By Ashleigh Fielding | posted on December 23, 2017
ALBANY ballroom power couple Jim Watmore and Helen Gee have twirled and dipped their way into the dancing hall of fame after triumphing at the Australian Dancesport Championship in Melbourne.
Mr Watmore and Ms Gee are now the current Australian Masters 3 Dancesport champions in C-grade New Vogue dance style, and in B-grade Latin dance.
The pair, both in their early 60s, also achieved fifth in the B-grade standard class, fourth in the open Latin class and made it through the first round of the open new vogue and standard classes.
They were ecstatic with their wins and are already gearing up for next year’s competition.
“Helen and I couldn’t be any happier with our performance,” Mr Watmore said.
“Becoming master champions hasn’t quite sunk in yet.”
The performance at Hisense Arena was the couple’s first competitive visit to Melbourne, and they are keen to return next year to continue their gold streak.
“With approximately 40 couples in the Masters 3 field alone, the competition was fierce right from the word go,” Mr Watmore said.
“Helen and I were the only Masters 3 competitors from WA, with a high concentration of couples coming from Victoria and New South Wales.
“It was invaluable experience to be competing against so many couples from other parts of Australia and we relish the challenge of going back next year to defend our titles.”
After just one week’s rest, the seasoned dancers were right back into training with their coach, Joy Hearn, to whom they dedicated their fantastic result.
