February… what a month.
We kicked things off with a Kiwiana-themed Clive Bootscootin’ Friday social (on a Thursday, just to keep us on our toes). I fully embraced the theme… as a bumble bee. Classic Aotearoa Kiwiana, right?
From there, it was all feet on the floor as we powered through final practices for the Dunedin Line Dance Gala the following weekend… and wow, it did not disappoint.
Dunedin Days & Dance Floor Nights
Before even leaving Napier we danced Necklace at the HB Airport and even made it on to their socials - practice practice practice. We arrived in Dunedin to sunshine and got straight into it, kicking things off with TikToks - thanks to Sahmara for teaching this old girl. It took a few takes, but we got there. The end result truly captured the essence of the weekend - fun, connection, and showcasing the heart of line dancing: people, places, and purpose.
Our first full day (and my first time in Dunedin) included exploring the city - the old Cathedral, the Otago Museum, and even bumping into fellow dancers from around the North Island while wandering the streets.
Then… the tattoos.
Bex, Nathan, Sahmara and I all got matching Clive Bootscootin’ tattoos, under the watchful eyes of Emily and Pauline. YOLO!
That evening, we headed to Errick’s Bar for the Meet and Greet. The atmosphere was something special - a beautiful venue filled with people from all over, all connected by a shared love of line dancing. Meeting so many people we’d previously podcasted with in person was a real highlight. There’s something powerful about turning online connections into real-life ones.
I even found myself behind the bar making cocktails with Jaime Ngawaka, who had been supporting us with our team competition dance. What a hoot, maybe I have a future in bar tending...?
Workshops, Wins & Wobbly Legs
The next morning started early as we supported Pauline Gilroy from Gisborne Rhythm ’n Lines in the choreography competition. She entered three dances and took home two bronze awards - so proud.
We were also lucky enough to attend workshops with Simon Ward and Jamie Barnfield, learning dances before they were even released. Simon’s choreography masterclass was another standout - such a valuable learning experience.
Saturday afternoon took us exploring again, with a dance twist of course. We danced Pepeha outside Six60’s house on Castle Street, and Sonny Boy’s Tumble and Fall on Baldwin Street - the steepest street in the world. No casualties… for us anyway.
Then it was competition time.
I wasn’t nervous… until the music started. Cue jelly legs. The whole dance my legs were shaking, but apparently it didn’t show. Muscle memory is a real thing, and more importantly… we had so much fun. And really did ourselves and Clive Bootscootin' proud. The crowd went wild!
Castles, Chaos & Christchurch
Our final day in Dunedin included a visit to Larnach Castle - an absolute highlight. I love history, so wandering the grounds and taking it all in was pretty special.
Then it was time to head home… or so we thought.
After nearly landing in Wellington, the pilot turned us around due to weather. First time experiencing a swaying plane like that - and hopefully the last. We ended up in Christchurch, cold, wet, and running low on clean clothes… but as always we made the most of it.
We debriefed the weekend on the podcast, shared some great food and tequila, and tested out our ten-pin bowling skills at Holey Moley. I also got to spend time with my lovely friend Wendy, which was a real bonus. Proof that every cloud does have a silver lining.
One More Round (Because Why Not)
Eventually, we all made it home… but February wasn’t quite finished with me yet.
Three days later, I was in Auckland for the Jason Aldean concert. Maree and Rhys joined us, along with Corrine and her husband from Clive Bootscootin’, who just happened to be there too. Such a great night of singing, dancing, and soaking up live country music.
We also squeezed in a visit to Jolene Bar and wondered the streets of Parnell - visiting the Phone Booth Bar and Auckland City (yes… I ended up behind both bars again, though staged this time - clearly a theme emerging).
And a truly special moment - visiting my son Corban at work. Watching him in action as Producer for Darcy Waldegrave’s Sports Talk show was something I won’t forget. Hubby’s highlight? Getting a cheeky mention on Heather du Plessis-Allan’s Drive show as a “sporty, handsome, muscular man.” We’ll take that.
Reflection: February reminded me that sometimes the best moments come from the unexpected - the detours, the challenges, and the unplanned adventures.
From tattoos to turbulence, competitions to concerts, this month had it all. And through it all… the constant was the people, the laughter, and the joy of dancing.
🎶 Song of the Month
Dangerous Games by Simon Ward
