Strictly dance-off boosts £1m Lymington Centre appeal

STRICTLY Lymington dance competition has raised more than £2,000 in support of Lymington Community Association’s £1m fundraising drive.

Money raised will go towards a much-needed refurbishment of the community centre part of its ‘Celebrating 70 Appeal’ launched in 2018.

The organisation is hoping to raise the huge sum over the next five years.

The dance competition saw five enthusiastic participants take to the floor, each performing with a professional dancer.

They started off the event with routines from the Broadway show Chicago, with a panel of judges overseeing the performances.

Contestants included Lymington mayor Cllr Anne Corbridge and Ian Duncan of the Lions Club performing the cha-cha-cha, Nigel Lang dancing the Charleston, Mahala Smith, marketing co-ordinator of the centre, performing the American Smooth, and fundraiser Jan Allen finishing off with a jive.

The event was organised by Kayleigh Sargeant, owner of New Forest Academy of Dance, Kevin Thatcher of Push Studios and centre manager Rachel Smith.

Rachel said: “What a spectacular event, with such wonderful support from the local community – we sold out of tickets.

"My sincere thanks to Kayleigh, Kevin and the dance contestants for giving up their time for rehearsals, together with all the volunteers involved in putting on a magical night.

“I don’t think I have seen such an enthusiastic audience for ages, and the performances by the professionals and the new-to-dancing contestants were amazing.”

She added: “To raise £2,250 for the association was beyond my wildest dreams. Thank you to everyone who supported the night and I very much look forward to Strictly Lymington 2020.”

Mahala Smith and Kevin Thatcher were announced the winners and presented with the Strictly Lymington Glitter Ball by town and district Cllr Anna Rostand.