I was born in Hamilton & lived there for 53 years. I have 4 children, 7 grandchildren and 4 & 3/4  great grandsons. I have lived in Whangamata for 28 years. Became very good friends with a girl who came to work at the Rest Home with me. One day she was 'vining' down the hallway & when I asked what she was doing she said 'Line Dancing'... I then asked if she thought she could teach me. She came to stay at my place, we moved some furniture back and away we went. She made me video her feet. We had lots of laughs. The dance was 'Last Cheaters Waltz' and from there I became hooked. Rochelle and I have become very good friends through Line Dancing and go to many festivals and socials together. She sure keeps me on my toes... she has been dancing for years and teaches in Auckland.

When Salty Steppers first began, some of us from Whangamata went to Pauanui to check it's out and fell in love with the class. Such a happy,  friendly bunch.

I love country music but also love the fact that you can Line Dance to almost any type of music. I feel it's such good exercise for the body and soul. It has become my 'Happy Place'. I have met some wonderful people and made some good friends. I will always love 'Last Cheaters Waltz' as it was the beginning of my Line Dancing journey. I love waltzing to Songs Of Home by Dennis Marsh. Love that song.

 If someone is thinking of trying to Line Dance, I would say “give it your best shot, we all started at the beginning, just hang in there and don't give up.  You won't regret it”.