Caterham’s very own Strictly Come Dancing amateur dancers will be strutting to their Waltz and their Jive at the world famous Mecca of ballroom dancing, the Empress Ballroom in Blackpool, at the beginning of next month.

Students of Caterham Dance School have been preparing all year round to compete for the coveted 1^st place blue sashes at the ISTD Grand Finals to be held on the 5^th and 6^th November. 

Principals and former champions Damian Evans and Clara Guzzardi said: “We have been taking part in regional qualifying events since January this year to qualify for the grand finals, all the students have been working extremely hard to try and bring home a blue sash “.

The team of 19 adults and 12 children, ranging from nine years to 56 years old, train at least three or four times a week to perfect their dancing skills, taking part in regular competitions around the South East.

Principal, Clara Guzzardi said:  “We as a school have only been competing for three years and are now one of the strongest in the Home Counties which is shown in our recent results.”

The students recently took their ISTD exams and the school received a 100% pass rate at Honours level. 

Damian Evans :  “We are very proud of what we have achieved in such a short space of time and are excited about the road ahead and look forward to sharing some great results with you next month.”

Caterham Dance School, situated in its own purpose-built studio in Caterham Valley, opened in 2011 in what used to be the old Finesse Gym.  They specialise in Ballroom and Latin dance from Complete Beginners to Professional level and also offer other classes from Ballet to Pilates. If you are interested or feel the urge to dig out your dancing shoes then January is a great time to start. Check out their website at www.caterhamdanceschool.co.uk or tel : 01883 330301.