15 December 2011 / NASSPDA champs featured in story on same-sex dance fundraiser

photo Boston.com

From the Cape Cod Times, a story on a fundraiser put on by NASSPDA champions:

PLYMOUTH — Kalin Mitov kept his hands low and snapped his fingers twice. Michael Winward ran his fingers through his hair. Then, as "You're Driving Me Crazy," sung by Della Reese, filled the mirrored room at the Fred Astaire Dance Studio on Wednesday, the two dancers glided across the wood floor — apart but in step.

Mitov led, and they turned and turned, at times with their arms flung open, backward, then forward, left then right. Their soft-soled shoes barely made a sound. The two men — both trim, dark-haired and gay — are national same-sex partners ballroom dancing champions.

On Dec. 15, they will perform at Club Purgatory at 11 Carver St. in Provincetown (info: 508-487-8442)to raise money for the "It Gets Better Project," a national campaign to give hope to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender young people who experience bullying and harassment.

"It's hard to put up with bullying if you don't have a niche," said Winward, 26, who grew up in Lowell and found a haven in dance when he was in high school. "It's a clear connection for me. This is kind of the gayest thing you can do. If you can do this, you'll be fine. Yeah, it does get better."

Keep reading HERE.