Learn to Dance with Strictly St Cuthberts

Do you ever sit on the sofa watching Strictly Come Dancing and wishing that you could join in? I do, and I've been known to get up and have a secret little dance round the living room when I think that no one is watching. I don't think I'd be a very good contestant but that hasn't stopped me wanting to cover myself in sequins and feathers to strut my stuff round the dance floor.

For any other secret living room dancers out there I have something pretty exciting to share with you!

St Cuthbert's Hospice in Durham are looking for ten couples to sign up for Strictly St Cuthberts where you'll get the opportunity to learn how to dance before performing in front of a live audience at the Rainton Meadows Arena on 18 March 2017.

Each couple will receive 8 dance lessons starting in January 2017 taking place at the Dudman Academy Dance Studios in Heaton or the Zazz Studio in Houghton le Spring where they will learn a variety of steps focussing on a style of dance best suited to them before learning a short routine to perform at the Arena in March.

It costs £30 per person to take part and you'll need to be able to fully commit to 8 weeks training. Each couple will need to be able to sell a minimum of 10 tickets to the show in March and raise at least £200 in sponsorship.

Last year's event was a huge success with a great variety of dances performed on the night. So if you've ever fancied learning how to jive, waltz or tango now's your chance to give it a go and support a fantastic local charity.  To apply or for more information contact Sheela Joy on 0191 374 6194 or sheela.joy@stcuthbertshospice.com

St Cuthberts Hospice provides specialist palliative and end of life care to those affected by life limiting illness and offers invaluable support to patients and their families.  The Hospice receives a grant from the NHS but has to raise an additional £1.3 million in funds each year to keep running. They really do rely on local people and business to keep them running.

If dancing isn't really your thing but you'd still like to support St Cuthberts then my lovely friend Katie is running this year's Great North Run for St Cuthberts and would love your support. Katie only started running late last year with a dream of running the Great North Run and wow is she smashing it!  You can sponsor Katie here and to keep up with her progress and training check out Katie Jane Online.