Last Thursday, Business Come Dancing raised more than £6,000 for Parkinson’s Dance at Pavilion Dance South West and Lewis-Manning Hospice.
Eleven local businesspeople teamed up with professional dance partners to raise funds for the two charities in true “Strictly” style: after a three-months rehearsal period they performed in a glittering black-tie gala event in front of a panel of judges and an audience of more than 200 supporters from local businesses in the Pavilion Ballroom.
The glitterball trophy went to Callum Morrell from A’Courts Hair and his professional dance partner Kate O’Leary for their Irish Dance routine. Russell Walton from Bennington Green and his partner Kelly Pope came second with a Musical Theatre number to music from Chicago, followed by Alan Tofield from Richmond Home Improvement and Charlene Crack, who were awarded third place for a cheeky Charleston routine.
The event was generously sponsored by A’Courts Hair and Barclays (Silver Sponsors). All proceeds from the event will be split between both charities.
For Pavilion Dance South West the funds raised will contribute to a project that aims to roll out the Bournemouth model of Parkinson’s Dance across other areas of the South West. The project is set to commence in 2016.
“This is fantastic news for us”, comments Helga Brandt, Head of Marketing & Development at Pavilion Dance South West. “Dance has so many benefits for people living with Parkinson’s, both physically and mentally. We are overjoyed that Business Come Dancing has brought us a step closer to cover the costs for this project. Our heartfelt thank you goes to all participants, sponsors, supporters, organisers and helpers for their passion and commitment. It was a great night!”
Judging Panel
Cllr John Adams; Mayor of Bournemouth
Emily Hingston; Heart FM and 2014 winner
Tracy Osman; Lewis Manning Shop Manager and Showbiz Academy
Natasha Tobin; Dance teacher, Marketing & Communications Practitioner, and PDSW Board Member
Participants
Martin Bell from Real Recruitment Solutions. Dancing Ballroom with Emma Tarrent
Mary Bell from the Dorset Camber of Commerce. Dancing Street with Anthonty Biela
Sharon Cummings from Jobshop. Dancing Tango with Mario Linge
Jordon Dearlove from Volsen. Dancing 1940s Social Dance with Ruby Adams
Katie Hedley from FJB Hotels. Dancing Latin with Lawrence James
Sue Kerr from Kier. Dancing Street with Jack Andrew
Russell Walton from Bennington Green. Dancing Musical Theatre with Kelly Pope
Callum Morell from A’Courts Hairdressers. Dancing Irish with Kate O’Leary
Jackie Nicholson from Barclays. Dancing Street with Rich Smith
Ellie Sheppard from Princecroft Willis. Dancing Contemporary with Benjamin Whitson
Allan Tofield from Richmond Home Improvements. Dancing Charleston with Charlene Crack