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Home / Rotorua Daily Post

More Dancing for Hospice participants revealed: 'I dance like a daddy long legs'

David Beck
By David Beck
Multimedia journalist·Rotorua Daily Post·
11 Apr, 2021 10:08 PM5 mins to read

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Fisher Wang participating in dancing for hospice.

He knows how to make moves in council meetings, but what do his dance moves look like?

She's a leader in the business world, but how will she go on the dance floor?

The latest participants announced for Harcourts Dancing for Hospice are Rotorua district councillor Fisher Wang and Rotorua Chamber of Commerce vice president Miriam Hewson.

Dancing for Hospice sees 20 Rotorua people with little or no dance experience paired up, given professional dance training, and asked to perform at an evening fundraiser.

Rotorua Lakes councillor Fisher Wang is going to be participating in Harcourts Dancing for Hospice. Photo / Andrew Warner
Rotorua Lakes councillor Fisher Wang is going to be participating in Harcourts Dancing for Hospice. Photo / Andrew Warner
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Four celebrity judges score each couple to determine an overall winner.

After a year's hiatus due to Covid-19, the event is back this year for the fifth time.

Wang said, when he was approached about being a dancer, he leaped at the opportunity despite the fact "I dance like a daddy long legs".

He has seen first hand the great work hospice does for those in need. Wang was only 13 years old when he lost his mother to cancer.

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"For me personally, it's a chance to be part of something special after what my mum went through with cancer," he said.

"To be asked to dance is a really exciting thing for me. To be able to fundraise and contribute to hospice is a really special feeling."

Miriam Hewson will trade the office for the dancefloor in this year's Harcourts Dancing for Hospice. Photo / Supplied
Miriam Hewson will trade the office for the dancefloor in this year's Harcourts Dancing for Hospice. Photo / Supplied

Wang said the support his whānau received from hospice when his mother was battling terminal cancer made a big difference in how they coped.

"The cancer my mum had was a really rare and aggressive type. We knew she wasn't going to be with us for very long but what hospice was able to do was help us prepare for that.

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"For us, it was really good because it helped us to accept that a bit better. Part of it was that and part of it was the care they provided - it was great and palliative care is something that is so important.

"You know it's terminal and she's going to pass away but they still treat her and us with the utmost respect and cared for her the best they could."

When asked what he thought his mum might say if she knew he was participating in the event, Wang laughed "she'd probably ask why they chose me".

"She'd probably think everyone's in for a good, funny show. It will be a really good challenge and I'm really, really looking forward to it. I'm excited.

Crowd at Dancing for Hospice 2019.  Photo / File
Crowd at Dancing for Hospice 2019. Photo / File

"It's an opportunity to use my position for good and raise awareness for hospice."

Meanwhile, Hewson, who is the founder of the business coaching service Futureproof Concepts, will be trading the boardroom for the dance floor when she steps on stage for hospice.

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Hewson said, in her work, she is often encouraging business owners to step out of their comfort zones. Dancing for Hospice is an opportunity for her to lead by example.

"I thought I'd better walk the talk," she said.

"I'm no introvert but this is certainly outside of my comfort zone and you have to have some fun along the way, I suppose.

Amjazz performing at Dancing for Hospice in 2019. Photo / File
Amjazz performing at Dancing for Hospice in 2019. Photo / File

"I wouldn't describe myself as an elegant dancer but I certainly love it and I'm hoping to put on a good show. I think one of the things I've learned in my work is to put your ego aside and just look at the outcome, be determined, and don't give up."

She said hospice was a cause she was more than willing to support.

"It's an exceptionally good cause. If it was just a competition I'd probably decline. Obviously, people are cared for by hospice in their final weeks or months and it's such an incredibly important service that they're providing.

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"I fully support that and after hearing how much money the event raised for them in previous years, it was just a no-brainer."

Rotorua Community Hospice need to raise $1 million each year to operate and is aiming to raise more than $100,000 through this year's event.

Fundraising and marketing manager Jessica Meade said she was thrilled to have two more well-known locals in the line-up.

"We are so appreciative of their willingness to support this fantastic event. It's a big-time commitment and takes a lot of courage to say yes.

"Fisher and Miriam are both used to public speaking and engaging with audiences. However, dancing will definitely push them out of their comfort zones."

The remaining dance couples will be announced in early May and tickets will be on sale at the end of June.

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The event is on August 7 at the Rotorua Energy Events Centre.

Follow Harcourts Dancing for Hospice on Facebook: www.facebook.com/HarcourtsDancingforHospice or check out www.rotoruahospice.co.nz for all the latest updates.

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