Bournemouth’s Business Come Dancing final scores a perfect ten

While many of us were snuggled up on the sofa on Saturday (19th) watching Strictly Come Dancing contestants perform at Blackpool Tower Ballroom, Bournemouth’s very own Business Come Dancing gala final was wowing crowds at the town’s Highcliff Marriott hotel.

Around 200 local business colleagues and supporters showed up to watch the final of Pavilion Dance South West’s (PDSW) annual charity fundraiser, which was finally back after a Covid-enforced three-year hiatus. And it was fab u lous darling!

Ten brave local business people entered the contest with a range of entertaining dances from Bollywood to Charleston and Afro Fusion to Tango, giving judges Victor Fung (PDSW), Dr Anna Farthing (Arts University Bournemouth) and Ian Girling (Dorset Chamber) a tough decision. Contestants had, eight weeks earlier, been paired with their very own professional dance partner who had been putting them through their paces at PDSW.

Coles Millers’ Kerry Houston-Kypta and partner Marek Lynch were crowned winners of the glitterball with their tantalising Tango.

Kerry said: “I am absolutely over the moon. It’s been such an incredible 8-week journey and I really want to thank Pavilion Dance South West for all their support. I’m thrilled to have been able to raise money for such a worthy cause. Huge thanks to my partner, Marek Lynch for believing in me and getting me here.”

Runners up were Laura O’Mahoney from The Pamper Cabin, with a fabulous Irish dance, and Stephanie Buchanan from charity #Willdoes with her fun lyrical jazz routine. Stephanie, who is head riding coach and manager at the RAC Saddle Club, said:

“I can really see the power of dance and how it can help improve both your fitness and mental health and confidence.

“I am going to keep dancing and help promote and support what Pavilion Dance does from charity events to dance classes for people with Parkinson’s Disease.

“As a charity, #Willdoes would love to work with Pavilion Dance and help young people benefit from their inspirational workshops in Bournemouth.”

Speakers Rod Cossou, PDSW Board member and participant of Parkinson’s Dance and Matt Hawksworth, Young People’s Producer at PDSW, inspired the crowd to keep giving, and a silent auction and raffle boosted takings further.

The event, which has been running for over 10 years, has raised thousands for local charities, including Bournemouth Hospital Charity and Dance n Chat – a well-being programme run in local schools by Dorset Mind.

Organisers this year hope to have raised £10,000 for PDSW and charity partner #Willdoes, which supports young people throughout Dorset with financial contributions to charitable projects.

Other local businesses taking part included Savills, Marsham Court Hotel, King’s Beach Residence, Creative Flow Collective, Blandford Aesthetic Centre Ltd and Heathland House Care Home and local companies supporting the event included City Cruises, Edwards Artisan Florist, Laser Crystal, Marsham Court Hotel, BCP Media Group, CuCo Creative, Lighthouse Poole, The Real Greek and Oceana Hotels.

PDSW are looking for participants for next year’s competition. Interested? Get in touch at bcd@pdsw.org.uk

By Emily McGregor, Local News and Lifestyle Reporter