Northampton bankers competing in dance competition to raise money for domestic abuse charity

23 couples will compete for votes from the audience and judges.

The charitable employees have been paired up with a professional dancer

A team of bankers from Northampton is preparing to take on a dance competition, much like Strictly, in a bid to raise money for a domestic abuse charity.

Members of staff from Barclays’ head office in Brackmills have been paired with a professional dancer from Step by Step.

The 23 staff members and their professional dancers have been training for eight weeks in preparation for performing in front of judges and an audience who get to vote for their favourite couple.

One of the members of staff taking part, Sonia Stullich, said the training has been hard work.

The analyst said: “It’s been fantastic to be part of this event, going through eight amazing weeks learning to dance, and sharing that journey with a wonderful group of contestants and dancers.

“It has been hard work, but an experience like no other, turning into our very own dance family who have supported one another through the whole thing.”

Barclays Goes Dancing has been running for seven years and more than £190,000 has already been raised for a range of local charities.

This year the bank has decided to fundraise for Northamptonshire Domestic Abuse Service - a charity dedicated to helping and supporting the victims of domestic abuse.

One of the organisers who works for Barclays, Ben Abel, added: “This event has continued to grow in popularity over the years and raised a great deal of money for local charities.

“All of the contestants go through eight weeks of training and rehearsals, where they all learn two set dances to perform on the evening, as well as performing a group freestyle dance of their own choice.

“It’s a lot of fun, but more importantly, raises a lot of money for good causes. Funds raised on the evening will be matched by Barclays.

“The amazing dedication of the contestants, dancers, and teachers, is second to none, and comes together to create an amazing evening for everyone.”

The competitors will take to the stage at The Deco on Friday (March 6) from 7pm.

Tickets are still available and can be bought from The Deco’s website.