From the coast of Kiama, NSW, Australia to dance floors worldwide…

Simon Ward’s choreography provides the soundtrack to line-dance halls everywhere. Since publishing his first stepsheet in 1993, he’s gone on to create over 240+ dances and counting. Growing up in Kiama, NSW, the country-music fan turned a hobby into a passion – and then into a global career. Ward isn’t just a choreographer; he’s become a teacher, mentor, entertainer, and (some say) the beating heart of the Australian line-dance community.

From Kiama to the World 🌏

Simon is a down-to-earth person who believes in living life to the fullest. He has a passion for fitness, the outdoors, and music, and is grateful to be part of an incredible linedance community that brings him so much joy and connection. His dog Bailey, who many will recognize from Simon’s social media, is not only his best friend but also played a huge role in helping him overcome a period of depression several years ago. Bailey continues to be a source of strength and companionship in his life. Simon is also deeply thankful for the support of his family, his fellow choreographers, and his longtime personal friends, who encourage him and keep him grounded every step of the way.

And while he's humble, he's also constantly on the move – jetting off to teach workshops and judge competitions from Australia to festivals in New Zealand, USA, UK, France, South Korea and beyond. Wherever he goes, he brings that Aussie warmth: clear instruction, infectious energy, and a cheeky sense of humor that makes learning new steps a blast. In short, Simon is as quick to laugh at himself when he misses a beat or forgets a step, and he never loses sight of the fact that dancing is about fun and connection.

The Dances You Definitely Know 💃🎵

• “The Sphinx” – A dramatic, high-energy samba dance (co-choreographed with Fiona and Roy Hadisubroto & Rebecca Lee) that swept the 2024 Crystal Boot Advanced Dance of the Year award – his fifth title in that category. Dancers rave about its slick moves and epic energy.
  
  
• “No Remorse” – An amazing Teddy Swims track co-choreographed with Niels Poulsen. This dance has been voted Number 1 on Carol Cravens’ World Linedance Newsletter for several months and is filling floors all around the world.
  
  
• “Azizam” – A smooth, Persian-flavored improver dance to Ed Sheeran’s “Azizam,” created in 2025 with Jean-Pierre Madge and Amy Glass. This soulful groove quickly topped dancers’ favorite lists around the world (and even hit #1 on dance charts). The three of them choreographed this dance under the Eiffel Tower in Paris back in April.
  
  
• “Feel Good Friday” – An advanced phrased dance to Elton John’s “Healing Hands” that has taken the world by storm, hitting every beat and break to perfection. It topped the Linedancer charts in the Advanced category for many months.
  
  
• “Million Dollar Smile” – A cheerful intermediate dance to Elton John’s “Something About The Way You Look Tonight,” released in July 2025. With its sunny rhythm and playful steps, it leaves dancers grinning ear-to-ear.

Other fan favorites: Die With a Smile (a Lady Gaga/Bruno Mars mashup), I Believe, and co-creations like Portland Cha & Dim The Lights. For example, his 2024 dance Broken Soul (to Alex Hall’s “Her to Here,” co-choreographed with Niels Poulsen) has been widely enjoyed by improver-level dancers here in New Zealand. And let’s not forget the many classics over the past 30+ years such as Titanic, Larger Than Life, and Beautiful In My Eyes.

No matter your taste – waltz, cha-cha, high-tempo two-step or slow ballad – there’s likely a Simon Ward dance for it.

Awards 🏆

His choreography doesn't just fill dance floors – it fills trophy shelves too. Simon Ward's awards include:

• 5× Crystal Boot Advanced Dance of the Year (with wins stretching back through dances like The Sphinx, Turn Me Loose, Blaze of Glory, Rolling With Love and Portland Cha)
  
  
• Crystal Boot Male Dance Personality of the Year (2022)
  
  
• Induction into the Australian Line Dance Floor of Fame (2016)
  
  
• Induction into the Crystal Boot Hall of Fame (UK, 2017)

These accolades are voted on by the global line-dance community, so they're a genuine reflection of Simon's influence. Year after year, event organizers invite him to teach and perform all around the world – simply because everyone loves his style and spirit.

Teaching, Touring & TikTok (Well, Sort Of) 📱

Catch a Simon Ward workshop or tutorial and you'll see exactly why he's in demand. His teaching style is legendary: super clear counts and breakdowns, a ton of enthusiasm, and just enough dad-humor to keep everyone smiling. He's equally at home in a festival hall or on video – posting dance walk-throughs, sneak previews and fun behind-the-scenes clips (though he admits he's “not really a TikTok guy,” preferring Instagram and Facebook). Every workshop feels like a mini-party, where beginners feel welcome and advanced dancers stay challenged. Being a linedance instructor is Simon’s number one passion. He takes this role extremely seriously, ensuring that every dancer feels confident, engaged, and inspired on the floor.

The Heart of the Community ❤️

What truly sets Simon apart is his warmth and generosity. He's passionate about connection – every greeting is a hug, every thank-you sincere. On social media he shares more than just choreography; it's daily life with a dancer's heart. You'll see him celebrating students' progress, singing along at concerts, or lounging backstage with other choreographers.

Simon is proud to serve as a global ambassador for The Linedance Foundation, an organization dedicated to supporting anyone involved in linedance professionally—whether part-time or full-time, anywhere in the world, and in any capacity, including choreographers, instructors, service providers, DJs, performers, and event organizers. He actively supports the Foundation and helps raise funds whenever he can, having personally experienced the vital assistance they provide. During the COVID-19 pandemic, when Simon lost all income and work for a period of time, the Foundation’s support made a significant difference. If you would like to know more or donate, please visit https://www.linedancefoundation.com/. As Simon likes to say: 👉 “It’s not about being perfect, it’s about having fun together.”

What's Next?

Even with hundreds of dances to his name, Simon's creative spark shows no sign of fading. He's constantly toying with new ideas – whether it's a soulful country waltz or a cheeky upbeat cha-cha – and his fans eagerly await each release. Plans are already in motion for fresh choreography (and maybe even a new video series or two). Simon never stops; he’s always on the lookout for inspiring tracks with real meaning, where he can instantly visualize the dance community gliding across the floor, completely lost in the music.

So the next time you lace up your boots and hit the floor, take a moment to thank the Aussie King himself – Simon Ward – for all the steps, smiles, and soul he's poured into every beat.

Q&A With Simon Ward 🎤

• Q: How did you first get into dancing?

  I used to show horses professionally before I discovered Linedance. Because most of my friends in the equestrian industry were older than me, they were all heading out to a pub one night but I had to stay home as I was only 17. One of my friend’s mother asked if I would like to go Linedancing with her as she stated a lot of people from the horse show scene also go. I gave her a hard “NO” as I thought it was not cool. Though she encouraged me to go, which I did and got the shock of my life when I walked in and saw 300+ people dancing to Achy Breaky Heart all dressed up in cowboy hats, collar tips and cowboy boots. I thought I was in a cult but soon realized that it was a really cool community. I did go back the following week but it took a few weeks before I was confident enough to get up and dance. My first dance I learnt was the “Tush Push” and after the lesson, this random lady came up to me and said that I was really good. Well that was it, I never stopped all because of that one positive comment made to me.
  
  

• Q: Tell us a bit about your family—your mum Vicky has been a big supporter, right?

  I come from a blended family that, like many, has faced its fair share of challenges. Over the years, we’ve managed to overcome personal struggles, reconnect, and come to appreciate just how short and precious life really is. Today, I have an amazing relationship with my mother, stepdad, father, stepmum, and siblings. None of them are involved in linedance, but they are incredibly proud of what I’ve achieved—especially given that I was a high school dropout and not someone people expected to succeed. The struggles and trauma from those early years shaped me into the person I am today. While I wouldn’t wish those experiences on anyone, I’m grateful for how they’ve made me stronger. I’m extremely proud of my family and make every effort to spend as much time with them as possible, because they truly mean everything to me.
  
  

• Q: You've built some amazing friendships (Maddison Glover, to name one). What role have they played in your journey?

  One of the greatest gifts linedance has given me is the amazing friendships I’ve built along the way. These people aren’t just friends—they are my chosen family, and I know I wouldn’t be half as successful without their unconditional love and support. I don’t want to list names, as I’d hate to leave anyone out, but I am incredibly close to many of the top choreographers around the world. There truly is no competition between us. Together, we share not only our professional highs and lows but also our personal journeys. They inspire me every day, and I know that even if linedance were to disappear tomorrow, we would still remain family, and always be there for one another.
  
  

• Q: You've got strong ties with New Zealand. Can you share a memory from your early days teaching there?

  My connection with New Zealand is very special. My very first personal international invitation came from Pauline Mooney in Christchurch back in 1999. It was an incredible experience to travel around New Zealand and have the opportunity to share my passion with the linedance community. Even though we were young and inexperienced at the time, the experience cemented in my mind that this was what I wanted to dedicate his life to. Last year, in November, Pauline and Nigel invited me back after 25 years, and I was able to take my mum for her 70th birthday. It was the first time she got to see me do what I love and have worked so hard for, and she had never traveled outside Australia before. The trip felt like a full-circle moment, and I will be forever grateful to return to where it all began and share the experience with my mum. It truly stands out as one of the highlights of my career.
  
  

• Q: What's next for you? Any exciting projects or goals on the horizon?

  I feel very fortunate to be booked out nearly two years in advance, which means I’m always looking forward to something and never take this life for granted. There are some exciting new collaborations on the horizon in terms of choreography, and I continue to work hard on updating my skills and refining my craft. On a personal level, my goal is simply to stay fit and healthy in every way—mentally, emotionally, and physically. None of us know what’s around the corner or what life might throw at us, so I try to live in the moment and put my best foot forward each day. It doesn’t always go to plan, but the effort is what keeps me grounded and moving forward.

Join Simon at the Dunedin Linedance Gala

Dunedin Line Dance Gala is back for 2026 and it’s going to be bigger, better, and boot-scootin’ more fun than ever before!

After the smashing success of the 2024 Gala, the same passionate and experienced organising team are bringing the magic back to Dunedin, with an all-star lineup that’s guaranteed to have you dancing from start to finish.

Headliners You Don’t Want to Miss 🌟

• Jamie Barnfield (UK) – Our 2026 headline act!
• Simon Ward (Australia) – A true favourite on the international circuit.
• Joshua Talbot (Australia) – Bringing his fresh energy and creativity to the floor.
• Stephen Paterson (Australia) – Fabulous and much loved with a great energy.
• Luke Watson (Australia)
• Laressa Frost (NZ)
• Jaime Ngawaka (NZ/Australia) – Our newly adopted Kiwi.