Dorset ANC BCP businesses sparkle in strictly style fundraiser gala to raise funds to support youth mental health, Parkinson’s Dance and community dance projects across the region.
As Strictly returned from Blackpool our Business Come Dancing annual fundraiser took Bournemouth by storm as its 2023 line-up of local businesses took to the dance floor at the Highcliff Marriott hotel to compete for the glitterball trophy.
Attended by over 150 local business people, the event saw a glittering array of 8 dance performances, including a cheeky Charleston, Tangos inspired by James Bond and Zorro, a silky smooth Fly me to the Moon, a beautiful blend of Bollywood, Tap and Contemporary and a gallon of Grease Lightning! Everyone gave it a ‘Ten’ whilst raising funds for Pavilion Dance South West youth and wellbeing community projects.
At Pavilion Dance South West our vision is to transform lives through dance, supporting such communities from Parkinson’s Dance, youth mental health dance projects, schools, developing artists and communities with limited access to dance and the arts.
We were delighted to welcome back youth mental health charity #Willdoes, to take part as a group who rocked the roof and took home the glitterball trophy. #Willdoes is dedicated to helping young people achieve wellbeing in Dorset and a special thanks to them for jointly fundraising and taking part in this event.
And the winner…..
#Willdoes group including Lesley Paddy, Steph Buchanan, Nikki Craig, Kristal Bowdler, Sam Lewis, Bekha Evans and Katharine Green dancing with teacher Jazz Gritt with their energetic and crowd-pleasing Grease Lightning!
Runners up…
Sam Rowe from Clarke Rowe Solicitors dancing with Ruby Adams to a fun Charleston routine
Oonagh McKinney from Frettens Solicitors dancing with Kamalesh Borkar with a colourful Bollywood routine
A fabulous night supported by many local business contestants including: #Willdoes charity, Merck Life Science, Savills Client Services, Vetsmiths, Coles Miller Solicitors, Clarke Rowe Solicitors and Frettens Solicitors.
Kind support and raffle donations by Bournemouth Academy of Floristry, Laser Crystal, Cuco Creative, redManhattan photography, Wagamama Bournemouth, Marriott Hotels, Stewarts Garden Centres, The Bear of Burton, The Jolly Vintner Too, MSP Capital, Tradpots Studio, Dorset Diving Services, Rock Reef Bournemouth, Majestic Wine Warehouse, Midas Prosecco and Dancezie.
Judges: Paul Kinvig, Bournemouth Town Centre BID, Olivia Girling, Lewis Manning Hospice Care, BCP Councillor for Customer, Culture and Communication, Andy Martin, and Kerry Houston-Kypta, Coles Miller Solicitors.
Host: Steve Harris, BBC Radio Solent
Speaker: Katie Neal, Young People’s Producer (community) and COAST Youth Dance company Artistic Director, Pavilion Dance South West
Quotes from the night: “What a night! It was incredible and so much fun. Thanks to everyone involved for putting on such an amazing event and if you get the chance to give it a go next year…DO IT!” Sam Devlin, Vetsmiths
“It was an amazing experience and we were so lucky to perform as a group. Thank you to Jazz Gritt for being the best dance teacher ever. He really did work his magic. Well done to everyone!” #Willdoes charity group
“An unbelievably brilliant evening as one of the judges. Such a joyful occasion with wonderful performances from gutsy and talented people in the local business community. Proud to do all I can to support the great cultural and community work of Pavilion Dance on behalf of BCP Council.”
We aim to raise £10k through contestant fundraising, gala dinner, raffle, and supporter donations. Donations are still welcome here: https://www.givey.com/paviliondancesouthwestlimited
Want to take part in 2024? Contact Cheryl Baldacchino on cheryl.baldacchino@pdsw.org.uk
More info at: https://www.pdsw.org.uk/take-part/business-come-dancing/