Contestants from Colchester, Rayleigh, Harlow and Clacton take part in spectacular fundraiser
Six amateur dancers are hoping to impress TV dance star Pavel ‘Pasha’ Kovalev at the 11th annual ‘Strictly Air Ambulance’ later this month.
The event, organised by Essex & Herts Air Ambulance, which will feature Pasha and his dance partner Chloe Hewitt as celebrity judges, is being held at Five Lakes Resort, Maldon on 28th March. It is sponsored by MDS Civil Engineering and TC Group.
Pasha and Chloe will assess the performances of the contestants, each of whom has been partnered with a local dance teacher as well as performing a showdance of their own.
EHAAT Events Manager Emily Donnachie said: “We have a fantastic new venue for our evening of glitz and glamour, and we are all excited about what will be an incredible evening of entertainment for a great cause.
“The contestants have all working really hard in training and even those with no previous dance experience are now performing at a very high level. When you add in the showdance that Pasha and Chloe will be performing, ‘Strictly’ fans are in for a real treat.”
Rob Jelly, a presenter on BBC Radio Essex in Chelmsford will be dancing with dance teacher Trisha Bray from Westcliff-on-Sea.
Rob said: “Seven years playing American Football for Essex Spartans, six years hosting the Nuclear Races Obstacle Course Race and 33 years dancing – untrained, until now!
“I have always been a performer and want to challenge myself with something I have no experience of. It’s because of my job that I have ended up taking part. Back at the start of 2019 I was talking to the team from EHAAT about Strictly Air Ambulance and said ‘that would be great fun’. Here I am!
“I’m going to be doing a tango, which I’m very excited about because it’s not something I’d ever thought I would do. It’s going to be good fun.”
Louise White, a physiotherapist from Colchester, is partnered with amateur competition dancer James Fenton.
Louise has seen the impact the Essex & Herts Air Ambulance can have on people through her work.
“I have seen people who have been helped by the air ambulance. Some people who have been very broken and have made good progress mainly due to being rescued in a timely fashion.
“I have seen Strictly Air Ambulance a couple of times and it is a brilliant event. Last year I bid for a place as a contestant in the auction as a bit of a personal challenge to myself in my 50th year. I’ve not done any dancing since I was about 7!”
Rob Theobald from Rayleigh, who works for St James Place admits he had no experience at all as a dancer before he began training for the event at the end of last year. He’ll be dancing with dance teacher Michelle Pavlovic from Canvey Island.
“I am being sponsored by my wife’s business, a company called Public Sewer Services. Last year I was dragged off the sofa by my wife to go to the event and then had this mad moment when I started bidding for the chance to take part. I’m 50 this year and I thought it would be a good milestone to achieve. I have no experience in dancing, so I am relying on Michelle to guide me.”
Rob Keen from Harlow, who works as a Production Supervisor for a Watford-based greetings card company, has a strong personal reason for getting involved.
“I decided to take part because I am a volunteer for the charity. I can’t think of a better way of raising money and having fun at the same time. I’m lucky enough to have been partnered with Zoe Jeffery of Dazzle Dance Centre in Romford, a previous winner. I’m hoping to smash it!”
Stacy Grantham from Colchester is partnered with teacher Sam Jeffery of Dazzle Dance Centre.
She said: “I work at the David Lloyd Club in Colchester said: “I used to dance Ballroom and Latin when I was younger but I stopped when I was around 10 or 11 and I’ve always felt I gave up too soon! Now I’m an adult with two children and this is a great opportunity for me to revisit my youth and dance again! It’s for a great cause too so its win-win!
“I am so excited to see if I’ve still got a wiggle in me! I feel proud to be able to do this event for Essex and Herts Air Ambulance to keep them doing the amazing job that they do each and every day!”
For Dawne Watts from Clacton, who is dancing with Ronnie Bradford of Feathersteps Dance Academy, taking part is the latest in a series of challenges that she has set herself recently.
“In the last 3 years, despite my profound fear of heights, I have climbed Snowdon three times and done a tandem skydive with the Red Devils.
“I have watched Strictly Air Ambulance for a few years in awe and have always said it is something I would love to do. Being able to dance and raise money for a very worthwhile charity is amazing. I love dancing and what I lack in rhythm I will make up for in enthusiasm.”
