It takes place at the Winter Gardens in Blackpool, and only international dancers who qualify are able to compete. In fact, it is the largest competition and social dance event in the world.
During the South African Dance Masters Championships in the Paarl between June 30 and July 2, McLaren qualified by winning the newcomer pro-am silver male division and the novice silver male division.
His professional partner was Elsie Clark from Bloemfontein. They danced the two-step, the cha-cha and the West Coast Swing in the couples’ section.
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Both Barbara Seelt and Shane McKeever from England are internationally renowned judges and adjudicated at the competition. They commented on how impressed they were with the quality of dancing in South Africa.
After high school, McLaren proceeded to dance with the Cape Town Ballet Company. He quickly became a soloist and is a certified professional dancer, choreographer and instructor.
McLaren is a well-known professional ballet dancer and was invited back to perform in the highly acclaimed La Traviata – The Ballet at the Johannesburg Civic Theatre last year. He was part of the original cast in 1990.
His other passion is teaching at the Rosemarie Middleton Dance Centre (RMDC). If he is not teaching and choreographing a new routine for the children, he spends his weekends competing in line dancing events and perfecting his already professional dancing skills.
“Dancing is my world. There are many dance opportunities for adults who love it. At RMDC, we have line dancing classes and couples classes as well,” said McLaren.
“I joined the Boham’s Dance School of Excellence in Bloemfontein for the SAs. I am thankful to Johan Bouillon for being an awesome coach and to Stephan Steyn for his mentoring and advice.
“My new friends in Bloemfontein made me feel welcome and part of their family. Thank you to Rosemarie Middleton, Carika Janse van Rensburg and AE Switch, who supported me financially, as well as other Lydenburg friends who contributed towards my trip,” said McLaren.
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