Krystal Stuart

With over 16 years of dance experience, Krystal has dedicated the last 10 years of her life to the study and performance of Ballroom and Latin American Dancing or Dancesport. In the highly competitive arena, she has won numerous National Titles, among those winning the A grade selection event awarding her the right to represent New Zealand at the World Ten Dance Championships (2004/5.

In 2005 Krystal competed in the Sydney based ABC Television production, Strictly Dancing, ranging from Hip Hop, Jazz/show-time & Street Latin. Krystal won 3 of the shows making it to the final. In late 2005 she relocated to Perth, WA to further her dance career and train with world-class coaches, returning home in 2006 to appear on the second season of TVNZ's Dancing with the Stars. During the show, she partnered Act Party leader, Rodney Hyde and was given the opportunity to not only showcase her choreography, coaching and performance live on National TV but to also work with St John and helped to raise $24,000 for which she received an honoury Priory of Thanks. In 2007 Krystal danced with ex All Black Centre, Frank Bunce representing Manukau Communities Foundation. Through this opportunity she was able to work with various charitable trusts and organizations, and started public speaking at schools. One of her favourites was Alan Duffy, Books in Homes, which encouraged reading at school and at home with funding for books in lower decile schools. Krystal and Frank travelled around Northland visiting 12, decile 1, Maori immersion schools ranging from Year 1 to College level, to take part in this Role Model Assemblies programme. They spoke to students about their individual experiences dancing and playing rugby, dancing on the show together, and talking about the importance of school and reading, leading on to achieving the things you want to in life. Krystal really found it a wonderful experience working with under-privileged children and encouraging and sharing with them her love of reading and dance as a child.

Krystal also worked with Pelorus Trust, with Celebrity Pub Quiz events where she guest participated with other ex All Blacks in a celebrity team. She has worked also in Promotions for Cadbury (which sponsored ‘Dancing’), performed at various corporate events following the show, such as the Manukau Business Awards, Starship Charity Gala Dinner and the Qantas Media Awards 2007.

Krystal has become a dance trainer at Tempo Dance Studio, taking workshops, classes and private lessons. Working with a broad spectrum of pupils she teaches both competitive and social couples and also specialises in choreographing pieces for performance couples for showcases and wedding couples. She also teaches Community Classes held at Rangitoto College in Latin, Salsa and Ballroom, also working freelance as a choreographer and performer for shows.

In 2008 Krystal has taking on board some new challenges including working with the Life Centre on the Carabineer Project run by former Paralympics finalist, Cameron Calkoen. The project is geared around a mentoring programme for disabled youth, allowing them to be mentored in the field they have shown promise in and/or are passionate about. Krystal has also been invited by SPARC to become a Lifestyle Ambassador in schools, promoting the Mission on Healthy Lifestyle message to encourage New Zealand youth to become more active and refuel with healthy choices.

In the future Krystal would love to spend more time doing charity-based work, particularly in schools or with children and has aspirations of teaching a segment of fitness (PE curriculum) in schools to help kids explore different kinds of dance. She is also interested in pursuing future presenting or hosting opportunities in television/media industries. Krystal is looking to become involved in the next season of Dancing With the Stars, continuing her role as a Lifestyle Ambassador leader in 2009 and getting involved in the KidsCan telethon next year.