Local dancers, Mark Reid and Luke Kitchens swept the floor at the fourth annual Mardi Gras Same Sex Dance Competition in Sydney late last month, bringing home three gold and one bronze medal.
The pair won the Cha Cha Cha, Jive and graded Latin Competition, despite being placed in a higher grade than expected and the fact that they have only been dancing as a couple for four months. Their bronze medal was awarded for the Open Rumba.
Kitchens and Reid are both members of OUTDance, the only same sex dance classes in WA. According to Mr Reid, the organisation is vital to those wishing to compete in same sex dance competitions, as there is still a fair amount of resistance to two men dancing together in other Perth studios.
Sadly, OUTDance has seen a drop in attendance and is struggling to meet costs so they will be holding a social night on Tuesday, March 10 at the Mount Hawthorn Community Centre to fundraise and to encourage new members to join. The night promises two hours of social dancing, lessons and fun and entry is $5 per person.
‘It is our hope that through this success we might encourage more people to join us at OUTDance and keep the group going,’ said Mr Reid.
For more information on dance classes or the social night contact 0414 666 034 or email outdanceperth@aol.com.
Amy Henderson
