Claremont policeman shines at dance contest

A Claremont police officer, Sergeant Denver Titus, has taken first place in two categories at a ballroom dancing competition.

More than 200 dancers competed in the Night in Vienna competition held at the Nico Malan Recreation Hall in Observatory on Saturday September 2.

The annual black-tie event was organised by Dance Western Cape.

Representing the SAPS regional ballroom dance team, the 39-year-old policeman from Northpine took first place in the Adult/Masters Bronze Solo Ballroom and Adult/Masters Bronze Solo Latin categories with support from his dance partner, Ratheline le Kay, from the Bishop Lavis police finance department.

“I would always dance with a partner. However, in any solo section of the competition, only one participant, usually the one with a number on his or her clothing, is judged and scored. In both my sections, I wore my number, and I obtained first place in both sections,” said Sergeant Titus.

He said he had only started ballroom dancing less than a year ago.

“Winning my sections only encourages me to participate more and grow within ballroom dancing. I hope to inspire my fellow colleagues to take part in this sport and help make it a larger sport within the police."

Claremont police station commander Colonel Maree Louw said the station was proud of Sergeant Titus’s achievement.

"It is good to have members that excel in different types of sport. It shows a healthy relationship with their work environment."