Dance class off to the races

SMOOTH MOVES: Ardon England takes Rutherford Junior High dancers through their routines in the school gymnasium. PHOTO/STUART MUNRO 030915WCSMDANCE1

When Ardon England heard Rutherford Junior High needed a dance teacher he presented himself at the school office and told them he was the man for the job.

"I hadn't been dancing for a while but I had taken classes at Rutherford a few years back and thought I was the right guy."

Five weeks later, 40 students are rehearsing for a performance at Wanganui Racecourse tomorrow and fine-tuning their moves.

"I've been coming every Friday and rehearsing with four groups of students but this is the first time we have come together as one big group," Mr England said.

"We were aiming for a performance at school after 10 weeks of practice but when the opportunity to perform at the races came up, it seemed too good to pass up. The kids are pretty excited.

"I really enjoy working with this age group because they are not really children any more and they are not teenagers yet - they are enthusiastic and willing to learn."

Twelve-year-olds Mya Mareikura and Loralee Stark said the classes were "awesome" and both had enjoyed working with Mr England.

"Ardon is a really good teacher," said Mya. "My parents knew him and they thought I'd enjoy it because I've always wanted to dance."

Loralee said she loved to dance when she was little and really liked the "cool moves" he was teaching her.

Atriane Marino, also 12, had never thought about dance until this year: "I heard it was an option and thought I would give it a go, and I really like it."

The dance group has a working name of Rutherford Dancers but Mr England said they might look at coming up with another name in the future.