Zumba-ing all the way to Florida
The first ever master class presentation by a New Zealander will be given at a large Zumba convention in Orlando, Florida this year.
Kelly Ann Nikara, who hails from Hamilton, said she was ‘‘gobsmacked’’ when she found out she had won a competition to have a slot presenting in an exercise class at the Zumba Instructors Network Convention.
In this year’s competition, there were over 700 entrants from around the world.
Nikara came sixth place in the contest and at first thought she wouldn’t be going because they usually only take the top five.
She’s accepted that and decided she would apply again next year.
‘‘But the morning they officially announced it, I just went to have a look to see who the other instructors were, because I know quite a few of them off YouTube,’’ she said.
‘‘As I was scrolling down they actually had a surprise that they were taking six finalists, and the sixth one was me.’’
The scores for the top six finalists had all turned out the same. The organisation consulted its top management, who decided that as they have the funds, they would send all six along.
‘‘So I get to present a 15 minute slot in a master class,’’ Nikara said.
‘‘This is going to be in front of the creator of Zumba, so there will be a panel of judges who will be judging us.’’
She will be the first New Zealander to represent the country in this way.
‘‘I’m excited and nervous, but more than anything I’m just proud to be able to stand up as a New Zealander, as a Ma¯ori, and represent our beautiful country. That’s my dream.’’
Nikara will be holding a fundraiser Zumba class to help her get to Orlando, on June 9, 1.30pm at Fraser High School. It will be 90 minutes long and entry is $20.