Andrew Lintott
Andrew Lintott is one of the founding members of the club. He has been a member since 1994, a past president (1995-1997 and 2003) and an active teacher, organiser and club member for much of the history of the club. Andrew was instrumental in bringing Latin dance styles to UCanDance and he pioneered much of the class syllabi, parts of which are still used today. Andrew has always been an advocate of the social side of the club and this philosophy has become key to the club’s success. Andrew was given life membership in 1999 for his ongoing and diligent commitment to UCanDance.
Matt Smillie
Matt joined the club in 1997, becoming president for two years in 1998-99. He was also the club's most experienced MJ teacher for several years. During his time with UCanDance he contributed huge amounts of energy and enthusiasm, including updating the teaching videos, helping to organise Fuego and other events, and being involved in almost every aspect of the club. Matt now works as a materials specialist in Wellington with his lovely wife and son. Matt’s dedication to the club saw him made a life member in 2002.
Hemon Dey
Hemon is a long-time contributor to the club, joining in 1998 and becoming president in 2001. A fantastic dancer and teacher and the brilliant mind behind many of the technical effects used at Fuego. Hemon contributed to the club in countless ways, and always with good humour and a positive attitude. The club still occasionally calls upon him for advice and assistance which he always seems to have time for among his many activities. Hemon was given life membership in 2002.
Janna van Hasselt
Janna was a long time committee member (1999-2003) and served as both secretary and vice president during her time with the club. She was a very popular teacher both for Latin and MJ, and she contributed her creativity in many ways including designing the club logo: "The Gumby and Ribbon" later shortened to "Gibbon". She also took charge of decorations at many events including Fuego and gave her time and energy on many many occasions. Janna was awarded life membership in 2004 and is currently living between New Zealand and the Netherlands pursuing her career as an artist.
Sarah Moore
Sarah joined the club in 2000 and was soon involved in just about all of the club's activities. She served on committee from 2001-2003. A natural dancer and excellent teacher, she remained involved until her move to the UK in 2007. Sarah developed a high level of skill as a dancer and helped coach and choreograph the club's first proper dance troupe. It's impossible to sum up all of the many ways she contributed to the club except to say that, like all life members, the club would not be the way it is now without her. Sarah was given life membership in 2007.
Rosa Wakefield
Rosa joined UCanDance in 2004 and never looked back. Four years on committee, with two as president and one as secretary, firmly cemented Rosa’s name in UCanDance history. Her dedication to the job saw several new events and policies created which not only simplified the often tedious in-class processes but also ensured members’ enjoyment of club activities. Even after retiring from committee Rosa continues to offer support to subsequent committees. For this dedication, Rosa was granted life membership in 2008.
Raphael Nolden
Raph joined UCanDance way back in 2002 having been dragged along by a friend. Like many others it wasn’t long before he became hooked and began teaching and offsiding in classes. Raph served four years on committee, two as vice president, and has continued to support the club's activities wherever he can. Two of Raph’s most significant contributions to the club are the aerials workshops he ran from 2007 to 2010 and the annual dance competitions which focus heavily on the fun side of dancing. For his commitment to the club, Raph was awarded life membership in 2010.
Michael Adams
Michael joined UCanDance in 2005 and served on committee in 2006. Behind the scenes, he's been something of a tech magician. He created the current incarnation of our website and has personally hosted it since 2006, also helping implement several new features in recent times. For years, he's printed us free tickets for our major events and given us use of his online ticketing software. He's been heavily involved in the tech side of Fuego, pretty much running the tech desk for several years. Michael's other contributions are too many to list, but include assistance with making teaching videos, teaching Modern Jive, acting as photographer at several big events, and much more. For his contributions, Michael was awarded life membership in 2011.