GSC staff take on Dancefloor Challenge

Two members of staff from the Guernsey Sports Commission will be swapping their trainers for dance shoes as they take on the 2022 Dance Floor Challenge.

Performance Director Jeremy Frith and Communications Director Nicky Will will be donning the glitter and sequins as part of the next cohort of novice dancers to take on the challenge and perform in front of capacity audiences at the event in April.

The Challenge pairs local personalities with trained dancers who have three months to learn and perfect two technical ballroom or latin dance routines before performing in front of a live audience.

This year’s theme is the 1970s with costumes, music and dance reflecting the decade of disco.

It will be the 16^th time the challenge has taken place.

‘These are not just any dances, but technical and ‘real’ ballroom dances,’ said Jamie Le Tissier, one of the main organisers and hosts of the event.

‘The dancers need to have a lot of courage stepping into the challenge and need to give real commitment in the short months of training. All their efforts lead up to the final dance-off weekend when they will perform in three live events delivering a fantastic show.’

The Dancefloor Challenge has raised thousands of pounds for local charities over the years and this year the money will go towards the Friends of Frossard Children’s Ward and the Guernsey All Dancesport Association (GADA).

Featured dances include the Argentine Tango, Paso Doble, Quickstep and Rumba with couples representing all sectors of the community from sport and hospitality to the media and business.

Jeremy and Nicky are looking forward to being part of the 2022 team.

‘Spending my working life in trainers and sportswear, I am looking forward to glamming up and getting some heels and sequins on,’ said Nicky.

‘I’m excited about learning a new skill but nervous about performing it in front of so many people!’

Jeremy admitted to being a complete non-dancer but was looking forward to the challenge.

‘I feel brave, but with little to back it up… other than a very good dance partner,’ said Jeremy.

‘The Dancefloor Challenge would not be such a great success each year, or be as spectacular, without the tireless efforts of all the volunteers behind the scenes that make it happen,’ said Jamie.

‘We are really looking forward to working with our novice dancers over the coming weeks and hope they will end up with a real love of dance and enjoy learning a new skill and making some new friends.’

Tickets for the 3 shows which take place at the Dave Ferguson Hall at Beau Sejour on Friday 29^th and Saturday 30^th April go on sale on 8^th January and are available from the Royal British Legion at L’Islet.

For further information about the event and details of all the couples taking part visit www.dfc.gg