WALTZING AWAY WITH WORLD CUP
ANDRE Vermast has just cha-cha’d his way to a world championship win.
The 48-year-old Gold Coaster represented Australia at the World Latin Dance Cup in Florida and was crowned individual champion in his Amateur Masters category for the sensual dance known as Bachata.
His dance teacher, Csaba Szirmai, who was dance partner for Gold Coast radio and television personality Charli Robinson on Dancing With The Stars, went with Mr Vermast and his dance partner Kristi Hall and also competed in the competition.
While the Nerang resident, who works as a salesman at Helensvale’s latest estate The Surrounds, has a giant trophy, he said he only started taking Latin dancing seriously four years ago.
“I was looking for a hobby. I had a lot of free time on my hands and soon after I signed up for dance classes it seemed to take on a life of its own,” Mr Vermast said.
“For the first six months it was very difficult. I don’t think men are naturally good at dancing. I felt like I had two left feet ... but now I think I dance more than I walk.”