Three announced at the end of last year that Dancing with the Stars NZ would be returning to our television screens this year. And now the first two contestants have been revealed.
Socialite and Real Housewives of Auckland star Gilda Kirkpatrick and ACT leader and MP David Seymour are the first ‘stars’ to be putting on their dancing shoes.
Kirkpatrick said “It seems like a great opportunity to learn how to dance from professionals – plus it’s a great stage on which charities can benefit.”
“I’ve never had any sort of dance instruction, so it’s going to be a completely new experience for me.”
Seymour is looking forward to overcoming his fear. “Let’s be honest, I’m half politician and half electrical engineer. It couldn’t be worse if I was bred to not dance,” he says.
“Turns out there is a ‘beat’ in music and that there are ‘steps’ you have to learn before you dance. I am terrified.”
“On the other hand, there’s nothing like overcoming a fear and the charity I’m supporting is very dear to my heart. So, to borrow someone else’s line, let’s do this!”
ACT Party leader David Seymour joked “it couldn’t be worse if I was bred to not dance.”
Seymour isn’t the first politician to try his hand (or more appropriately feet) on the dance floor. Former ACT Party leader Rodney Hide donned ruffles and sequins in the 2009 season of the show. But he didn’t fare too well, and was eliminated after he dropped his partner Krystal Stuart on live TV.
“Krystal has been marvellous teaching me,” Hide lamented. “It’s not easy being the best dancer in New Zealand dancing with the worst.”
We look forward to seeing who else makes the cut for the latest season.
Rodney Hide and his dance partner Krystal Stuart.
