Learn to Waltz and Cha-Cha-Cha like Matthew Cutler!

Could you be the next Matthew Cutler or Flavia Cacace? Well now’s your big chance to be part of that glitz and glamour. Matthew Cutler, the famous Latin American dance champion who has led celebrities such as Alesha Dixon to victory in BBC’s hit series Strictly Come Dancing, is supporting the Berkhamsted based Hospice of St Francis in launching its first ever ”Strictly Learn Dancing” event.

The Hospice of St Francis is inviting 40 members of the public (20 males and 20 females) the opportunity to be trained by professional dance teachers, Brian & Shirley from Balia-Cusworth Dance School, and discover the delights of waltzing and cha-cha-cha-ing, culminating in a grand final performance on Saturday 27th November 2010. Nerves will be tested at the Grand Finalé at Hemel Hempstead Sportspace where all 20 couples will perform in front of an audience to compete for the Strictly Learn Dancing crown!

To add to the glamour, on the night contestants will enjoy the luxury of a FREE hairstyle, spray-on tan and makeover, courtesy of GORGEOUS BEAUTY and GORGEOUS HAIR (of Berkhamsted), PLUS stunning gowns will be provided by FROXY LADY (of Hemel Hempstead).

Matthew Cutler of Strictly Come Dancing fame said: ”I am delighted to be supporting such a worthy charity as The Hospice of St Francis and pleased that you are using the wonderful world of dance to fundraise. I hope you will all embrace the challenge in the knowledge that whilst enjoying the fun of learning to ballroom dance, you are also helping those most in need at the most difficult time of life. Good luck and keep dancing!”

Event organiser Fran Martin said: ”We are really excited about organising the Hospice’s first ever Strictly Learn Dancing event and encourage men and women to contact us quickly to avoid disappointment as places are limited. No formal dance training is required, we want complete beginners to take up the challenge and seize this rare opportunity. We are so grateful to our supporters, Hemel Hempstead Sportspace for providing the venue, Baila-Cusworth Dance School for teaching our participants, Gorgeous Hair & Beauty who will be making our dancers look glamorous and to Froxy Lady Dress Hire who will be providing the stunning gowns on the night - their support enables us to keep our costs to a minimum and guarantees that every penny raised on the night will go towards the care of our patients.”

All participants will be encouraged to invite their friends and family to the Grand Finalé and to raise a minimum of £300 sponsorship to support the vital work of the Hospice. Participants need to be available to take part in regular training sessions over a 6 week period on Sunday evenings starting on Sunday 17th October and running up to the Grand Finalé on 27th November.

For further information on how you can take part, please call the Fundraising team on 01442 869555 or email fundraising@stfrancis.org.uk. Closing date for applications is Wednesday 30th September 2010, successful applicants will be notified on this day.

The Hospice of St Francis cares for people from Dacorum, St Albans, Harpenden, Markyate, Chesham, Amersham and the surrounding villages. It is the only inpatient unit with special facilities that allow patients to be cared for 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It also helps patients who are seriously ill at home and in day hospice but needs to raise more than £4 million every year. See www.stfrancis.org.uk for more information.