BALLROOM fans at a Dorset care home have enjoyed a glittering evening of dance brought exclusively to them thanks to a partnership with Forest Holme Hospice.
Colten Care’s art deco-themed Bourne View in Poole provided the ideal backdrop for the show, part of the countdown to a Strictly Extravaganza competition the palliative care charity is staging.
As headline sponsor, Colten Care was able to treat Bourne View residents to a close-up view of brother-and-sister dancers Oliver and Eva Beardmore in action.
The pair delighted their audience by performing four dances: a waltz, Viennese waltz, cha cha and jive.
Oliver, a Bournemouth-based professional dancer and champion, and a regular on the Strictly Come Dancing tour circuit, is coaching the 10 contestants drawn from the community who are vying for glory at the Strictly Extravaganza finals at Poole Lighthouse in January.
As with TV’s Strictly, each has been teamed up with a professional dancer to compete on the night after receiving lessons and taking part in rehearsals.
The Bourne View evening was introduced by Forest Holme fundraising manager Sara Fripp and Colten Care marketing manager Laura Davis.
Laura said: “We have many dance fans among our residents and it was lovely to see those at Bourne View enjoying the exclusive performance by Oliver and Eva. It was a real treat ahead of finals night.”
On finals night, contestants will perform before a 350-strong audience and a panel of judges from the dance world including Jason Edwards, the champion of a similar competition held by Forest Holme in 2023.