Dancing leaves you feeling liberated and a little exhilarated
THE NORTH East Strictly Come Dancing held in the TLT on Friday night was a triumph on so many levels. Firstly, it seemed to be a thoroughly enjoyable show, although that was impossible to tell from the unadulterated chaos that was going on behind the scenes!It will also surely prove to be an incredibly successful fundraiser for the two clubs involved - Boyne Rugby Club, for whom I was dancing, and Drogheda Town Football Club. But most importantly of all, it was a truly memorable experience for all who took part, with priceless personal memories littering the few hours we spent as stars of the stage.
Of course, it was a competition, and I was hugely proud to have come runner-up, along with my longsuffering dance partner Michael Maher of Maher's Chemist, to the wonderfully talented duo Anne Hoey and Seamus Sarsfield. But each and every person who danced put their all into that two minutes in the spotlight, following weeks of back and heart-breaking practice, making every couple a winner.
The organisers were amazing - I have never seen such effort put into making an event glide on ice (perhaps best not to use that phrase for fear of ideas for next year). I am delighted to count Mick Toner and Seamie Briscoe as personal friends, but to see them both in action on a committee is both awesome and a little frightening! Mick's wife Margaret, whom my children call Mrs Santa from her delightful Christmas House each year, showed she is a fantastic chef all year round, and kept us fortified with her tempting treats each night.
Faces I recognised in passing, or names I might have known just to hear, are now attached to memories I will always cherish. Rugby star Emmett Grogan breaking into ' That's Amore' while we (attempted) to learn a waltz, and the whole room joining in. 'Bachelor of Duleek' Mark Taaffe working his physiotherapy magic on my ropey back minutes before our individual dance (even if you could hear my screams from Sandpit). Caroline Reilly's hilarious impression of Susan Boyle, whilst wearing a grass skirt.
There are so many memories of the past six weeks I could fill the paper, and then some. Huge thanks have to go to our choreographers Rosie and Catherine Watson and Alicia Grills- Grant, whose talent and patience know no bounds. And if that really was the event swan song for the legendary MC Eamonn Duffy, I couldn't be more chuffed to have shared the stage.
However, I think if you were to ask anyone who took part what the highlight was, you might get more than one saying it was seeing what happened when you stepped out of your comfort zone and set yourself the challenge of learning a new skill. From zero to performing in front of almost 1,000 people in under two months is an incredible feat for anyone, and everyone who did just that should be hugely proud of themselves, no matter what the final result.
Dancing is something of which we just don't do enough, and I'm not talking about the odd St Vitus' Dance in a nightclub or an occasional leg being shaken at a wedding. I mean proper, graceful or rhythmic dance, the kind which leaves you feeling liberated and a little exhilarated. I know I'm not the only one who is hooked, and will be searching for a little corner somewhere to strut some funky stuff on a more regular basis.
Meanwhile, in the words of some corny country song, the singer of whom escapes me, ' when you get the choice to sit it out, or dance, I hope you dance.'
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