Dancer steps her way to gold

Local line dancer Sephrah Edwards entered her first national line-dancing competition last month – and came away with gold.

Edwards won the medal for her age group in the freestyle category at The LineUp NZ, a sold-out, two-day celebration of line dancing held at the Lincoln Event Centre, near Christchurch, in August.

Perhaps even more impressive is the fact that the busy mother of three only took up line dancing less than a year ago after her interest was sparked at a fundraiser at Wharehine Community Hall, where she watched a line dancing demonstration.

Not long after, she signed up for a four-week block of lessons with Mangawhai Line Dancing and, as she says, quickly “got hooked”.

Edwards, who has loved and practised various forms of dancing since she was a child, now dances with both Mangawhai Line Dancing and the Warkworth-based Razza Dazzlers, who she attended The LineUp NZ with.

She initially planned to take part in the workshops and Friday night hoedown at the event but decided to enter the competition after receiving an email inviting attendees to give it a go.

“I thought I might as well, as I was going away, and then I just gave it a crack,” Edwards says.

The competition song and basic steps were set in advance, giving dancers time to practise before adding their own style and flair.

“There is a lot that can go into competitive line dancing, like particular shoes you have to wear and styles, but I just danced.

“I’m definitely more of a rustic dancer. That’s what I like about it. You can add your own flair. For me personally, it’s something I can do casually rather than it being really particular. It’s a bit more down to earth,” she says.

Edwards says line dancing has given her a good opportunity to exercise, form friendships and take time out for herself.

“I think line dancing is good for everything. It has been a mental reprieve for me and has really helped me in terms of my positivity, energy and memory. The community is really supportive and it’s way more fun than going to the gym, that’s for sure!”

She is also inspired by the older women who have danced for many years and continue to master new routines.

“Their cognitive ability to do the dances is inspiring. Everyone is so encouraging and supportive of each other, and we are always learning new dances.”

Edwards believes line dancing is benefiting from the resurgence of country music and encourages others to set aside any preconceptions.

“I wouldn’t knock it until you’ve tried it,” she says.