Are you one of those people who watch Strictly on TV and say, “I wish I could learn to dance like that?” Well, now you and a partner, can. Not only will you be offered six weeks free dance class training, but you will be able to compete against other couples all in aid of cancer charity ‘Something to Look Forward To.’
Dancing teacher Yolanda Colucci who runs Step-by-Step ballroom and Latin American dance classes in Witney has launched applications to be part of next year’s ‘Strictly Oxford’. The event which will take place on 18 May 2024 at The Christian Life Centre in Cowley Road, Oxford. Tickets to be part of the audience go on sale in April 2024 and can be purchased by Strictly Oxford’s Facebook page.
“This is the third year that I will be running this fabulous event,” says Yolanda. “Last year’s competition saw 14 couples participating but it would be wonderful to have a full house of 20 for the 2024 show. It is for such a good cause too that I hope people will not be shy in coming forward to take part. You don’t have to have danced before as I will be putting contestants through six weeks of free training to take them from complete novices to competent dancers. Couples have to perform one ballroom dance and one Latin American in the competition which is judged by a panel of dancers, representatives from the charity and ex-participants. We are happy to take same sex couples, and you don’t have to be in a relationship with someone to partner them in learning to dance.”
You will need to contact Yolanda by the end of February 2024 if you would like to participate as dance classes start in early April. Although you do not need to have danced previously, you do need to be physically fit as you will be dancing for three hours at the classes and will need to put in practice in between classes. The event is open to people 18 years and over. Classes are held at West Witney Primary School, Edington Road, Witney OX28 5FZ starting at 4pm.
The charity who benefits from all the hard work put in by Yolanda and her novice ballroom dancers is ‘Something to Look Forward To’ founded by Fiona Coldron in 2015. Back in 2007, single mother of two Fiona had just been offered a new job having been made redundant from her previous position. Only a week after the job offer came through, Fiona was diagnosed with breast cancer and was only eligible for statutory sick pay with her new employer, which was insufficient to support her family. Finding that there was no financial support for her whilst she underwent treatment, Fiona was forced to continue working to support her family during an extremely traumatic time.
During this time, Fiona found the occasional small treat such as a meal out or a day out with family gave her and her fiancé Andy ‘Something to Look Forward To’. It provided some brief respite from the relentless struggle of the hospital environment and gave a great sense of wellbeing, helping in the recovery process for them both, along with her two children. In 2010, Fiona and Andy set up home together but in 2013, Fiona was diagnosed with secondary breast cancer which had spread elsewhere. Once again, Fiona endured ongoing treatment for her incurable but treatable condition. Again, the couple found that planning ‘Something To Look Forward To’ helped them during the darker period of their life together but they also realised, having had personal experience of how finances are affected when people are also suffering from ‘cancer poverty’, treats are something which are merely a dream and not a reality, even though they make such a difference to their mental health and wellbeing.
In 2015, ‘Something To Look Forward To’ was registered as a charity and not for profit company limited by guarantee (somethingtolookforwardto.org.uk). Sadly, Fiona passed away in February 2021 but Andy, along with Fiona’s daughter Francesca, have carried the charity forward. Now in its eighth year, they strive to raise funds each year to help combat the hidden price tag which comes with a cancer diagnosis by providing donated gifts, experiences, and essentials.
‘Strictly Oxford’ 2023 raised an impressive £17,700 which the charity converted into £48,500 worth of gifts and experiences for people facing cancer in and around Oxfordshire.
If you would like to add your support by taking part, please email Yolanda at stepbystep.witney@gmail.com
If your company would like to get involved in sponsoring the cost of the hall hire, trophies, supplying T-shirts to the contestants and covering the host’s fee, your support would make all the difference to how much money the event can raise for ‘Something to Look Forward To’. Simply contact Yolanda at the same email.
