Dancing with the Stars preparation in full swing

CHARITY: Donna Bates and Justin Nichols won the Harcourts Dancing with the Stars event last year. PHOTO/FILE

A night of dancing, glitz and glamour is again on offer in Rotorua with the return of the Harcourts Dancing with the Stars fundraiser.

It will be held on Saturday, August 5, at the Energy Events Centre and is a fundraiser for Rotorua Community Hospice.

Hospice Trust funding manager Jan Morgan said it was a big event to organise but she was delighted to say they were on track.

She said discussions with the media, venue, sound and lighting, social media, decor experts and many more had begun.

"It's a hugely exciting challenge. There is so many components from entertainment, competitors, graphics, sponsors, ticket sales, auction, production and much much more.

"But I am by no means the only person involved, it's very much a team effort of literally hundreds of people all donating their valuable time to this very special Hospice fundraiser.

"The dance teachers and competitors are the real heroes!"

She said getting judges lined up was something she was working on.

Ms Morgan said all 18 competitors would be confirmed by early next month, with the final couple coming from public auditions to be held at the Novotel on April 22.

Dances will be choreographed by Shelley Martin and Troy Smith and the couples would also be encouraged to research ideas for themes and moves which enhanced or added excitement, drama or passion to their routines.

Although the production was loosely based on a television show, there was a major difference in that nearly all the competitors had little or no dance experience, she said.

"In other words our local identities don't have the luxury of an experienced dance partner. And most importantly, it's a one-night only affair."

Ms Morgan said one thing she enjoyed about putting this event together was the generosity of Rotorua's small but incredibly giving business community.

"It's an incredibly humbling experience and I really encourage our community to support them and buy from locally-owned businesses - they are the life and breath of this town.

"Besides that, it's getting to know the people involved. They all share the same vision and passion for the event, it's very heart-warming."

Tickets for the event will go on sale in May.