Strictly-style fundraiser event raises the roof and money for charity
Thousands of pounds was raised on Saturday, 19 November, for local charities, including #WillDoes, at the popular ‘Strictly-style’ fundraiser event, Business Comes Dancing, organised by Pavilion Dance South West.
Eight contestants from local businesses, including Will’s Auntie and #Willdoes Trustte, Steph Buchanan, were partnered with professional dancers to learn a routine in just eight weeks with competitors challenged to perform a specific dance style which included Latin to Charleston and Tango to Musical Theatre.
After just eight hours of coaching, contestants then had to perform in front of a live audience and panel of judges at a black-tie gala dinner at the Highcliff Marriott Hotel.
Steph Buchanan and Hennie Weld, a #Willdoes committee member, took time out of the busy work schedules to put themselves forward to dance on stage and learn gruelling routines. While Hennie performed a fabulous Charleston with Ruby Adam, Steph and her professional partner, Jazz Gritt, placed third with a fun Jazz routine from Tick Tick boom.
Says Steph: “I loved the whole process despite being completely unfit and I’m thoroughly hooked on dancing now. The whole experience from working with Jazz, to being backstage and on stage was both incredible and terrifying. I am so impressed with the amazing organisation and support from Cheryl and her team at Pavilion Dance.
“I can really see the power of dance and how it can help improve both your fitness and mental health and confidence.
“I am going to keep dancing and will help promote and support what Pavilion Dance does from charity events to dance classes for people with Parkinson’s Disease.
“As a charity, #Willdoes would love to work with Pavilion Dance and help young people benefit from their inspirational workshops in Bournemouth.”
#Willdoes had three tables of supporters from the charity and the RAC Saddle Club where Steph works as a head riding coach and manager. www.pdsw.org.uk
CLICK HERE to watch Steph’s performance on Facebook.