Dancers from across the country have their fingers and toes crossed that Southland will return to COVID-19 Alert Level 1 next week, in time for the Southland Festival of Dance

The event is scheduled for Saturday September 19 in Gore. 

Event co-organiser Rachel Wilson of Rachel’s Studio of Dance said for many dancers this would be the first time all year that they would be able to compete, after the festival had to be postponed in May this year due to the COVID-19 lockdown. 

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The government will review the alert levels on Monday September 14, with any change timed for 11.59pm on Wednesday September 16.

Ms Wilson said if Southland remains at level 2 then the event will have to be cancelled, as more than 100 competitors are taking part.

“We have dancers coming from all over New Zealand so we’re all hoping it can go ahead,” she said. 

“The dancers have been training hard, they’re ready to compete.”

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The festival is now in its 13th year and usually attracts between 300 and 400 people, including dancers and spectators. 

The joint venture by Rachel's Studio of Dance and Gore Dancesport will take place at the Gore Town and Country Club Stadium.

There are 116 events, in the Ballroom, Latin and New Vogue categories, with dancers of all ages and abilities taking part. 

Dance styles include the Samba, Fox Trot, Jive, Quick Step, Waltz, and Cha Cha.

Ms Wilson said the festival comes at the “perfect time,” as it’s just one month out from the 2020 New Zealand Nationals in Wellington at Labour Weekend (October 24-26). Six dance couples from her studio are set to compete at the nationals.

“It’s the best chance to get that well-deserved extra floor time in preparation,” she said.