Emma is back once again — this time returning not only as the Project Manager running the event, but as the Dancing for a Cause Choreographer and Dance Teacher for 2027.

A born and bred Nelsonian, Emma has competed in Ballroom Dancing since the age of 6. She has won the right to represent New Zealand on more than one occasion and holds many New Zealand titles in all styles, both as an amateur and at professional level.

Emma and her husband Derryn French turned professional to give back to a sport they both love. Together they became NZ Professional Champions and trained some of Nelson's top competitive dancers — who have gone on to compete overseas and open their own studios.

Career highlights include representing New Zealand at age 16 at the World Youth Dance Sport Championships in Budapest, winning a professional title with her husband, and watching her young students reach their goals on the international stage.

Hi, I'm Becks and I absolutely love introducing people to the (sometimes weird) but ultimately wonderful world of Ballroom and Latin Dancing. I have been dancing for over 30 years now and moved to the Moutere from the big smoke of Auckland 3 years ago with my two children, husband and not-so-miniature schnauzer Pluto.

I am a former NZ Ballroom champion, a qualified New Vogue and Latin Adjudicator and was a dancer on the first four seasons of NZ's Dancing With The Stars — getting to work with celebrities such as Paul Holmes and Tim Shadbolt. Last year I was lucky enough to dance with Rhys Black on Dancing For A Cause as we jived our way to the top, taking out the trophy.

I love all types of partner dancing and have also dabbled in the world of Salsa, West Coast Swing and Modern Jive. I am on the local Nelson Social Dance Committee and am also a Montessori trained primary teacher — which means I enjoy working with youth and combining my passions of teaching and dancing.

I am super excited to join the Dancing For A Cause team this year as both a dancer and Latin choreographer, and can't wait to get behind our contestants and help them transform into dancers — and raise some important funds for an amazing cause.