Dancing duo walking on air after winning top title

Chris and Diana Crowhurst, from Southwater, have been crowned Latin dance champions at the World Latin Dance Championships held at Disney Land in Paris.

The pair were watched by more than 3,000 people as they pipped dozens of competitors from across the globe to the over 60s title on Sunday December 6.

Chris said: “We are over the moon. We went over to win obviously because everyone wants to win.

“To compete is one thing but if you do win it, it is the pinnacle of your whole year as that is what you have been working for. It is a great feeling.”

As well as winning the over 60s Latin dance competition the couple also made it to the final of the World Ballroom Dancing Championships finishing 5th.

“When all the lights go down and you have the spot light on you and the national anthem is playing it is very emotional,” Chris added.

But the pair are no strangers to the competition which is held annually by the World Dancing Council.

Between 2011 and 2013 they won the over 55s World Latin Dance Championships before losing their crown last year after finishing runners up.

A change in the categories saw the over 60s competition created and they have now become the first ever winners.

But the couple have not always been interested in dancing and Chris explained how they both got involved.

He said: “I used to play squash and then it sort of faded out because I was beginning to feel how I looked at the end of a game.

“My wife said why don’t we do something together, why don’t we try dancing? I have to admit I was very sceptical.

“We went down to a local dance class and I couldn’t dance a step. Then we had a few lessons and started to compete and that was that.”

Chris and Diana have now been dancing together for 13 years and have taken part in hundreds of competitions both nationally and across the world.

The couple don’t plan on stopping either. Chris admitted he would love to return next year and retain their crown but would be sitting down in the new year with his wife to plan ahead.

As well as competing the couple also teach dance at various classes across Sussex.

Chris said: “We assist Kevin Clapson at the Shoreham Centre on a Tuesday evening and a host dance practice on a Friday night in Horsham (at Tanbridge House School).

“The more people who dance the better.

“So many people sit and do nothing. I think it makes you live longer no matter what standard you are and it is good exercise, that can only be a good thing.”

For more information about the dance classes email chris@dance2night.co.uk

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