THE OTHER SIDE OF LINE DANCING
         
         
  I consider myself a very fortunate person. Although I have been surrounded by dancers and dancing all my life (I grew up with parents who had a Ballroom and Latin American dancing studio), I have only been involved in line dancing for the past year and a half. I have the delightful experience of participating in two totally different sorts of line dancing experience.  
         
  I started line dancing by sheer accident. In our area of South Auckland, we are fortunate to have an organization called Raukura Hauora O Tainui. The purpose of Raukura is to sponsor and run health initiatives locally. After the last of my six children was born in 1997, I felt that I needed to pay some attention to my own health and fitness level. I started Aquarobics at the Otara pools- two free sessions a week sponsored by Raukura. Every Thursday morning our Aqua session seemed to start late- line dancing had run overtime! My initial question was, "What IS line dancing?" It was explained to me, in a fashion, and it was suggested to me that I give it a go!  
         
  After my first session, I was addicted! I picked up the steps easily and loved the routines. However, I never realized that MOST people's line dancing experience was not the same as mine. It was only after attending the Masters Games in Wanganui, that I realized there was another world of line dancing out there to explore and enjoy.  
         
  I now enjoy that different world of line dancing as well as the world of line dancing in which I started. Let me explain how these experiences are so different and just why I am so fortunate.  
         
  Ricky teaches us the 'old' dances- Tush Push, Slappin' Leather, Texas Cha-Cha. We never hear music that is not 'Country and Western'. His pupils have never even heard of Please Remember and Talkin' Dirty. But, that is not the most unique thing about these classes. What is unique is the make-up of the members of the class and the way each class runs.  
         
  Within the Raukura Ngati Otara line dancers, we have ages ranging from 23 to well over 80 years. Because Raukura is a health initiative, many of our Kuia have health problems. We all love Nanny May and we are so proud of her achievements. Nanny May has to use crutches, but that doesn't stop her from dancing! Even though she doesn't cover as much floor area as the rest of us, she knows all the steps and routines to perfection. Rest periods are a necessity after each four or so dances. With class participants who suffer from mild to severe diabetes, asthma, rheumatism and arthritis, it is expected that some will sit out each dance.  
   
  Just looking around the room during a class can be an interesting experience! Usually in attendance are a group of IHC adults. These dear souls are not able to learn the dances, but they just thrive on the music. It is heart-warming to see the thrill they get from the sounds and sights of our classes. Some do try to copy a few steps and some just meander around the room, and if you are going to turn quickly, you need to look out for potential human obstacles in your path!  
   
 
Poor Ricky really has such a huge task. He has to keep everyone happy, from those of us who know the dances, pick up quickly and tend to want to move on, to those who seem to forget everything from one week to the next, and those who are simply just beginning and trying to keep up with those who have been there for two plus years! Ricky takes everything in his stride, and with his delightful sense of humour keeps us all laughing and dancing!
  
   
  The best part of Raukura Ngati Otara line dancers is that we are a family. We may be the oddest assortment of individuals that it is possible to get together, but we care about each other beyond the normal friendships associated with all line dancing classes. Our kuias are precious to us- we revere and love them. As we start and end each session with karakia, we feel such a warm spirit that touches the soul.  
  While I am still attending Raukura classes, I am also blessed to attend a weekly class with Bill Chapman. This is always the highlight of my week! Bill's class is completely different to a Raukura class in just about every conceivable way!  
   
  Although the age range in Bill's class is similar to our Raukura group, participants are much more able in every way. Bill is an incredible teacher. He displays a high level of expertise and skill, and he has an abundance of charm and panache. It is a joy just to watch him perform! Bill keeps us up-to-date with all the newest dances. I don't think I need to say too much- I imagine that I am now talking about the world of line dancing that most of you have experienced!  
   
  It would be remiss of me not to appreciate the experiences I have. On one hand, the old dances, a slower pace and a laid-back environment. On the other hand, all the new dances, a fast pace and a far more professional environment. On one side, the extended family whom I love and the varied dancers who display such incredible fortitude, perseverance and effort. On the other side, the friendships that have come to mean a lot and the fellow dancers whom I respect and admire for their skill. On one hand, the rollicking laughter over all the 'goof-ups' and on the other hand, the shared laughter over far more subtle things!  
   
  I want to express my thanks to Raukura Hauora O Tainui and Ricky Waters for enabling so many people including myself to enjoy the health benefits of line dancing and the companionship of such special people. I would also like to thank Bill Chapman for being an inspiration, a challenge and such a brilliant teacher!