New Strictly Northampton contestants take first steps at home as show celebrates 10th birthday

The class of Strictly Northampton 2020 met each other online this week at the zoom launch of the fundraising charity show that is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year.

This year’s contestants introduced themselves in a Zoom meeting with a glass of bubbly in hand as they stay at home during the pandemic.

The contestants and their dance partners took their first dance steps in their own homes led by director Andrzej Mialkowski who was teaching online.

Directors of Step by Step Dance school Andrzej and Jo Mialkowski are set to begin the training schedule for the show in September with the contestants due to perform on stage at the Royal & Derngate theatre in November.

However the schedule may be postponed due to the current coronavirus restrictions.

Andrzej said: “Strictly Northampton 2020 will be going ahead even if it has to be postponed until later in the year. I will be listening to Government guidelines throughout the whole process to ensure the safety of everybody involved.”

This year is a special year in the Strictly Northampton calendar. It is the show’s tenth year anniversary and the tenth anniversary of Step by Step Dance Studio.

Over the years the show has brought together many different people from Northamptonshire - including one editor and a sports reporter from the Chronicle & Echo - for a spectacular dance experience that is awash with sparkle and sequins.

The 32 contestants not only have the challenge of learning ballroom and Latin dance routines - and performing at the Royal & Derngate theatre - they also have a fundraising target as well.

Over the last seven years the fundraiser has netted huge amounts of vital funds for Cynthia Spencer Hospice.

Last year alone Strictly Northampton 2019 raised over £39,000 for the charity and over the seven years a massive £245,539.

Fundraising manager at Cynthia Spencer Hospice, John Helm said: “It was fantastic that our Strictly Northampton 2020 dancers were still able to get together for a virtual meeting and dance.

"We are delighted that Step by Step Dance School are doing everything possible during the current crisis to keep the dancers motivated and ready for their performance, whenever that may be.”