It was all glitz and glamour at Whakatāne War Memorial Hall on Saturday as hundreds flocked to watch 20 novice dancers give their all on the big stage at Dancing for Life Education EBOP.

The crowd was electric as the couples shashayed, strutted and spun their way across the floor – spurred on by the knowledge that audience reactions would form part of each score.

Vibes were high from the moment attendees entered the door, with live music by Taupō band Fairly Obvious kicking the night off on a high note.

Their performance was followed by Steps Dance School students showcasing their talents with a hip-hop medley, which warmed the crowd up nicely for the first competitors of the night.

Radio professional Melissa Jobe and Bayvets director Travis Baxter set the tone with their vibrant cha cha, which began with a recorded karakia by Maisey Rika and the pair wearing whānau korowai.

Horizon Networks shared services manager Monique Cory and Lawrence Lewis were up next and wowed with their rendition of the waltz, followed by Michelle Oswald and Dermott Sweeney’s cheeky quick step.

Neither real estate agent Mrs Oswald nor communications specialist Mr Sweeney claimed to have dancing prowess prior to the competition, but their energetic performance had the crowd on their feet.

The pair, sponsored by Property Brokers Whakatāne, took home the people’s choice award.

Podiatrist Amanda Johnstone and community-focused Calvin Kingi turned up the temperature with their rumba, dedicated by Mr Kingi to the students at Allandale School.

A fiery tango by graphic designer Hannah Thompson and milking machine technician Angus Drury excited the audience next, thanks in part to an epic lift which spanned the width of the stage.

The couple, sponsored by both Harcourts Whakatāne and Noble Entertainment Group, shone in red and earned themselves best dressed.

Teacher and Whenua Honey co-founder Laney Hunia and Suntory Oceania channel executive Rodney Marston impressed with their samba.

Geologist turned book enthusiast Sarah Bluett and 1XX production engineer Kieran Watkins danced a fabulous foxtrot in matching green and black costumes.

A fierce performance by orthopaedic surgeon Jenny Hicks and builder Hilton Powers followed, with the latter’s epic moustache enhancing their attire during their paso doble.

Every act was a display of dedication and newfound dancing talent, but it appeared organisers saved the best for last, with the final two couples of the night taking away top honours.

Eastern Bay Chamber of Commerce’s Alex Bernsten and East Bay Glass and Joinery Repairs owner Mike Branch were the picture of elegance with their Viennese waltz.

Haddock Spraypainters and Panelbeaters will be proud of their sponsorship, with the pair being named runners-up.

Freelance writer and Whippet Digital content manager Emmy Walker and Trident High School principal Mikaere October closed out the competition with a lively jive full of perfectly executed lifts and spins, which proved to be a crowd favourite.

The performance earned the Davies Contracting-sponsored couple two 10s from the judges and the overall win.

The 20 locals dedicated three months to dance lessons with teachers Ellie Smith, from Rotorua, and Troy Smith, from Matamata, who travelled to Whakatāne each week.

Final figures are still being tallied to determine just how much was raised for Life Education Eastern Bay of Plenty, with trust chairman John Spring hopeful for a positive result.

He said the half-time auction led by Property Brokers regional manager Simon Short was a highlight, with even the smaller prizes attracting good interest from the crowd.

Mr Spring said there were lots of people to thank, from the choreographers to MC LJ Dobbin and the ever-efficient organisers, Simone Ashton and Kelly Kiwha from Noble Group, but he was particularly grateful to the dancers.

“It’s a scary thing to do and they were awesome. It was also a top effort from all the local businesses that sponsored the dancers.”

Funds raised during the event go directly towards supporting the Life Education Trust to deliver education programmes in schools, with Harold the Giraffe a mainstay in many Kiwi kids’ school memories.