Another national dance title

For the second year in a row Brianna Harwood, 11, and Nathan Calver, 13, have taken out a national title for rock 'n' roll dancing. Photo / Michael Cunningham

After seven years of dancing together Brianna Harwood and Nathan Calver instinctively know what the other will do.

That connection, along with hundreds of hours of practice, has secured them a national rock 'n' roll dancing title for the second year in a row.

Whangarei Boys' High School student Nathan, 13, said they practised four times a week leading up to the New Zealand Amateur Rock 'n' Roll Association junior championships during Easter Weekend.

"It was quite exciting to see how we'd do," Nathan said.

Although they had taken out the intermediate title last year, too, this year's win was still a surprise, he said.

The pair, who dance for Rock 'n' Roll Live Northland, also placed second in the best dressed intermediate section.

Whangarei Intermediate student Brianna, 11, said the competition in Christchurch was a lot of fun. "I love meeting all our friends and competing," she said.

At rock 'n' roll competitions dancers likely have practised a routine in preparation but have to adapt it according to what song is played.

"We've been dancing for ages but we just instinctively know how we're going to start dancing and how we're going to finish," Nathan said. "It's like we're telepathic."

The two were initially introduced to rock 'n' roll dancing by their siblings, Jordan Harwood and Sam Calver, who placed fourth in the restricted section, but first in best dressed.

Other top results from Northland included Devin Macken and Amy-Lee Macken, from the Whangarei club, who placed second in the novice section and best dressed.

Renee Thornley and Piper Field, of Whangarei, placed fourth in the junior same-sex section. Dean Watson, Sasha Watson and Amber Burnett, also from Whangarei, placed second in the best-dressed intermediate triplets. The Whangarei club also came third in the novelty category.