Rock'n'Roll evening a winner (+video)

Getting up and dancing in front of hundreds of people is a daunting experience.
But on Friday night at this year's Dancing with the Stars evening, I overcame my nervousness and took to the floor with a local rock'n' roll expert.
I was one of six local identities who have practised for the past month for the the fifth annual fund-raising event, hosted by Tauranga Rock'n' Roll Club.
Each "star" was partnered with a true rock'n' roller and on Friday night we performed our routines in front of hundreds of people at Greerton Hall.
I danced fifth in the competition and watching my fellow dancers take to the floor before me was nerve-wracking.
Each pair added their own flair to the rock'n' roll style of dance and I was nervous. At one point I even asked my partner whether it was too late to pull out.
The first three competitors, APN's Rachael Somerville, BNZ manager and Te Puke deputy fire chief Dale Lindsay and my sister Charlie Helliwell from Classic Hits, took to the floor followed by a short intermission.
Before long Murray Guy, wearing a white singlet and sweatband around his head, finished his routine and it was my turn.
Rock'n' roll expert Ray Jacobs led me to centre stage and we danced to Billy Joel's Uptown Girl.
I was flung into the air doing lifts and spins that left me giddy.
Following my routine, NZ First candidate Brendan Horan, wearing a purple suit, entertained the audience with his routine.
I came off the dance floor buzzing. I enjoyed myself more than I thought I would.
Despite a few wardrobe malfunctions - my belt came off and Ray's suspenders also came off - I came out as this year's female winner. Mr Jacobs and I also took out the People's Choice Award. Mr Lindsay took out best male winner.
The judges scored very high from the beginning and commented on technique, choice of music and enthusiasm.
The night ended with surprise performances by rock'n' roll leading pair Ray and Carolyn Jacobs, followed by a trio dance with Mrs Jacobs, Helen Lennard and Classic Hit's breakfast host Brian Kelly.
The event was to raise money to send competitors and supporters from the club to the rock'n' roll national championships, as well as funding the club's ongoing operational costs. Without the expertise of Ray Jacobs and the other an evening like this would not have been possible.
Thank you to those who came along and supported the evening as well as the event organisers. It was a huge success and I had a blast.
With thanks to Murray Guy for the video footage