Last week, I had my first training session for a dance competition. In itself, that may not sound so noteworthy. However, if I were to explain that, approximately two years ago, I was a shell of a person: questioning my reality, unhealthily thin, and developing patches of alopecia, then it makes my achievement somewhat more of a personal accomplishment. When I think that in June, I will be one of 12 finalists performing to a live audience in the Empress Ballroom, The Winter Gardens, I really do have to pinch myself and remind myself how far I have come.
Dance Floor Heroes is Strictly for normal people
The show is called ‘Dance Floor Heroes’ and it is, in a nutshell, the complete Strictly experience for ordinary people. I have been assigned a pro dancer, the wonderful Seby Roscan, and I now have 12 hours of training with him to learn a given dance, ours being the jive! It’s the largest fundraising event for the amazing charity, Tia’s Crown (Therapy in Action), which supports mental and physical well-being through dance.
Involved in the show is an amazing line-up of Strictly royalty, past and present. Vincent Simone and Ian Waite are presenting alongside radio presenter Hayley Kay. The judging panel consists of Strictly star and Big Brother runner-up, Nikita Kuzmin; Katya Jones; Darren Bennett; and the head judge is Pasha Kovalev! I am nervous and excited in equal measure to be performing in front of my dancing heroes!
A lot of competition but I made the finals!
The application process was really competitive with just short of 1200 applicants! After getting through the initial stage, I was invited to attend a full day workshop at the Winter Gardens. This included a Zumba workshop with Dan Whiston and a Latin workshop with Pasha. The day was amazing, and I would have considered myself lucky if my dancing journey had ended there.
However, I then found out I had managed to get through to the next round, which involved creating a video audition. I wanted to focus on the heart of the show, Tia’s Crown, so I wrote and performed a poem which centred on the charity and dropped in as many dance film quotes throughout as I could! I spent ages planning scenes and creating a huge glitter ball that I could wear (complete with four layers of papier-mâché, with the help of my two children). My aim was to have as much fun as possible and enjoy every minute because my journey may have ended there. Yet soon afterwards I received an email to say I had made it through to the interview stage!
Fast forward, and here I am with weeks to go and the glitter ball now in sight!
So, what brought me to apply?
As I mentioned at the start, the version of myself that existed around two years ago would never have believed I could achieve this dream. My dad had just passed away, when I discovered my (now ex) husband was cheating on me. What I now understand to be emotional abuse and coercive control subsequently worsened. With two children who were less than 4 years old, miles away from my mum and brother, I was isolated and, in short, a total wreck.
However, I escaped this life.
I was supported by Refuge and a local 1:1 DA case worker and I was eventually permitted by the courts to move back to my old hometown with my children, once the court proceedings had advanced enough.
I started taking small steps back to a normal life: focused on an hour, a morning, an afternoon and then a day at a time; I left the house; and took walks on the beach. When I was stronger, I found the Crown Ballroom and started a class for beginners in Latin American and Ballroom dancing. As I became physically healthier through the love and nurture of my mum and brother, I also became healthier mentally through dance and my new dancing family. The music would start, and I could lose myself in dance. My confidence started to grow with every step. Then I heard about Dance Floor Heroes. I have always loved Strictly; my favourite contestants being those who have come on a clear journey. It made perfect sense for me to apply!
Not my first choice, a jive, but I can do it!
In all honesty, the jive would not have been my first dance choice. Coupled with the speed and technicality involved, there’s also the fact that there are more solo dancing parts than in many of the other dances. Yet, I see this as a sign: I am stronger than I think – I can stand (and dance), on my own two feet. This is my ‘Nobody puts Baby in a corner’ moment. I want to be a role model for my children – show them how to be strong, to never give up, to embrace opportunities and smile through it all. I want to leave the past firmly in the past and make new happy memories for us all. It really is a once in a lifetime opportunity, with the added benefit of raising money to support others who are going through struggles with mental health and show that there is hope. I want to show that sequins, glitter, and dazzle can outshine negativity, fear, and insecurity. A glitter ball can shine light on even the darkest of places!
About Dance Floor Heroes: LIVE 2025
It is the Ultimate Battle of the Ballroom.
If you love Strictly, this is for you! The Dance Competition with every ounce of sparkle, making real people the stars! All in aid of mental health charity Tia’s Crown.
Our 12 finalists are set to strut their stuff in the World-famous Empress Ballroom, Winter Gardens Blackpool, for their chance to win their Glitter ball trophy.
With hosts & judges direct from Strictly, this is every dance fan’s dream show
Support your favourite finalists, rub shoulders with dance royalty & do something amazing for charity too.
DATE: Fri 20 Jun 2025 7:30 PM – 11:00 PM (UTC+01)
LOCATION: Winter Gardens Blackpool
97 Church Street, Blackpool, Lancashire
https://www.trybooking.com/uk/events/landing/73154
