This years Strictly Ballroom competitors
Novice dancers from across Lincoln performed at a charity fundraiser in aid of St Barnabas Lincolnshire Hospice
On Sunday the LPAC played host to two Strictly Come Dancing inspired fundraisers which raised over £16,000 in front of an audience of 500 for St Barnabas Lincolnshire Hospice.
First to the stage was the under 16’s for Strictly Kidz which saw 32 couples dance the Tango and the Swing. They were followed by 34 adult couples who competed in Strictly Ballroom and danced the Rumba and the Quickstep.
The couples have spent the past ten weeks learning the dance routines with professional dance instructors, Andrew Pigg and Ursula Barker.
Michael Johnson, 10, and Hannah Vickers, 10, danced together in Strictly Kidz and won an award for raising the most amount of sponsorship, which totalled £1,112.
Michael Johnson, said:
“We were so amazed at how generous all our friends and family were with their sponsorship and our mums are really proud that we were able to raise so much money for St Barnabas as they have cared for good friends of ours. Raising money for them was my main reason for doing it. I definitely want to do it again next year.”
Hannah Vickers, said:
“I really wanted to do Stricty Kidz because I wanted the experience of learning the dances and taking part in the finale, and also because I have had relatives and family friends who have used St Barnabas Hospice services. I really wanted to raise lot of money so they can help more people.”
The overall winners of Strictly Kidz were Archie Perkins, 9 and his school friend Harry True, 9.
The judging panel, Aggi Doughty winner of Strictly Ballroom 2011 and 2012 and Andrew Pigg and Ursula Barker, dance instructors from Premier Dance, marked each couple and gave feedback on their style and technical ability.
Strictly Ballroom’s winner, Emma Platton from Lincoln, said:
“When I saw that the hospice was recruiting for participants for their Strictly style show I couldn’t wait to sign up! I have always had a love of dance and the hospice is a charity that is very close to my heart.”
Her dancing partner and sister, Charlotte Cox from Surrey, said:
“When my sister asked me to join her I immediately jumped at the idea despite the distance I had to travel to attend the dance lessons. It has been lovely to spend so much time with my sister and together we have pulled out all the stops to cram in as much practice as possible. It was a real shock when we heard our names announced as the winners but it is a moment I will hold on to forever.”
Becky Otter, Events Manager for St Barnabas Lincolnshire Hospice, said:
“Our contestants treated us to a truly entertaining day filled with all the glitz and glamour a Strictly inspired fundraiser demands. I am incredibly proud of all of them for giving up their time and for showing real enthusiasm to learn the routines and fundraise along the way.
“It is only with the support of our local community that we are able to continue caring for people who are living with the impacts of a life limiting illness.
“Our aspiration is to help our patients and their families make the most of every single second they share, regardless of how much time remains. It is money raised from events like these ones that can turn our aspirations into reality.”