#Willdoes was crowned winner of the Business Come Dancing (BCD) 2023

Local charity #Willdoes was crowned winner of the Business Come Dancing (BCD) 2023 competition held at the Highcliff Marriot Hotel in Bournemouth, Dorset, on Saturday 25th November. 

Organised by Pavillion Dance South West (PDSW), a variety of people in the local business community were invited to team up with PDSW professionals and were given eight weeks to learn a dance routine that was then performed in front of a packed audience and four judges.

#Willdoes was the only team entry and consisted of seven ladies who ride horses at the RAC Saddle Club in Bovington and are far more at ease riding in a dressage arena than dancing on stage. Nonetheless, they all rallied together to help raise money for the charity founded by their friend Lesley Paddy in memory of her son Will who died aged 14. The team, coached by Jazz Armani Gritt, raised just under £2,000 for projects which support the wellbeing of young people.

Councillor Andy Martin, BCP Council, one of the judges, posted: “Such a joyful occasion with wonderful performances from gutsy and talented people in the local business community. Congratulations to #Willdoes charity set up in memory of Will Paddy whose life ended at 14 but whose energy and spirit live on. The power and joy of dance really highlighted.”

Says Lesley Paddy: “The evening was sensational. I can’t believe we actually won and I’m a bit disappointed it’s over. A few weeks ago we were all tripping over each other and desperately trying to remember the routine. A massive thanks to the talented Jazz for his incredible choreography and for being so patient with us. Thank you also to the event organiser Cheryl Baldacchino for her attention to detail which enabled the evening to run like clockwork.”