Who we are

Donna

Line dancing has been part of my world for as long as I can remember. My mum was a line dancer “back in the old days,” and although I never went to her classes, something must’ve slipped into my genes — because here I am, absolutely loving every step.

I come from a mixed movement background: ballet, aerobics instructing, and a career as a primary school teacher. Put all that together and you get someone who can break things down simply, keep things structured, and bring a whole lot of fun and energy to every class.

Salty Steppers began in September 2025, making us the newest line dancing club on the Coromandel — and proudly so. We laugh, tease, and strut our way through our sessions, creating a space where everyone feels welcome and every dancer, from first-timers to seasoned steppers, can find their rhythm.

If you’re looking for a class that’s warm, light-hearted, and guaranteed to give you a few giggles along the way, you’ve found your dance family.

A smiling woman with short gray hair, black glasses, and pink lipstick, sitting in a cozy outdoor setting with pink flowers, holding a blue coffee cup and saucer, wearing a red polka-dot jacket and earrings.

kathie and Natalie

NATALIE

Natalie is a mum of four, with her family spread far and wide — Japan, Wollongong, Melbourne, Auckland (soon Sydney!) — and while distance may separate them, family is always her centre.

She’s called Pauanui home for the past 12 years and grew up dancing ballet, jazz, tap, and Scottish. Although she only discovered line dancing recently, she’s fallen completely in love with it. For Natalie, line dancing has sparked a whole new passion for dance — and for life — and is a beautiful reminder that it’s never too late to discover something new.

KATHIE

Kathie is a passionate people-person who has a real gift for making others feel confident, included, and supported. She may not come from a formal dance background (in fact — no dance background at all!), but she brings something just as powerful: an incredible ability to teach, connect, and encourage.

What Kathie loves most about dancing is the joy — the laughter, the shared energy in the room, and the way movement brings people together. For her, it’s not about perfection, but about connection, confidence, and having fun.

 I’m so proud to have these two as part of the Salty Steppers family. You’re in safe, happy, dancing hands.