• Howick and Pakuranga Times
That’s because he regularly has two female dance partners for competitions at the highest level.
The 27-year-old and his dance partners Courtney Orr and Charlotte Hancock, both 19, of the Bucklands Beach-based City of Sails Rock ‘n’ Roll Revival Club, won the senior open triples title at the national rock ‘n’ roll dance championships – the country’s biggest hop of the year.
He and Miss Hancock, of Howick, also won the open restricted couples category, while Mr Clarke and Miss Orr, who lives in Botany, formed the top team.
Their success led the City of Sails club to its best results at the nationals, says its demo and lesson co-ordinator Annette Jenkins.
The club has 350 adult and child members, and sent a team of 80 dancers to the nationals when 800 enthusiasts and performers gathered from around the country at the Gisborne Showgrounds.
“We had competitors in all but two sections,” says Ms Jenkins.
“And we came away with our biggest amount of first, second and third places.”
The club claimed nine first-place trophies, six second places and three thirds, including top club.
“Competitors are judged on their timing, harmony and variety.
“Originality is important too, while retaining the important 1950s rock ‘n’ roll style.
“Full rock ‘n’ roll clothing, shoes and hairstyles also play an important part. Fun and friendship is also part of the scene, and the atmosphere – although competitive – is lively and good hearted.”
For people in the younger generation, it’s refreshing to see the trio’s enthusiasm for music that predominately originated from the 1950s-60s.
They’re all into classic rock ‘n’ roll dancing in a big way and enjoy competitions, even when the adrenalin starts pumping and nerves set in before they hit the floor to perform with other couples and triples in front of up to eight judges.
For more information about the City of Sails Rock ‘n’ Roll Revival Club, visit www.cityofsails.org.nz
