👋🏻 Hello, meet Chris

A Journey from Line Dance to Life Dance

Meet Chris Brocklesby the founder of Linedance NZ, a line dancer whose journey into the world of line dance began in the early 90s as a child. Encouraged by his mother as a family activity, his parents and sister were massive supporters, with his mother attending many events and competitions. Sadly, she passed away in 2004, but her influence and encouragement continue to resonate in his life.

His passion for line dance led him to make regular appearances in Linedancer Magazine during the late 90s and early 2000s, and he even graced various TV shows, including the National Lottery, news programs, and various daytime TV shows. His dedication and moves in line dance didn’t go unnoticed as he bagged numerous titles including UCWDC World, Netherlands, German, Scottish, and Chicago Champion.

After finishing school in the UK (Wales), Chris had the opportunity to temporarily move to Chicago to experience and attend high school also local line dance classes and events. During his time in America, he was taught by Scott Blevins, a renowned international line dance instructor. This experience allowed him to witness a different style of dancing compared to what he was accustomed to in Wales, UK.

Upon completing his studies, Chris returned to the UK and established various line dance classes and a club called “WickedWest”. A career highlight was his performance at the London Royal Palladium (Performing for Royalty 👸🏻), where he collaborated with dancers like Michael Flatley, Wayne Sleep, and the legendary ice dancing duo Torvill and Dean.

He has been a mentor to a number dancers in the line dance world. His teachings went beyond dance steps, instilling the spirit of line dance in his students. Some of these students have become champions themselves (two of which are world champs and active personalities today in the linedance world).

In his personal life, he met his wife Renay through line dancing, and they now have two boys. In 2004, he took a long pause from line dancing (with a number of life events) to start a family and pursue a career in medical technology and software development. This career shift led him to senior and management positions that allowed him to travel and eventually emigrate.

In 2019, Chris and his family moved to New Zealand and later rekindled his passion for dancing. Today, he is once again an active member of the friendly and vibrant line dance community of New Zealand making many new lifelong friendships, he may not be as flexable as he once was in his youth, and now makes some "unintentional freestyle variations 🤪" but he regularly dancing across both islands (mainly south) and enjoying being part of the dance and country music scene.

Chris’s journey continues… He is hopeful about promoting his rekindled passion for line dance and lending his support to the New Zealand line dance community. His aim is to make new lifelong friendships and support line dancing in the country, both personally and through the newly founded Linedance NZ. He plans to use the platform to highlight the wonderful and active community in NZ, choreographers, and personalities. 🇳🇿 🤠 🕺🏻