Claire Fairweather
I am 63 and came to New Zealand in 2009 from England. I first started line dancing when I lived in Auckland, about 15 years ago, then after a gap of about 8 years, I restarted when I moved to Whangamata in 2020. Line dancing is my exercise and gets me out of the house, as most of my spare time is spent being creative. I like doing anything ‘arty’ and now mostly work with polymer modelling clay, creating mosaic art, and exhibit with the Whangamata Arts Collective. I also make and sell Swirl-StoNZ at the local Sunday Market.
I started line dancing because you don’t need a partner to dance. Salty Steppers took over the previous Tuesday class in Whangamata. I love it as It’s good exercise without feeling like it, plus the camaraderie.
Choosing my fave dance is a hard one, many favourite lines dances including Memory Lane, Gypsy Queen and Going Blonde.
If you are thinking of line dancing my advice to you is to not give up after the first lesson, it takes a lot of practice, so keep at it.
QUICK ANSWERS:
Tea or coffee? Coffee in the morning, tea in the afternoon
Sunrise or Sunset? Both
Beach or Bush? Beach
Fav holiday destination? Anywhere with palm trees and white sand
Fav music genre? Easy listening and Blues
Where in the world would you like to linedance? Anywhere with a big group in unison
What's something people might be surprised to know about you? In 2014, I represented New Zealand at the International Polymer Clay Association’s conference in Malta, and I got a mention in Parliament for winning an award in their Sculptural category
What's one thing you've gained since joining Salty Steppers? The ability to do 10 dances without sitting down
Best piece of advice you have been given - Treat people as you would like to be treated yourself
Complete this sentence : Salty Steppers is... super fun and friendly!