The SU Dance Society organised their annual “Strictly Come Dancing” event this year. Where seven enthusiastic sport committee members partnered up with seven dance society teachers to compete for the prolific title of strictly champion. Contestants trained for two weeks in their chosen dance styles and performed the choreography created by the teachers. The result was a success. Thanks to the great turnover, the dance society managed to raise £633 for the National Autistic Society.
The evening went smoothly and was enjoyable for both contestants and spectators. The brave contestants were Natalie Vaughan, Equestrian Club treasurer, dancing salsa, Hana Gormley, Ladies’ Hockey captain, dancing Hip Hop. Squash captain Josh Stamp, dancing musical theatre, Sally Carter, swimming’s media and fundraiser, dancing ballet. Men’s Rugby junior team captain Jack Horgan, dancing Jazz, Archery Club treasurer John Mcgrath, dancing tap, and Men’s Basketball team manager Gianluca Asaro dancing contemporary.
The judges for the night were Victoria Mills, dance society Competition Director, Annalea Paginton, Social Secretary for the dance society and Rebecca Morgan, president of the dance society. The judges scores were combined with the public vote to decide the winner. Gianluca Asaro won with the highest number of votes and received one of the two perfect scores from the judges. He stunned the crowd with a very demanding contemporary routine. Runner up was Jack Horgan, also received a perfect score, who in the judges words “seemed to thoroughly enjoy every second on stage”.
Gianluca said “dancing onstage was not easy, especially considering the complex routine, but I really enjoyed performing and winning was a bonus”
The evening was co-hosted by Lewys Aron, president of the Student Union, and Steph Dalton, Last year’s dance society president.
The dances were separated by a short interval, in which two dancers, Hash and Ed, from the dance society performed a Hip Hop routine.
“It was a fantastic evening” Lewys said, “I was delighted that everyone took part and enjoyed raising money for an amazing cause. Thanks to all those involved, it really shows the power of societies”.
This event is only one example of the many events the Dance Society organises to raise money for charity. The next big event will be the showcase, scheduled for April 2015.
