Vale Russ Hesketh

DanceSport Australia (DSA) and its members are truly saddened by the passing of Mr Russ Hesketh (14/11/2024), following a battle with cancer.

Russ commenced dancing as a teenager and had a very successful Amateur and Professional career both in Australia and Internationally, together with his wife Wynne. Major titles won include the ADS Australian Championships in Standard and Latin, Australasian Championships (2 Standard, 3 Latin and 2 NV), seven Victorian titles (retiring in 1974 as four-times undefeated Victorian Standard Champions), six Commonwealth titles and three Southern Cross Championships.

Russ also trained many championship dancers and was a highly respected DSA adjudicator (all styles) chairman of adjudicators at National and State Championships, invigilator and scrutineer. He was also an examiner for DSA, in all three styles, examining many of today’s top professional dancers in Melbourne. You always came away knowing more after such an exam than you knew beforehand!

Russ also shared his amazing knowledge of dance via his involvement with developing and updating DSA examinations in all three styles and was a tireless helper in this area. Russ’s technical book “New Vogue Championship Dances” is the bible for may New Vogue dancers, teachers and competitors. He has also created seven New Vogue dances that are used within many Societies as medal exam dances, and widely enjoyed by social dancers.

Russ’s contribution to the Dancing scene within Australia is vast, and he will be sorely missed. We extend our condolences to Russ’s family.