The New Zealand-born, Melbourne-based line dance instructor was in the city at the weekend helping with the Dunedin Boots and Beats Club event at the Edgar Centre.
"I left my automotive job to move to Melbourne in the early 2000s to become a line dance instructor.
"My passion became my job. It’s been an absolute blast."
More than 300 line dancers moved their feet at the inaugural event at the weekend, and Mr Paterson was impressed with what he saw.
"The line dancing was on par with anywhere I’ve seen. It’s been huge."
"It was around the time that [Billy Ray Cyrus’] Achy Breaky Heart came out that line dancing exploded.
"But there are so many different types of music and steps you can do for line dancing."
Anyone could be a good line dancer if they set their mind to it.
It was "great fun" on a social level, as well as teaching good concentration.
"The line dance community is like a big family. There are a lot of instructors around the world."
He hoped to come back for the next Dunedin event in two years’ time.
Three-time Crystal Boot award winner Heather Barton, of Scotland, also hoped to be back soon.
"It’s been an epic journey and I’ve enjoyed every second of it. Everybody is so friendly.
"I just hope everyone has enjoyed my classes [at the weekend].
"A lot of them followed me online during Covid. Dance isn’t just how you step, it’s who you are."
