Thu 22 May 2014 In: Hall of Fame View at Wayback View at NDHA
The resplendent pair Dance partners Heta Timu and Geoff Melvin are home from the Darwin Asia Pacific Outgames with a haul of no less than seven medals. “We did ok,” the modest pair tells GayNZ.com. The Wellingtonians have known each other socially for more than two decades, since they were at uni. They’ve each danced for years, and were involved in the first same-sex dance competition in Wellington in 2000, and the Wellington Asia Pacific Outgames. While they have had other dance partners along the way, they competed together a few years ago. When Timu took a break Melvin carried on, and also competes in ‘mainstream’ competitions with a female partner. “You just step out on the other foot, and it seems to work!” he says of the difference between dancing with a man and a woman. “You just have to remember which foot to start on.” This time around Timu and Melvin have been dancing together since January, and competed in same-sex dance competitions in Melbourne and Wellington before the Darwin Outgames. Celebrating with other competitors In Darwin the pair took part is six events and a teams match with two other couples. In all, they scooped two gold medals and five silvers. Melvin enjoys Ballroom more, finding Latin a bit stressful. “I don’t mind doing it, but I’m not as good at it.” Timu likes Latin but doesn’t have any real favourites. “I'm quite cheeky on the floor and love playing to the crowd when I see a twinkle in their eyes and a grin then get feedback from them when I'm off the floor I feel satisfied.” Timu says the Outgames experience is always fun, particularly meeting people from around New Zealand, Australia and the world. “There were some participants from Cambodia , Germany and the USA.” Melvin loves the atmosphere the competitors bring to such events. “It really makes it something special.” He says while it’s competitive, everyone is supportive and just loves having people participate. Timu says if you have always dreamed of ballroom dancing, especially with your partner, take it up as a hobby. “It's ok to make mistakes at the first few times you go, but don't take anything seriously at the beginning, give it a go, have fun with it as you go along and then before too long the steps become natural , just like a baby starting to crawl, to walking, to an athlete running. “But always have respect for your partner and fellow couples on the floor.” Meanwhile, there is no let up for this pair - they were back practicing as we spoke. Same-sex dancing in New Zealand: Wellington's DANSS Rainbow Hip Hop at Claire Baxter Dance Same Sex Salsa (If you'd like your dance classes listed email news@gaynz.com) Jacqui Stanford - 22nd May 2014