Search continues for Wales’ best disabled dancers

Run by disability charity Leonard Cheshire, the event will see dancers compete in both general and wheelchair-specific categories and work on their moves with professional dance instructors. 

Running over two days (28 November, 10am-3pm, and 29 November, 10am-2.30pm), the event will culminate in a final dance challenge deciding who will go forward to the grand final of Strictly Cymru in May 2020.  

It is one of six heats for the competition, with the winners of each fighting it out for the top prize – the Strictly Cymru Glitterball Trophy.

Glyn Meredith, Leonard Cheshire’s Director of Operations in Wales, said: 

‘Dancing is inclusive and improves people’s health, happiness and well-being, opening up opportunities that too often are not accessible for disabled people.

‘Following enormous success in the last two years, we can’t wait to see what this year’s Strictly Cymru has to offer.

‘We know there is a huge wealth of talent among the disabled community in Wales and this event is the perfect opportunity to bring everyone together to show what they can do.’

The event will be delivered in partnership with Para Dance UK. Patrick McGeough, Para Dance UK CEO, said: 

‘We are delighted to be working with Leonard Cheshire Wales again in developing Strictly Cymru.

‘We believe this event will grow and inspire more of the disability communities in Wales to see that they can dance, have fun and enjoy something that everyone can take part in.

‘We look forward to showcasing the best dancers Wales has to offer and enabling more people to be active.’ 

‘This event is not only a way to raise funds for an amazing organisation such as Leonard Cheshire Wales, but also to inspire those in the community who are less active.

‘We believe this partnership will continue to showcase that everyone can dance and that it can be fun, creative and competitive. Organisations working together like us and Leonard Cheshire are doing can show what can be achieve when you give the community the support and opportunity to be involved.

The full event runs from 10am-3pm on 28 November and 10am-2.30pm on 29 November, including workshops, rehearsals and classes.

Media enquiries

For further information and interview requests, please contact: Samuel Buckley on Samuel.Buckley@leonardcheshire.org or 020 3242 0204.

Notes to editors

Strictly Cymru

Strictly Cymru is Wales’ first and only inclusive dance competition. It is open to disabled people from every part of Wales and no experience is required. 

Leonard Cheshire are hosting six heats across Wales between October 2019 and February 2020. 

Past heats

• Heat one, Anglesey – October 2019.

Upcoming heats

• Heat two, Wrexham – November 2019.
• Heat three, Carmarthen – January 2020.
• Heat four, Bridgend – January 2020.
• Heat five, Cardiff – January 2020.
• Heat six, Newport – February 2020.

Each heat will be run over two days with both wheelchair and inclusive categories, and follow this format: 

• Day one: Join our workshop and learn a routine.
• Day two: Attend a refresher workshop and perform your routine.

Heat winners will be offered 1-2-1 lessons with dance instructors to prepare for the Grand Final on Saturday 2 May, where they will perform their routine under the grand lights of the glitter ball.