a man in a suit and two women in dresses dancing to rock and roll

Photo credit: Kevin Coulson

Over the recent long weekend, Lincoln Event Centre was packed with 630 people attending the 2024 Senior Rock’n’Roll Dance Nationals competition.

Dancers and supporters from 20 Rock’n’Roll dance clubs across New Zealand, as far north as Whāngarei, and as far south as Invercargill took the stage to compete in a range of different categories and connect with one another, sharing their passion for rock’n’roll and dancing.

Holding events like this in post-Covid times has become increasingly tricky financially. The Christchurch Rock’n’Roll Club ensured the event was financially viable with a contribution from the Council’s Selwyn Community Fund.a woman in a dress standing on top of three men and one woman

The fund supports groups and organisations that contribute to community wellbeing. The fund is available for not-for-profit community groups that are looking to run a project, event, or initiative in the Selwyn district.

Club president, Robin Sutton says the event was an outstanding success and a whole team effort made it possible.

“It was the best senior national’s competition since it was last hosted at Lincoln Event Centre in 2019. We have an amazing team that made it all happen. We have also previously hosted the Junior National competitions at Lincoln Event Centre in 2013 and 2015. It’s the perfect venue for holding our rock’n’roll championships. It is always fabulous to bring together such a range of dancers who always engage in a state of both hard-fought competition and fellowship.”

a woman and man dancing to rock'n'roll in green floral attire

“Everyone who competes is always well supported by the whole crowd. A truly extraordinary spirit, the best!” he adds.

By hosting this event in the heart of Lincoln, the rock’n’roll community were able to have a place where they could all come together to keep the vibrant community that is active across Ōtautahi with three clubs and present throughout New Zealand alive. The event also brought visitors to the district, who spent their time over the long weekend exploring the beauty Selwyn has to offer.

To learn more about the Community Fund, please visit selwyn.govt.nz/funding

several winners of rock'n'roll champions standing on podium

Last modified: 08 Jan 2025 4:23pm