Ballroom dance fans living at care homes in Bournemouth and Poole are stepping up to follow the progress of a prestigious Strictly-style competition run by Forest Holme Hospice.

The Dorset-based palliative care charity, which marks its 30th anniversary this year, has welcomed aboard Colten Care as headline sponsor of its ‘Strictly Extravaganza’.

The contest involves ten participants, drawn from a public call for entries, teaming up with professional dancers for months of lessons and rehearsals.

It will all culminate in a glittering finals night before an audience of around 350 people at Poole Lighthouse next January.

A winner will be chosen by a panel of judges from the dance world, including Jason Edwards – champion of a similar competition held by Forest Holme last year.

Under the sponsorship agreement, Colten Care residents can watch rehearsals, demonstrations and performances brought to their homes, and access tickets for the finals evening.

A launch party was held recently at Colten Care’s Bourne View home in Poole, where guests were joined by Bournemouth-based ballroom dancer Oliver Beardmore and his brother Kieran, a music producer.

Kieran Beardmore (front left) and his brother Oliver, with team members from Forest Holme and Colten Care

The pair will provide support with choreography and music respectively as the rehearsals and countdown to the finals gather pace over the months ahead.

With a champagne and canapés reception and a presentation for contestants and corporate partners, the launch event brought together team members from both Forest Holme and Colten Care.

Kirsty Perks, corporate and community fundraiser at Forest Holme Hospice, said: “We’re so grateful to Colten Care for partnering on our Strictly Extravaganza.

“We’re completely aligned with their aim of ensuring their residents feel part of this community initiative, and we’re only too pleased to bring dance demonstrations to their homes where we can.

“With Colten Care’s help, we’re all set for months of great fun as we build up to finals night itself with all the excitement of dressing up and taking to the dancefloor under the expert gaze of the judges.”

The call for entries drew applications from people of all ages and abilities, from dance novices through to those with more experience.

The chosen ten each have a personal reason for wanting to support the work of Forest Holme.

Since its founding in 1994, the hospice has cared for more than 30,000 patients and their families, with voluntary donations being a vital part of its funding.

Kirsty said she hopes the extravaganza will help to raise around £30,000, adding that messages of support have already been received from Strictly Come Dancing stars Shirley Ballas, Motsi Mabuse and Kai Widdrington.

Mark Aitchison, chief executive of Colten Care, added: “Forest Holme’s Strictly Extravaganza is an amazing, inclusive community competition which is set to generate huge interest.

“Many of our residents are big fans of dance, for some it has been a lifelong passion whether they have been active dancers themselves or simply keen audience members.

“In partnering with Forest Holme, we’re ensuring those many dance enthusiasts at our homes can maintain their love of ballroom and share in our community’s support for what is a thoroughly deserving local cause.”

• forestholmehospice.org.uk

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