DANCERS have stepped into the spotlight as part of a competition to raise £6,000 for a children’s charity.
Keep Dancing for Acorns saw dancers of all styles and abilities take to the floor in a competition in aid of Acorns Children’s Hospice.
The fund-raiser at The University of Birmingham was hosted by TV and radio journalist, Joanne Malin.
Each contestant was given feedback by a celebrity judging panel including former BBC The Apprentice candidate, Jemma Bird, TV presenter, Genelle Aldred, sports commentator, Tom Ross, and BBC WM presenter, Richard Wilford. They chose the competition winner, 12-year-old Poppy Briarty, from West Heath in Birmingham.
Other performers included the Birmingham University Dance Society and Jayne Franklin’s Dance Group who performed a routine to the soundtrack from Disney’s Frozen, Let It Go.
Richard Brown, from Claines, and his dance partner Sue Cox performed their routine to We Go Together from the musical Grease.
Mr Brown said: “There were a few nerves just before we went on, but once we started dancing it was fine! It was a real pleasure to be able to perform in front of so many people including friends and family.”
Money raised in the event sponsored by BHSF and Business Juice, will help the charity to continue to provide their services to life-limited and terminally ill children. This care costs £8million every year.
Laura Heathfield, events manager at Acorns, said: “This was a fantastic night of entertainment and huge thanks to the participants who worked incredibly hard on their routines. The audience were treated to some top-notch moves and they really got into the spirit of the night cheering on their favourites.
“The money raised from sponsorship, ticket sales and donations on the night will be a massive boost to our work and we’re very grateful for how generous everyone was.
“The judges did well and gave some really positive feedback, but the standard was so high, it can’t have an easy decision choosing the eventual winner.”
