Diverse dance marathon raises $2500 for groups

Tushar Robins (left) and Helen Begbie get into the swing of the Dunedin Diversity Dance Marathon at the Dunedin Town Hall on Saturday. Photo by Peter McIntosh.

More than 400 people participated in the Dunedin Diversity Dance Marathon at the Dunedin Town Hall on Saturday, to raise funds for local non-profit organisations.

It was 12 hours of "dancing madness", featuring visiting Auckland hip-hop group DZIAH Dance Company and Dunedin Mayor Peter Chin.

Former All Black and Dancing with the Stars contestant Frank Bunce compered the event.

The marathon was a showcase of dance in the city, with 18 groups performing dance or body movement styles including Bollywood, hip-hop, square dancing, Highland dancing, line dancing, swing, kapa haka, body jam aerobics, yoga and ceroc.

While there were mostly young people at the event and few of the popular waltzes of yesteryear, Tushar Robins (50) and Helen Begbie (65) said they felt right at home.

They relished the opportunity to participate because it took them back to the days when dancing on a Saturday night was the tradition.

"We're from the generation that used to dance every Saturday night. You were a social dropout if you didn't go to the dances," Mrs Begbie said.

"It's great fun. It takes me back - happy memories."

Mrs Begbie appealed to the organisers of the marathon to make it an annual event because it was a positive way to get young people to blow off steam.

"We didn't have time to make trouble in our day, like teens do these days."

Organiser Lani Evans was delighted with the response from the community toward the event.

"It's got a nice vibe and it's nice to see people of all ages getting involved."

She said the marathon raised more than $2500 for 12 non-profit organisations in the Dunedin community, and plans were already being developed to hold the event again next year.

john.lewis@odt.co.nz