Last year's winning duo Justin Nicholls and Donna Bates, along with three other couples, will return for a special performance at this year's Harcourt's Dancing With The Stars. Photo/File
Apparently, dancing is "just like riding a bike".
With two weeks to go until this year's Harcourt's Dancing With The Stars fundraiser it has been revealed four of last year's star couples are set to return to the dance floor at the charity event.
Last year's winners, Justin Nichols and Donna Bates, and finalists Paul Hickey and Tania Tapsell will be joined by Darrin Walsh and Nadia Burborough, along with Rodney Conrad and Judi Geenty, to perform the show's opening act sponsored by local businesses Pollards Menswear and Summit Hydraulic Solutions.
Hospice Rotorua funding and development manager Jan Morgan said she had noticed group dance acts on the TV dance shows.
"I wanted the night to be different from last year, and thought a group dance would be a great opener.
"To have last year's top four couples back again - they are all spectacular performers - and the way Glen has incorporated their signature moves or lifts from their dance last year, it's going to be a special opening."
The group have been rehearsing for the past three months under the guidance of teacher Glen Law, who co-ordinated the theme and choreography for the group act.
"These guys have come back for a second year, and have worked really hard again. I'm really proud of their commitment and effort, which will show on the night," he said.
Mr Nichols said he was looking forward to returning to the stage. As well as the group act, he and Ms Bates will recreate their winning routine from last year at the end of the show.
And after practising it so often in the months leading up to last year's competition, picking it up again didn't present too much of a challenge, he said.
"It's just like riding a bike."
Hits Rotorua personality Paul Hickey said the group was relishing the chance to perform again.
"Last year was such as amazing experience, and we couldn't refuse the opportunity to be part of this night to support Hospice.
"We've been having a lot of fun rehearsing without the pressure of the actual competition this year, and we hope we set the scene for this year's stars to then get out there on the dance floor and shine."
Mr Walsh said he didn't hesitate to say yes when asked to dust off his dancing shoes.
Although he admits dancing "never came easy" to him, this year had been much easier. "It's been enjoyable from the start."
He said with the competition element removed he expected fewer nerves and he was also looking forward to performing with the group - last year's dancers had formed a close bond and many kept in touch.
While he hadn't seen this year's competitors in action yet, Mr Walsh did recently speak to them to share a couple of tips.
"I told them the routine is their safety net ... if you know it well and are comfortable with it, when the nerves kick in that will save you."
Harcourt's Dancing with the Stars will be held on Saturday, August 5, at the Energy Events Centre. Tickets are available from www.ticketmaster.co.nz.