“A lot of preparation goes into putting Strictly Banbury on, from booking the venue and finding contestants to choreographing group dances,” says Glenda Harper, Strictly Banbury organiser. “I’ve been meeting with the rest of the team regularly since last year’s show to discuss choreography and group numbers, all in the bid to make sure this year’s event is bigger and better than ever. We’re now three weeks into the eight-week rehearsal period as our dancers train with their partners and the countdown to the shows begin!”
This year, the couples are mastering the samba, Viennese waltz, a group freestyle and an opening number, all in the hope of impressing a live audience and independent judging panel.
Tamsin Brewis, owner of local baby swim school, Water Babies Bucks & Beds, and one of the dancers gearing up to put on a show at this year’s contest, says: “One of my favourite things about taking part is making new friends and sharing my love of dance with others. I’ve always been passionate about dancing, and each year, Strictly Banbury has been a fantastic outlet for me to explore my dancing skills, dust off the dancing shoes and put on the glad rags!”
Strictly Banbury is an opportunity for individuals to learn a new skill, meet new people and support worthwhile charities, all while having fun. This year, they are supporting Samuel’s Charity, an organisation that helps sick children across the UK. Money raised will also go to Oxfordshire Mind, a charity that aims to provide anyone with a mental health problem with somewhere to turn to across the county.
For Glenda, it is important to support initiatives that aim to help those in her community. “Samuel’s Charity’s work to improve underfunded children’s wards across the country, including those locally at the Horton and John Radcliffe hospitals, is something we are so proud to champion.
“As for Oxfordshire Mind, dancing has an incredible impact on your mental health, and that’s something I’m keen to communicate. The charity’s work to help those struggling with mental health, especially after the effects of the pandemic, completely aligns with what our event stands for. After just three weeks, we’ve already raised an incredible £3,672!”
Now in her third year as a contestant, Tamsin says: “I’m proud to be taking part again and raising funds for such deserving charities. I’m so excited for people to buy tickets and see what we will have been working on for the last few weeks, but in the meantime, we’ll keeeeeep dancing!”
You can see Strictly Banbury’s usual glitz, glamour and sparkle as shows take place on Friday 31st March and Saturday 1st April.
