'Strictly come dancing', was held in Uawa at Reynolds Hall. The purpose of Strictly Dancing in Uawa was to engage all whanau to be part of this fun, energetic and entertaining event.
5 couples with a range of experience; youth couples, teaching couple, lovers couple and an experienced dance couple. Each couple performed two different styles of dance. There were opportunities for our couples to explore the fine craft of Ballroom and Latin techniques. They were exposed to a professional dance tutors who aspire to inspire beginners dancers to love and be passionate about dancing.
Stirctly Dancing in Uawa 2019 couples - Shanan Gray and Koka-Hauwai Te Aowera, Chase Matete and Leryssa Keelan, Costa Blackman and Aorangi Reedy, Cairo Rule-Reihana and Kamaana Toroa-Harding.
Learning three dances is a challenge in itself and having the resilience to complete all three dances was a challenge that our couples did not fail. The learning journey from beginning to end gave the couples the experience of a lifetime and how to prepare yourself for a battle like this.
Throughout the night there was also the opportunity for community participation from the audience, to partner and dance. This event brought the kaumatua out of their houses to see their mokopuna dance to the dances they were taught at a young age or whilst growing up. They watched with so much excitement that they would like to see this event happen annually.
The Uawa community witnessed a fun and entertaining showcase of Ballroom and Latin dancing. The exposure to the different genre of dances is what the community loved and how much enjoyment there was on the couples faces as they entered the dance floor.
THIS EVENT IS PROUDLY SPONSORED BY Te Aitanga a Hauiti Centre of Excellence and Te Ahikā
