Bairnsdale teenagers Cody Stephens and Deborah Griffiths won all their events at the Victorian Rock and Roll State Championships in May.
Both trained locally with Christabel Peters to win first place in youth advanced, teen no lifts, youth lifts and youth state title (two-song event).
Cody, new to rock and roll, was a quick pupil who came up to speed fast to be
come the best male rocker under 18
in Victoria.
Deborah, now a veteran champion, has her name on the perpetual shield a record three times (2017, 2022, 2025) and has finished her youth competition years on top.
At the championships Cody and Deborah entertained with their range of moves, styling, 1950s costumes and charisma.
The 200 plus competition audience were treated to the state champions rocking around the dance floor with an incredible selection of choreography, aerials like the candlestick and cossack, Texas tommy, seagulls and of course classic Elvis legs.
They competed to a range of music tempos and the state title was danced to a live band with one slow song and one super fast song with lifts.
They impressed so much the Victorian Rock and Roll Dance Association (VRRDA) updated its Facebook header featuring Cody and Deborah on the podium flanked by VRRDA committee member Derek Wagner and VRRDA treasurer Jenny Garnham-Kerville.
