Dance teacher, 26, dies from rare disease just hours after falling ill

A popular dance teacher died suddenly just hours after falling ill with suspected meningococcal disease.

Kelsey Davidson, from Christchurch, New Zealand, was teaching classes at Radical Step Dance Studio in Fendalton the day before she died on September 26.

The 26-year-old, who used to share photos of her daily life on Instagram, founded her studio in 2012 and taught several dance styles.

Her company’s website reads: “Kelsey prides herself as a promoter of our new and dynamic city of Christchurch.

“[She] has a love for the outdoors with her main passion being snow skiing, which leads her to explore the unique parts of New Zealand and exotic locations around the world.”

Her friends have paid tribute to the woman through an online guest book.

“Kelsey sparkled,” one person said.

“She achieved so much with her dancing. We all had many fun times and laughter with Kelsey.”

Ms Davidson’s family confirmed her death today, Yahoo News reports.

The region’s public health team have reportedly offered antibiotics to Ms Davidson’s friends and family to prevent them from developing the disease.

“On September 26, 2019, taken from us after a day’s illness, aged 26 years,” their notice reads.

“Kelsey, our sparkle, our joy, our all the world.”

They also announced her funeral will be held on Wednesday, October 2.

Meningococcal disease is an acute bacterial infection ‘that can cause death within hours if not recognised and treated in time’, according to Meningococcal Australia.

The disease can appear in several different forms, depending on which part of the body the bacteria invade: meningitis (affecting the brain and spinal cord) or septicaemia (affecting the blood), or a combination of both.