The first dancers have been confirmed and the date has been set for Harcourts Dancing with the Stars 2018.
Rotorua is in for another night of waltzing, quick feet and daunting lifts as 20 locals battle it out on stage on July 28.
This year Rotorua Daily Post sports reporter David Beck has volunteered to learn some new dance moves.
"I was pretty excited to put my hand up for it, but it's all starting to feel pretty real.
"In general I'm a pretty risk-averse person, a bit of a chicken, so I thought this would be a great way to get out of my comfort zone and accomplish something.
"It's awesome to play some part in raising money for hospice."
He hopes to gain a "bit of confidence", new friends and improved fitness from all of the dance rehearsals.
"It will just be a massive adrenaline rush to be up on stage in front of that many people."
The Hits brand engagement manager Kat Hicks and Rotorua Daily Post sports reporter David Beck are nervous but excited to support hospice. Photo / Stephen Parker
The Hits brand engagement manager Kat Hicks will also represent NZME on the dancing stage.
"I'm equal parts terrified and excited.
"I'm doing it because there aren't many people who won't have an involvement with hospice at some stage in their lives.
"Whether that's my friends, family or even me. This is a chance to show them support before I need them."
Hicks said one of the obvious challenges would be learning to dance.
"There will definitely be a personal fulfilment from stepping so far out of my comfort zone."
Past dancing partners The Hits' Paul Hickey and Rotorua district councillor Tania Tapsell will return to mentor the dancers.
"It's exciting to have the opportunity to be involved again," Hickey said.
"I am lucky to be involved in a wide variety of events in the community, but this is certainly one of the highlights."
Now a member of the organising committee, Hickey said he had learnt so much in the first year, even more the second year and hoped to make this year even better.
Hospice Rotorua fundraising and marketing manager Nicola Smallwood said it was a big honour to work with an organisation such as the hospice and to be given such an awesome platform to work with.
"I am hoping this year can be even bigger and better than ever before.
"As our biggest fundraiser we want to raise as much money as we can. Last year we raised $150,000 and I'd like to beat that."
Smallwood wanted to thank dance instructors Shelley Martin and Troy Smith and Harcourts Rotorua for for supporting the event for a third consecutive year.
There will be no official public audition process this year, but if you are interested in taking part contact Smallwoodat pr@rotoruahospice.co.nz.
