Our very first session. It’s taken a huge amount of effort to stop looking at my feet all the time!
Last year Bill Heine conned me into saying yes to a charity event before I knew what it was. When I discovered I’d said yes to Strictly Oxford 2015, I was rather terrified to say the least.
Although I remain terrified (perhaps now more than ever) I’m very glad I said yes to it. We’re raising money for Vale House, Oxford – a specialist care home providing dignified end of life care for those in the final stages of dementia. Something I know from personal experience is utterly essential for those living with dementia (and their families too).
Seven weeks ago I had no idea how to do any ballroom or latin steps, and now I’m facing the prospect of dancing jive, American smooth waltz and a Charleston/quick step combo in front of hundreds of people at the New Theatre, Oxford on 25th April.
We’ve been given expert tuition by the professionals at the Step by Step dance school in Headington, Oxford, and they’ve really worked miracles with us. 15 non-dancers are suddenly doing (what I think is) a rather complex jive routine, an elegant waltz, and exciting freestyle routines. It’s been a huge amount of fun, and I’ve met some wonderful people along the way – including my brilliant (and extremely patient) dance partner Beverley.
A few weeks later and although not elegant, I think I’ve made some improvements…
We’ve only got two more training sessions to go before the big day, and I already think I’m going to be very sad when it’s all over. It’s been an absolutely amazing opportunity.
So, if you can join us on the 25th April at the New Theatre Oxford, you can pick up some tickets here. It all helps with the fundraising for Vale House.
If you can’t make it, then please consider sponsoring me via my JustGiving page – Jamie does Strictly Oxford.
Thanks again to everyone at Step by Step, Oxford, the Strictly Organising committee, all the professional dancers, and to my fellow beginners… what an amazing time we’ve all had!
