Chief executive warms to learning dance moves for Rocking with the Stars

Wednesday, 29 May 2019

Rocking with the Stars contestants, Invercargill deputy mayor Rebecca Amundsen, left, champion shearer Nathan Stratford and Invercargill town crier Lynley McKerrow, check out rock 'n' roll dresses ahead of the first practise for the competition.

Anxiety struck Chris Ramsay as soon as he agreed to compete in Rocking with the Stars.

The nerves are settling down now and he knows training from a qualified rock 'n' roll instructor will be invaluable for the big night at Stadium Southland on August 24. Money raised at the charity event will be given to Life Matters Suicide Prevention Trust.

'I'll do what they tell me and hopefully it leads to some good moves on the dance floor,' the Invercargill Licensing Trust's chief executive said.

'I aim not to embarrass myself too much.'

* The Manfreds are touring New Zealand for the final time

* Nationals competition Rock n' Rolls down south

* Southland celebs take on rock'n'roll dancing for charity**

Ramsay has spoken to Bryan Townley to get his thoughts on competing in the most recently held Rocking with the Stars in 2016.

Invercargill deputy mayor Rebecca Amundsen and town crier Lynley McKerrow and Southland's world champion shearer, Nathan Stratford, have also accepted invitations to this year's competition.

Amundsen learned basic rock 'n' roll moves as a 10-year-old and is hoping when practise begins soon, the steps will be familiar.

'I'm always up for supporting a good charity,' she said.

McKerrow said, by being a highland dancer in earlier years could help her learn the rock 'n' roll moves.

'I've got a good sense of rhythm.'

Dancing is not a pastime of Stratfords but he will commit to training and the competition.

'It's something different for me and it's for a good cause,' he said.

The other contestants are Southland entertainers Cheryl Anderson and Dave McMeeking, Southern Steel netballer Abby Erwood, Invercargill businessman Scott O'Donnell, Stadium Southland general manager Nigel Skelt and Winton businesswoman Melissa Vining.

One more dancer will be named soon. The contestants will be paired up with partners and instructors at the Ascot Park Hotel on June 17.

Melanie Luke, who is organising the event with members of the Invercargill Rock 'n' Roll Club, said $68,000 in total had been raised for charities at the three Rocking with the Stars held.

Media and real estate personality James McRobie won the competition in 2016 while international track cyclists Erin Criglington and Eddie Dawkins were successful in 2014 and 2011, respectively.

McRobie recommends the more practice contestants put in, the better prepared they will be.

'They should have fun … just enjoy it.'