Third time lucky for Ranjit as Strictly competition continues

‘I’m a winner!’

These were the ecstatic words of Eithinog resident Ranjit after he made it to the final of the country’s first dance competition open to wheelchair users.

Ranjit is one of eight dancers (out of 40 competitors) to join the running for the grand final after the first two heats of the competition. The second, in Wrexham, finished on 29 November. 

Ranjit triumphed in the first heat of the competition, which took place in Anglesey in October. 

Strictly Cymru, organised by charity Leonard Cheshire and dance instructor group Paradance, is the first inclusive dance competition in Wales and has run since 2018. It is now in its third year. 

There will be six heats in total for Strictly Cymru, each consisting of an inclusive category, open to all, and a wheelchair category. The remaining four will take place in Carmarthen, Bridgend, Cardiff and Newport. 

The heats are open to people all ages and abilities and the winner, crowned in May 2020, will receive a glitterball trophy as well as further dance coaching. 

Sharon, a winner in the inclusive category, said:

‘It has been amazing being part of the competition and completely out of my normal comfort zone. I’m nervous yet excited to see what the final brings.’

Mayor of Wrexham, Mr Robert Walsh:

‘It was a huge honour to have been asked to be a judge, I am far from expert in the world of dance! And to see all of the contestants perform so well was amazing: you could see all of the hard work, practice and effort that has gone into it.

‘Well done to Leonard Cheshire and Paradance for bringing Strictly to Wrexham. The joy on the faces of the contestants as well of the audience was wonderful to see and I wish this heat’s winners well for the final!’

Sophie Rees (mum of inclusive winner Kalem Rees):

‘I’m made up for him, he’s always had a love for dance. It really is a dream come true for him to be recognised by the judges, by your organisation.

‘We are so grateful for this opportunity, they don’t come very often for Kalem — it’s phenomenal. It’s just amazing! We’re so proud of him and he’s got pride in himself and his achievement. Thank you Leonard Cheshire.’

Ellen, the inclusive winner, said: ‘This is the first time I’ve won anything, ever! I’m so happy!’

Helen, Wheelchair winner, said: ‘Super excited about the final, can’t quite believe it. I had an amazing time today! Wow!’

Media enquiries

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

The winners

For the inclusive category the winners were: 

• Kaylem Rees and Ellen Agnew 
• For the wheelchair category the winners were:
• Helen Evans

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.
• Heat two: Wrexham – November 2019.

Upcoming heats

• 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.