Fancy Footwork for Charity

 Singer, actress and New Zealand Idol Judge Megan Alatini is about to put on her dancing shoes for local charity Youthline.

Megan is one of eight celebrity contestants in the latest series of Dancing with the Stars, and chose to support Youthline because of her passion for young people.

“I wanted to choose a charity that meant something to me and as a mother I am aware of the difficulties that young people can face and want to help to support them.”

Megan will be dancing with Jonny Williams who is the current New Zealand Professional Latin and New Vogue Champion 2006, the current New Zealand Professional Representative for Latin and was placed Top 10 in Asia-Pacific. Together they will dance a range of Ballroom and Latin dances throughout the show.

Each week the judge’s scores and viewer votes determine which contestants remain in the competition, while every vote that Megan and Jonny receive will see the cost of the text or phone call donated to Youthline.

“I really want to do well for myself and for Youthline too,” says Megan who has been spending about 15 hours per week rehearsing in the lead-up to the show.

Megan and Jonny recently visited Youthline House in Ponsonby where they met staff, volunteers and students from Youthline’s Alternative Education School and showed off some of their dance moves.

“We are thrilled that Megan chose to represent Youthline and look forward to seeing her and Jonny in the coming weeks,” says Youthline CEO Stephen Bell.

Youthline provides a nationwide 24 hour youth helpline 0800 376633, support services and youth development programmes.

Dancing with the Stars screens Tuesdays on TV One and voters can call 0900 89 812 to vote for Megan or text Megan to 8981.