Strictly Kent: Ian and Camilla

What a fab night out! The lovely people at Strictlydancers.com brought us what we’d been begging for – a demo night by, of all things – Strictly dancers! The inaugural event was hosted by Mark Shutlar, of Starlite School of Dance, who is undefeated 10 Dance champion with wife and fellow principal, Jayne.

A ballroom demo by amateur couple Paula Harding and Jodie Tolhurst (waltz, foxtrot, tango, quickstep and Viennese waltz) preceded a cha cha workshop led by Mark, which was enormous fun – just when I thought I’d nailed it I missed a step; we considered going in for the competition but decided to let the others have a chance ...

The highlight of course, was Ian and Camilla’s five dance Latin demo. I’m lucky enough to have seen them live before and knew it was an awesome experience – my mum and friend were blown away at their speed and intricacy (not to mention seeing them in full view instead of via a whirling camera!) They entered to the Strictly Come Dancing theme and the crowd responded immediately – you’d think clapping was compulsory! Straight into a fantastic, fast samba to Tequila; while Cam changed for the Cha Cha, Ian took the mike like a seasoned stand up, albeit a breathless one.

Ian's pretty cheeky and nabbed Sarah, a DS forumite from our table, insisting she help him change his shirt (can't say I saw you resisting much Sarah!) and she had the pleasure of helping him out of the old one and into the new, including tucking it in! A brilliant jazzed up Summertime later and we entered the world of the Phantom of the Opera with the themed, theatrical Paso, before Ian and Cam launched into a jumping jive to Stuff Like That There - Ian and a hat on a chair; Cam miming the opening wearing a nun’s habit, whipped off by Ian to reveal a gorgeous red fringy affair! Tall people can’t jive? Give over; these two tall people are incredible. The demo finished with Cam’s favourite dance, the rumba to The Story of My Life, which swept us all away with them, it was so beautiful.

The evening finished off with Ian and Cam meeting and greeting (everyone!) autographs signed, photographs taken, keepsakes of a truly wonderful evening. Faye and everyone at StrictlyKent/e-motive media did a fantastic job and guess what? There’ll be more, oh yes! Can’t wait.

Camilla Dallerup

I’ve been reading reports that Camilla will not be returning as a dancer on Strictly Come Dancing next year, which saddens me, as her charisma and ability to bring out the best in her partners is hugely entertaining. Always playing to their strengths, her creative choreography and inspired musical choices have made their dances a joy to watch.

Happily, it’s Camilla’s own choice to leave, wishing to concentrate on other projects before perhaps settling down to have a family. I hope it’s not the last we see of her - opening next year’s show with a reprise of her and Tom’s show dance would be wonderful - but she has also said she’d love to return as a judge, in a role she’d be perfectly suited to, having been on the other side of their table for six series. Failing that, I’d say there’s a distinct possibility that Camilla’s versatility in choreographing the dramatic , comedic , romantic and the sheer get-up-and-join-in danciness-ic will bring offers from elsewhere in the dance industry.

I found it hard to choose my all time favourites by Camilla and her partners. Since Saturday evening work prevented me from watching till halfway through the second series, the first time I saw her was with Roger Black, their jive (left)to the very recognisable Pulp Fiction song (whose title I’ve completely forgotten) meaning it lodged in my mind. (Ok, so I’m a huge Roger Black fan too!) The tango with James; Gethin’s waltz, salsa and jive, Tom’s Foxtrot, Salsa, AS, QS, jives (and so on!) will be forever watchable - lasting memories of the chemistry, enthusiasm and fun they brought to the dance floor.

I hope the reports are wrong but if not, a big “THANK YOU, CAMILLA” for entertaining us so brilliantly and best wishes for the future.