Keep dancing…!

The eyes of the nation may have been on Blackpool as Strictly Come Dancing was beamed live from the famous Tower Ballroom but the real action was taking place right here on our doorstep.

Business Come Dancing made its triumphant return to Dorset after a three year hiatus.

And it was a definite ’10’ as this year’s contestants took part in the contest at Bournemouth Highcliff Marriott Hotel.

That’s the final  amount – £10,000 – organisers hope to raise for Pavilion Dance South West (PDSW) and charity partner #Willdoes.

Around 200 people watched as contestants took to the floor for the keenly-fought competition.

Amateurs from a variety of businesses had been partnered with a professional dancer who had taught a routine over several weeks in one of PDSW’s studios.

The winner was Kerry Houston-Kypta, pictured, from Coles Miller Solicitors, dancing a spectacular Argentine Tango with Marek Lynch.

Runners-up were:

• Laura O’Mahoney, from The Pamper Cabin, with a crowd-rousing Irish dance with Kate O’Leary.
• Stephanie Buchanan, from PDSW’s charity partner #Willdoes, dancing with Jazz Gritt to a fun lyrical jazz routine from the musical, Tick, Tick…Boom!

Other contestants taking part came from King’s Beach Residence, Creative Flow Collective, Savills, Blandford Aesthetic Centre Ltd, Heathland House Care Home and the Marsham Court Hotel.

The judges were Dr Anna Farthing, of Arts University Bournemouth; Ian Girling, of Dorset Chamber, and PDSW’s Victor Fung.

The host was Steve Harris, of BBC Radio Solent, and the speakers were Rod Cossou, Parkinson’s Dance participant, fundraiser and PDSW Board member, and Matt Hawksworth, Young People’s Producer, PDSW.

Quotes from the night included:

• “What better way to help you feel all those delightful and good things in life. Loved being there.”
•  “From the bottom of my heart, thank you so much for letting me be part of such a wonderful experience. I loved every minute of it!”
•  “What an amazing experience to be part of.”
•  “This was an amazing event!  I was so impressed with all of the dancers and the food at the Marriott was lovely.”

Business Come Dancing was supported by Edwards Artisan Florist, Laser Crystal, CuCo Creative, BCP Media Group, Lighthouse Poole, Marsham Court Hotel, The Real Greek, City Cruises, Oceana Hotels and The Tank Museum.

Host Steve Harris.

Special thanks have been extended to Charity Partner: #Willdoes

It’s hoped that £10,000 will be raised through contestant fundraising, the gala dinner, raffle, silent auction and supporter donations.

To make a donation, please click here.

• To take part in 2023, please contact Cheryl Baldachhino on cheryl.baldacchino@pdsw.org.uk.
• More information can be found here.