With the Rugby World Cup now only weeks away auditions for performers to entertain the crowds at the Westpac stadium are under way. Dance teacher Catherine Reid is assembling a squad of 16 dancers to perform at the Canada vs France match on September 18, and when New Zealand takes on Canada on October 2. Her group will perform at the Wellington town hall, their show broadcast live on giant screens in the stadium.
Name: Catherine Reid
Age: 26
Occupation: High school teacher and freelance dance teacher.
Place I call home: The Kapiti Coast
My passion is: Dancing.
My hero is: My mum for her strength, positively and encouragement.

Tell us your background and how you got involved in the entertainment for the RWC.
I got involved in the RWC festival through the dance squads I coach at High School. I have a Bachelor in Sport and Exercise and a Diploma in Teaching and I have travelled all over New Zealand as a specialised hip hop and jazz tutor, an adjudicator for dance competitions, and a choreographer for sports events, dance concerts, fundraising events and fashion shows. I’ve also performed in stage productions such as Cats and The Rocky Horror Show, and taken the field as a Hurricane cheerleader for two seasons and a performer at several All Black and Lions test matches.
You’re having auditions for your performance squad, who are you looking for and what’s the response been?
 I’m holding auditions for dancers to be a part of an entertainment team and the response has been huge! We have so many amazing dancers in Wellington and this is an opportunity for them to showcase their skills and passion. I’m looking for 16 dancers who have training in jazz and funk and are very enthusiastic about being involved in the RWC.
Have you three top tips for those wanting to audition?
The best advice I have ever received was from my Dad who said ‘wear something bright’. Auditioning is all about getting noticed and setting yourself apart from everyone else. Go out there with confidence and personality, get psyched up to perform and smile! Most importantly, don’t be too hard on yourself if you don’t get a call back. There may be specific factors that are out of your control as to why you don’t get the part. Just remember what dancing means to you and get out there and try again!
What’s the routine your squad will perform?
Dance routines based on the cultural influences of the rugby teams playing. For example, for France it is only fitting that we do the ‘Can Can’, for Canada we are going to mix it up with some cheerleading stunts, and for our boys in black we will groove it out with a bit of urban hip hop which will get the crowd up on their feet!
Your students at Hutt Valley High are also performing, what are they doing?
I cannot say enough about how amazed and impressed I am with my students who have worked extremely hard balancing their school work, their annual dance competitions and fundraising and training for this festival. We’re putting together a 30minute entertainment section. It will have everything from hip hop to cheerleading, to even stunts, flips and the splits. They cannot wait to get on that stage.
Are you a rugby fan and who are you picking to take out the cup?
I come from a family that loves the game, we are very enthusiastic supporters (my uncle has even made a grandstand in his house to watch the R.W.C) so there was no chance of not loving the game myself. I am definitely backing the AB’s all the way! I think playing on their home turf and having the whole country supporting them will do wonders for the boys!
What could rugby players learn from dancing?
Dancing has a number of pros that would be beneficial for rugby players. It requires a great deal of flexibility for starters and encourages athletes to achieve a full range of motion in all major muscle groups. By simply taking a few dance lessons and learning some fundamental techniques one’s range of motion can be improved. Strength can be increased through dance training because it forces the muscles to resist against a dancer’s own body weight. Vigorous dancing can also increase endurance and the ability to work hard for longer without fatigue.
Which All Black would look best it a tutu?
Hmmm… that’s a tough one to answer… can I pick two? Hosea Gear and Ma’a Nonu would look great in a tutu, especially with those legs of theirs! Maybe they could even come to one of my dance classes wearing them too. I’m sure the class would love that!

Please finish these sentences:
My ideal rugby player would. … Be dedicated to his team, always give 100% and have good sportsmanship.
My favourite dance is … hmmmm I just can’t answer this question. There are too many styles and genres of dance that are all equally great to choose from.
Girls should play rugby because … why not!
 
Performance team auditions, Wellington Performing Arts Centre, 2pm, August 20