Kim McLaren

Kim was introduced to Swing dancing by his parents in 2004, reluctantly agreeing to attend a lesson with the assumption that it would be “full of old people doing boring dance steps”.  Pleasantly surprised by the whole experience, he quickly grew attached to the energy and playful style of dancing, and also enjoyed some of the attention from the younger females in the class!  Teaming up with Emily Dunstan later that year sealed the deal, and Kim has remained bugged by the jitter ever since.

Joining Brat Pack at the start of 2006 was a big step, and he spent the first few months thinking he had only been invited into the troupe because of his “big (nervous) smile whenever he performed”.  His inaugural performance at Essendon Primary Fete was literally a smash hit, where he managed to flip his dance partner one and a half times, promptly dropping her on her back!  With no serious damaged incurred (except a bruised ego) Kim continued to perform regularly in 2006, with highlights including numerous TV weather appearances, a military tattoo in Bendigo, Spiegeltent shows and the MLB Team Showcase Event.  Being asked to be a teacher and join Scat Pack in 2007 was also a big step, especially as he had to retire from his beloved basketball team in order to attend rehearsals (after copping much flak from his team mates!).

Outside of Swing dancing Kim is completing his Masters of Architecture, while working part-time for an office and also designing a house for his parents.  If he has anytime left over after all that, then basketball, rock-climbing and snow-boarding are next on the list, and then usually “it’s time to collapse on the couch”.

If you see Kim out and about, ask him for a dance.  Whether it be to the tunes of Oscar Peterson or Outkast, Sam Cooke or Stevie Wonder, he’s always happy to dance with somebody new.