Maggie’s Road to WDM
Every dancer’s journey begins with a single step—and for this passionate performer, that step led to a global stage. From a humble start at a local community class in 2012 to being a representative of New Zealand linedance at the World Dance Masters in Blackpool, Maggie’s story is a beautiful reminder of how inspiration, dedication, and the joy of movement can transform a hobby into a lifelong passion. Linedance NZ had a chance to sit down with Maggie to hear about the beginnings, the challenges, and the triumphs along the way, and the support she has had from her friend and an coach, Jaime Ngawaka (who has recently moved to NZ - and is just about to start a class), and the support of the NZ community.
- Can you please give us a brief history of how you started line dancing? When and where did you begin? What inspired you to start dancing, and what keeps you coming back?
I started line dancing in 2012. My mum took me to a line dance class at the Chinese community. I didn’t expect any excitement before I went, but loved it instantly until now. Line dancing has improved my mental and physical health. I went overseas attending workshops and learning new dances almost every year.
The variety of the music, different dance styles and the continuous new choreographies keep me coming back
- How did you get into competing? What was your first competition experience, and when did it happen?
A group of us from Royal Stars Line Dancing first went to Mayworth in 2016. We watched the competitions and were inspired by other dancers and loved the way they performed. Our first competition happened in 2017. We were very lucky having the talented Nigel Mooney choreograph the routine for our Duo/Trio and train us. Sharon Running also coached us. We received a Silver and a Bronze medal at our very first competition.
- What made you decide that the World Dance Masters (WDM) competitions were for you?
I have heard about how great the WDM events were and also followed the World Dance Masters Facebook page. I was fascinated by the beautiful Winter Garden. It will be a dream come true to be able to compete there. It is also a good opportunity to dance alongside other great dancers.
- What kind of styles do you perform and which is your favourite?
I will perform the following three dances at WDM:
Does Heaven Have a Creek, by Rachael McEnaney - Night Club
Fooling Feelings, by Fred Whitehouse – West Coast Swing
Get On a Buzz, by Roy Hadisubroto – Cha Cha
The night club is my favourite.
- How does it feel to be a representative of New Zealand at the World Dance Maters in Blackpool?
Very nervous 😀 When I registered for the competition, I thought I was going to represent my club, but realised later that there is only one team allowed for each country, hence I am going to represent New Zealand.
- You run High Intermediate / advanced classes in Auckland – tell us a little about your class and your students.
After hosting the 2023 Auckland Line Dance Festival, Royal Stars has stopped running for various reasons. I didn’t teach and dance for six months and missed line dance dearly. I then started a high intermediate/Advanced class as there are already two intermediate classes in central Auckland. It is a small class but I truly enjoy it. My students are very passionate and are not afraid to explore different dance styles with me. Their passion keeps me going. I will start a new beginner class in September 2025.
- What advice would you give to dancers who are thinking about entering competitions?
Find a good coach, work hard and make your dream come true!
- Maggie also shares a big thank you 💙...
I would like to take this opportunity to thank my coach Jaime Ngawaka. I am very lucky as Jaime moved from Australia to Auckland not long ago. She is a very experienced coach who has trained dancers in Australia. She had competed in various countries for many years and won the champion of the 2024 World Dance Masters in Blackpool.
Jamie encouraged me competing at the Winter Wipeout in Gold Coast to gain some competition experiences before WDM... Jaime is aiming to train more kiwis to compete in the coming year.
I won gold medal at the World Dance Masters qualifying event and silver medals in the 30+ and 50+ solos at the Wipeout. I wouldn’t have achieved this without Jaime’s training and help.
Also a special thank you to William Plain came all the way from Sydney to train Jaime and myself over the last weekend, we learnt so much - A big thank you William. 😊
From discovering a love for line dance through a local class, to standing on international stages with medals in hand, this journey has been one of growth, courage, and community. With the support of talented coaches and the drive to keep evolving, this dancer continues to inspire others through teaching and performing. We can't wait to see what the future holds as she continues to chase her dreams and encourage others to do the same. Congratulations on your incredible achievements—and good luck at Blackpool to both Maggie and Jaime - you both rock 💙🇳🇿
Note to our readers:
LineDance NZ (LDNZ) is in the final stages of launching its own official competitions for New Zealand (if you're catching the competitive bug too!). An announcement about the event will be coming soon—along with a few surprises along the way! 😉
And don’t forget—the Dunedin LineDance Gala will also be hosting Club and Choreography competitions in February 2026, which promises to be a blast!