‘Strictly Step By Step’ is the idea of professional dancer Darrien Wright and will be staged in front of around 400 people at the Dolphin Centre, in Darlington, on November 9. The format will be based on Strictly Come Dancing, with five charities putting forward male contestants to be partnered by professional dancers from local dance schools. Darrien has teamed up Kelly Sloan, who runs the Kellen Dance Academy in Darlington, to organise the red carpet event.
“It’s going to be a fabulous evening of dancing and live music, while raising awareness and funds for five amazing local charities supporting mental health,” said Darrien. The charities are Quinn’s Retreat, I’m George’s Mate, Andy’s Man Club, Recovery Connections, and Never Throw In The Towel Project. David Beadle, who lost two children to suicide, will be taking part for Quinn’s Retreat.
Adam Petson will represent Recovery Connections, Wayne Percy will dance for Andy’s Man Club, Simon Pickerell will compete for Never Throw In The Towel, and Andrew Galloway will step up to the challenge for I’m George’s Mate. The evening will be supported by Darlington Operatic Society and invited special guests to judge. Each partnership will perform two dances – one Latin and one freestyle - with the result decided by the audience using a live voting system.
Darrien, who shot to fame in 2006 by winning TV’s Strictly Dance Fever, will be helping with choreography and performing on the night. He came up with.