Not only the dance floor will be filled with stars this year. Rock with the stars Fundraising. The event on September 7th will also feature an impressive panel of judges.

Former Dancing with the stars Contestant and Truebliss pop star Megan Alatini will return to the judges’ chair alongside local singer Suzanne Prentice and Rock’n’Roll Club champions Shaun and Hayley Birchall.

Alatini says she is excited to return to Southland and take part in such a great event.

“I think it’s the best of the best this time around, with all the dancers from the past returning, so I think we’re in for a very entertaining evening.

“I always enjoy returning to one of my old hometowns (Invercargill), so I’m extremely grateful for the invitation to be back. And the fact that there’s a bit of entertainment involved makes it even better.”

Alatini believed that one of the biggest differences of the event was that it focused on people who were not “direct experts.”

“I know that some of them are completely outside their comfort zone, which I have experienced with Rock with the stars before – that’s what makes it fun and a unique element.

“But to be honest, it’s much easier to be a judge than a candidate.”

She said that as a juror she would pay attention to the entertainment factor,

“I would love to see some unique and creative elements that some of our experts, our celebrities, have and what they bring to the table as a unique selling point to not only impress the judges but also really entertain the audience.

“So I’m going to sit back and enjoy watching them do it right.”

Prentice was involved in the event from the beginning, but was never able to participate as a dancer.

“Practicing takes up so much time and unfortunately I’m away from home quite often for my own performances.

“I would love to be there as a dancer, but I don’t have the time. But I always try to be there in some way.”

She thought it was a great event for many reasons.

“It’s great for the people who take part in it – they learn different skills – it’s great for the audience because it’s so much fun, but it’s also a great community event that helps one of our charities or helps someone in our community, which is the most important thing.”

Experienced rock’n’roll dancers Hayley and Shaun Birchall from Christchurch complete the judging panel.

“This is all a bit new to me because I usually coach more than I judge.

“I mean, yeah, coaching and judging are all the same thing – you watch it, you criticize it. You tell them things could have gone a little better, but overall I just want to encourage them, see a big smile on their faces and see that they’re having fun.”