Melinda & Paul

On Saturday 21st October 2010 New Zealand's best salsa dancers competed at the New Zealand Salsa National Championships at the Telstra Clear Event Centre in Manukau City. Among the competitors were our very own Malinda Raaijmakers and Paul Wong. Both dancers competed in the Beginners Category. The dancers were aked to complete seven (7) basic fundamentals in their two (2) freestyle dances. The heats were completed in the afternoon, during which Malinda and Paul progressed through to the finals. The couple showcased their Cuban Style Salsa against nine (9) other couples and impressed the judges with their timing, musicality, styling and technique, gaining 2nd Place for their efforts.

When asked the formula for their success their dance instructor Marie-Louise Hudson replied, "Malinda's elegance and poise combined with Paul's playful technique ensured that they shone on stage and drew the judges eyes to them."

Excerpt from The River City Press Oct 28th 2010.