GYM owner Taite Radley enjoys a bit of stirring. Only, when one of his mates captioned "Ballarat's newest couple" on one of his dance training photos, it quickly became fodder for celebrity gossip columns all the way to the United Kingdom.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The Bachelorette winner from 2018's alleged new mystery woman was revealed to be his dance partner Steph, who has no social media channels. He set the record straight in encouraging people to watch him learn to Tango in The Ballarat Foundation's gala charity event Dancing With Our Stars.
This opportunity came in the wake of his high-profile break-up from reality star Ali Oetjen.
"I tend to forget people are interested. Sometimes you go places and people recognise you but I never had been anything but myself and it was a while ago," Mr Radley said.
"I wasn't going to be someone I'm not, even in fear of going from the show - I wasn't going to be anything but my authentic self."
In a sense this has allowed him a chance to share a bit of spotlight on The Ballarat Foundation, which runs a suite of programs to break cycles of disadvantage in the community.
Mr Radley said his reasons for taking up the challenge - and following in his mate and fellow gym owner Dylan Lesock - was primarily to give back to the community, which had supported him so much. His gym Sweaty AF opened last year as pandemic restrictions struck.
"After going through that time, this is an opportunity to bring people together," Mr Radley said.
MORE DANCING INSPIRATION:
- Journalist Rochelle Kirkham shares social welfare story in her dance campaign
- Toastie guru Tim Bone turns up heat on dance mission
- Daniel Nestor's nearly ready to rumba out of comfort zone
- Paula Nicholson's determination in dance - she has the marks to prove it
- Anita Godfrey makes flying start to dance preparation
- Alicia is auctioning off her staff to fuel her dance campaign
- Danielle finds renewed purpose to her dance
- Kevin Vanderkley's 'hip' moves to go on show on dance floor
- Rob Croucher is waltzing into Dancing with Our Stars in a Latino twist
A week out from the big dance-off and Mr Radley's key concern was to pull off all the steps because even if most of the audience did not realise a mistake, he knows The Dance Studio's Shelley Ross will know.
As much as MasterChef dance rival Tim Bone's jive is upbeat, Mr Radley's dance is dramatic and moody. Mr Radley said the drama was fun but his dance partner constantly "saved" him when it came to steps and form.
The tango is unlike anything Mr Radley has danced before, even in his gym which boasts a nightclub-style vibe.
"I've danced hip-hop. I love dancing but classical is completely different," Mr Radley said.
"I have to feel and hear the music - I need that beat. My dance is very emotional. I feel like I can get into character a bit and I love the movement."
Sweaty AF is hosting a Sip and Sweat fundraiser tonight to boost Mr Radley's efforts for The Ballarat Foundation. It is a chance to work out, or take a look about the gym and have a drink, socialise, to start the weekend. Anyone is welcome and entry is a note donation.
Dancing With Our Stars is live-streamed from Civic Hall on March 20.
