One of Rotorua's most anticipated and glamorous charity events of the year is back for 2019 but with a slight name change.
Harcourts Dancing for Hospice, formerly Harcourts Dancing with the Stars, is returning for its fourth consecutive year this August.
To be held on August 10, the premier eventis sticking to its winning formula with two contestants announced from the Rotorua Daily Post and The Hits radio station.
The event pairs 20 Rotorua personalities with little dance experience into 10 couples who are professionally trained over the course of 15 weeks to perform for one night only.
Harcourts Dancing for Hospice set to wow Rotorua in August. Photo / File
Taking part this year is Rotorua Daily Post reporter Zizi Sparks who said she was excited about the opportunity to raise money for a good cause.
"I think it's going to be a busy few months in the lead-up but it will all be worth it to raise money for Hospice.
"I'm really looking forward to getting started and seeing what everyone pulls together for the show."
The Hits contestant Bryce Morris said he got involved this year so he could "step outside my comfort zone and meet new people while helping an amazing cause".
Four celebrity judges will score each couple to determine an overall winner.
The goal of the evening is to raise more than $100,000 to enable Hospice to care and support more than 420 patients with a terminal illness each year.
Troy Smith has been one half of the dance instructors and choreographers for the previous three years and is returning with newcomer Elly-Ann Pritchard.
"It's so great to see how much the dancers progress," Smith said.
"Everyone starts off pretty nervous with no idea of dance steps to being able to perform a choreographed routine with a brand new partner in front of 2000 people.
"We always seem to struggle a little more to fill the 10 male dance spots so if you know anyone who might be interested and is well known in their area of the community, we'd love for you to get in touch with us."
Natasha Whitewood and David Beck at last years Harcourts Dancing for Hospice. Photo / File
Last year's Rotorua Daily Post contestant David Beck said getting out on that stage and dancing in front of that many people was "massive for me and one of the coolest things I have ever done".
"When we got out on stage and the music started - people just went nuts and you can't really beat that."
Rotorua Hospice fundraising and marketing manager Nicola Smallwood said it was necessary to get the word "Hospice" into the event's revamped name.
"All the dancers, sponsors and supporters have always given so much because they tautoko what Hospice does. We wanted a name to reflect that."
Harcourts Rotorua has continued their support into the fourth year and director Erin Kingston said it was a privilege to be part of something so special.
"Harcourts Rotorua has been a long-term sponsor of the outstanding service and support that Hospice provides throughout all levels of our community."
The dance couples will be announced at the beginning of May and tickets will be on sale in June.
Interested in dancing? Call Lisa Pauling at Rotorua Hospice (07) 343 6591, ext 0.
