Janine Badger of Ballroom Blitz Dance Academy was singled out for her contribution
Strictly Learn to Dance is run out of Hull City Hall and has attracted more than 330 dancers since its inception 15 years ago.(Image: Strictly Learn to Dance)
Fundraisers at Dove House Hospice have thanked all those who put on their dancing shoes to raise more than half a million pounds for the centre. The Chamberlain Road charity’s annual Strictly Learn to Dance event has recently topped the major milestone.
Each year, 24 people take on the challenge, learning ballroom and Latin routines before staging a spectacular evening of Strictly-style entertainment at Hull City Hall. The fundraising concept began in 2011 and since then more than 330 dancers, along with family, friends and the wider community, have raised £507,299.73.
Those funds help Dove House deliver its vital care and support to local people and their families when they need it most. And the charity has given its thanks to Janine Badger of Ballroom Blitz Dance Academy, who joined the event in 2013 and is said to have been at the heart of its success ever since.
Vikki Fitzgerald, individual challenge fundraiser at Dove House Hospice, said: “Every year, Janine gives her time to choreograph the routines, train the dancers and support them throughout their Strictly journey, helping participants to take on a challenge that is often completely outside their comfort zone. Her team of mentors, many of whom are former Strictly Learn to Dance participants themselves, also return year after year to share their experience, train the new dancers and generously give their time for free to the hospice.
“Janine has been such an important part of the event since 2013, and we simply couldn’t deliver Strictly Learn to Dance without her and her amazing team of mentors. Their time, energy and enthusiasm bring something really special to the event every year. We simply cannot thank Janine and her team enough for everything they do.”
Janine Badger, of Ballroom Blitz Dance Academy, said: “For over thirteen years, aligning my passion for dance with Dove House Hospice has been one of the most rewarding journeys of my life. Beyond the vital end of life care people expect, Dove House is a pillar of light in Hull, offering extraordinary support, and bereavement services that help families navigate their darkest moments.
“Participating in the Learn to Dance event allows me to witness something truly magical: complete beginners stepping out of their comfort zones, mastering new skills, and forming unbreakable bonds with fellow dancers. This event proves that when we come together with shared purpose, we can create joy, build a stronger community, and raise vital funds to ensure that no one in our city has to face their hardest days alone.
“Standing in the studio, watching my dancers transform nervous energy into pure joy, is the greatest privilege. Seeing them master difficult steps not just for themselves, but to bring light to Dove House, reminds me that every movement we make together helps heal and support our entire city.”
Vikki added that Strictly Learn to Dance has “become so much more than a fundraising event. It’s a community”. Applications are now open for those who would like to be part of the next Strictly Learn to Dance in support of Dove House.
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