Otaki Dance Group

14/09/2026

By now, many of you will have heard that John Harvey passed away on 5 September.

John has been a huge part of the Ōtaki Dance Group over the past 30 years. He attended every event he could, including Beginner's Lessons even when they were on alternate nights, and was always there to help set up and pack down dances—even as his own health deteriorated. During dances, John partnered with many ladies, gently helping them with their steps or simply enjoying the dance.

John's funeral will be held at 10:30 am this Thursday, 17 September, at the Ōtaki Baptist Church.

Rest in peace, John. You will be missed and remembered fondly

26/07/2026

One short video of our wonderful dancers enjoying the Mayfair Quickstep.

26/07/2026

Thank you to everyone that joined us for our Annual formal ball last night, we had a great time and from what we saw so did you, thank you so much for making it such a wonderful night. We were too busy dancing to take many pics, so hopefully these will bring back fond memories

22/07/2026

Just a few days to go now for our annual formal ball, we still have a few tickets available if you would like to come and haven't yet committed.

12/07/2026

This is a great commentary on Lead and Follow from our friends at Feet with Heat

Leading isn't what most dancers think it is.
Many people believe leading is about making your partner perform the steps. It isn't.
Great leading isn't about force. It isn't about bigger movements. It isn't about trying to prevent every mistake.
Great leading is about creating such a clear invitation that your partner can respond naturally, confidently, and musically.
And great following isn't simply "doing what you're told." It's about listening, interpreting, and bringing the dance to life through your own timing, balance, and expression.
The strongest dance partnerships aren't built on one person being in control. They're built on two people communicating.
The result?
• Less pushing.
• Less guessing.
• More connection.
• More enjoyment.
• Better dancing.

Happy dancing all

06/06/2026

After five very successful beginners classes we are moving on to some more involved Intermediate dances. This week we will be teaching the White Rose Foxtrot. There will also be a script available on Tuesday night for those that find it easier to read through the steps.

Our ball is now only six weeks away and we will be introducing the Engagement Waltz as our ball dance, as well as adding it to our dance list. This is a beautiful Waltz danced in many other clubs around our region as well as much wider. We will take a little time after supper to introduce the first few bars of the dance, and then expand on that over the next few weeks. So two dances for the price of one!

While we are talking about the ball, don't forget to get your tickets, numbers are limited and they are selling quickly. This is a formal ball with our usual local band that chooses their music to suit the programme - which will include the Engagement Waltz. All the details for the ball are on the attached flyer, so get in quick and come along on Tuesday to learn or brush up on a couple of lovely dances.

01/06/2026

All of a sudden we have reached the last night of our Beginner's Lessons this week, and well done to all the people that have come along and been exposed to the wonderful world of sequence ballroom. We have had around 60 dancers each night with many new faces joining those that have been before.
Over the fast 5 weeks we been through:
1. Rang Time Swing
2. Rumba #1
3. Wheels Cha Cha, and
4. White City Waltz, and
5. Tiara Tango
This week Chrissy will run through all five dances again and then there will be the opportunity to dance them in our regular program, that will start straight after the lesson at 7:30pm.

Your $4 entry fee gets you into the lesson and the dance program afterwards, including a light supper with a cuppa. So come on down and refresh what we have been through over the past five weeks.

23/05/2026

The big social event of the year is almost here, just two months now for the Otaki Dance Group Formal Ball. This has always been a great night with a Live Band, Catered Supper and dancers from near and wide attending and having a "Ball".

Tickets are limited and already selling quickly so get it in quickly to be part of this wonderful night of Sequence Ballroom dancing.

14/05/2026

Almost Saturday night, time to go dancing. We are holding our monthly dance at the Otaki Memorial Hall on Saturday night. Doors open at 7 and dancing starts at 7:30. Entry is just $5 plus a plate per couple for the shared supper. Come along and waltz, foxtrot, saunter, cha, rumba, and quickstep the night away to lovely music in great company.

We look forward to seeing you on the dance floor.

09/05/2026

A wee correction to our post for Tuesday night. Doors open at 6:45. See you on the dance floor.