HIGHWAY line dancer Kevin Ellis dedicated his last win to his late father. Ellis was recently crowned the European Gems Duo Champion at the World Dance Masters Championships in Dublin, Ireland, in April, along with his partner, Lesley Klewinghaus.

Also read: International Dance Day: Dancing for fun is a journey

Speaking to the Highway Mail, Ellis said that although he was grieving the loss of his father, he is grateful that he could honour him by doing what he loves, which is dance.

“When my father was sick, I had decided that I was not going to compete, but he encouraged me to go because he knows how much I love this. When I was on stage performing, I was doing it for him and his memory,” he said.

Ellis said he is also grateful to his partner who is based in Germany. “It is amazing that Lesley and I are able to create magic while dancing even when we live apart. We met a few days before the competition to practice, and it is always incredible with her,” he said.

Also read: Novice dancer (75) wins comp

Ellis did not only walk away with a trophy from the competition – the Bernie Whitehouse Memorial Trophy in the Renegade Section – but he and Lesley were also the champions of the European Gems Duos and the European Charity Duos. They also came second in the European Partners Country and Western Section.

“I am grateful for the support I receive from my friends, family and Just Dance Studio which I represent when I am on international stages,” he said.

The European champ will be heading to Bloemfontein in July to compete in the South African Champs and later to the United Kingdom to compete in the World Champs.

For more from the Highway Mail, follow us on Facebook, X and Instagram. You can also check out our videos on our YouTube channel or follow us on TikTok