New Year Honour hard to believe for dance stalwart Heather Brunsdon

Napier dance teacher Heather Brunsdon has become a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit. Photo / Paul Taylor

A Napier dance stalwart was so surprised to be named in this year's New Year Honours list she had to read her letter several times.

Heather Brunsdon, of Heather Brunsdon School of Dance, has been made a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for her services to dance which span 50 years.

Mrs Brunsdon said the accolade came as a complete surprise and it took her a long time to believe the letter informing her of it.

"The reality of it is still sinking in," she said.

"It was such a surprise. I never expected anything like this, it was lovely.

"I feel very proud to have such a great honour like this bestowed on me."

Throughout her career she has been actively involved in promoting dance and contributing to dance leadership and organisational roles.

"I just love dance, I started myself when I was 3," she said.

"I've always been very involved in dance so it was a natural progression for me to carry on and teach others ... give them the opportunity to express themselves in this way."

Teaching dance to children helps with life skills such as confidence, commitment and working towards goals.

It is very important for children to be able to set goals - large or small - and work towards them and it has been a privilege to help her students reach their aims, she said.

Mrs Brunsdon was secretary of the Napier National Dancing Society for 26 years and organised summer schools for highland dancing for 20 years, instigating the first Highland Dancing Summer School in New Zealand.

She has also been involved with many other genres of dance including ballet, tap, jazz, contemporary and musical theatre as an examiner, tutor and adjudicator.

She has provided free tuition, costumes, dance shoes, courses, examination fees and travel expenses to help dancers reach their potential.

Some of these dancers have gone on to fulltime training overseas or followed professional careers in dance.

She has organised dance performances at such local events as the Art Deco Festival and at the local RSA, retirement homes and schools.

Mrs Brunsdon has donated scholarships to the Napier Performing Arts Society annual dance competitions and Pointe shoes awards to Hawke's Bay Ballet and Dance Inc.

She is a former Australasian Examiner for the British Ballet Organisation and was previously New Zealand representative for the organisation.

Mrs Brunsdon is now actively involved with the Australian Teachers of Dance in New Zealand.