BANBURY is donning dancing shoes, sequinned dresses and smart suits for a Strictly Come Dancing fundraiser - and this is your guide to the hottest event in town!
The Banbury Guardian has teamed up with international ballroom dancer Andrzej Mialkowski in a challenge in which ten plucky people will each dance two routines in a competition to rival Bruce Forsyth's hit BBC TV show.
The 10 'celebrity' dancers are being paired with senior students of Andrzej's
Step by Step Dance School and you can meet them and follow their dance diaries by clicking on the links below:
You can pass on messages of good luck to all dancers by signing in and registering to post comments - simply look for the 'Comment on this Story' box at the end of each profile.Television presenter and author
Sue Cook has kindly agreed to compere the dance extravaganza, to be held at Banbury's
Mill Theatre on Sunday, May 31.
In addition to Step by Step Dance Shcool, the Mill Arts Centre, Sue Cook and all those who have given up their time to support the event, the Banbury Guardian would also like to thank
Spiceball Leisure Centre for donating rehearsal space.
"The idea of Strictly Banbury is to have lots of fun and to raise money for charity," said Mr Mialkowski, who competed at international level in his native Poland and now runs ballroom lessons in Brackley, Banbury, Adderbury and Oxford.
"The dancers are paired with tutors who are senior students of my Step by Step Dance School. They will perform before a panel of professional judges to find the Strictly Banbury winner."
Deborah Hayter, chairman of Banbury Homestart, said: "We're absolutely thrilled that such a fantastic contest is being held for us.
"Our future has been very uncertain and this support is just wonderful. I can't wait for the show!"
Banbury Guardian editor Jason Gibbins said: "First and foremost we're
doing this to raise funds for the Banbury Guardian's chosen charity – Home-Start – which is an invaluable resource with a network of volunteers helping struggling families with young children.
"Andrzej and his fellow instructor Viv Rhymes are working wonders teaching us. I'd like to take this opportunity to pass on my gratitude to Andrzej and Viv, compere Sue Cook and all the individuals who are giving up valuable time to support the event. I'd also like to thank The Mill Arts Centre and Spiceball Sports Centre for providing our venue
and training facilities."
Limited tickets remain at £15 each, £10 for under 15s, from the box office on 01295 252050. 