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Gaye and Willem Bessem-Hazlewood won the Auckland Dance Sport Spirit of Sportsmanship trophy last November. They are sharing their love of dance with the community. The couple danced competitively, including at the Auckland Festival of Dance in 2003.
Determination and a love of dance helped Red Beach couple Gaye and Willem Bessem-Hazlewood survive near-death experiences.
Willem, now 84 years old, had a severe stroke 18 months ago which left him unable to talk or sit up in bed. Willpower and intensive rehabilitation got him back on his feet and “managing a wobbly waltz”. He is now able to partner Gaye again in the Ballroom dances they both love.
When Gaye (74) had a heart valve replaced in 2015 she was not only told it was likely to be the end of dancing (to which she replied “want a bet?”) but at one stage she gathered family around her hospital bedside as she was expected to have only a few hours to live.
Now that she’s back on her feet and dancing, which has taken incredible focus and drive, she can laugh about it. She has a mechanical aortic valve fitted, which you can hear ticking as it opens and shuts when you are up close. “Willem jokingly complains that it keeps him awake, but I can use the beat to stay in time when dancing, like a metronome,” Gaye says.
They met in 1991 at a social dance and began Ballroom lessons together soon after. Their teacher, Laurel Taylor, suggested they compete. Dancing demonstrations and competitions have taken Gaye and Willem all over New Zealand, Australia and to Norfolk Island. They danced with the NZ Symphony Orchestra at the Auckland Town Hall and featured at the Symphony Under the Stars show.
They have danced free of charge at local rest homes and recently Gaye danced at an 80th birthday party with one of her pupils.
Any Ballroom style appeals to Gaye and Willem, but particularly English Oldtime and New Vogue.
Among their trophies and medals are a 2nd in Latin and 3rd in New Vogue at the 2001 Australasian Championships, and silver and bronze from the 2008 NZ Masters Games.
The couple began teaching in 2008 in Christchurch, seeing it as a chance to help people experience the joy of dance.
Many students they teach in their Red Beach home studio without charging a fee. Gaye remembers teaching an RSA member who had never danced, but took three months of lessons before his granddaughter’s wedding and was then able to dance with her in front of the assembled guests.
“We teach absolute beginners of all ages,” Gaye says. “We can fix up problems with style or steps and make social dancers look better.”
She and Willem encourage others to keep moving and keep as fit as possible – “It activates the brain and keeps us smiling,” Gaye says. “Dance has made us some wonderful friends and, more than that, we think it saved our lives.”
If you are interested in dance classes, phone or text 027 202 9973.
