Morley Glass & Glazing managing director Ian Short is getting ready to put his best foot forward as he prepares to take part in a charity dance competition.
Alongside nine other contestants, Ian will be paired with a professional dancer to battle it out for the title of Variety’s Strictly Ballroom Champion on Wednesday October 11 at Bowcliffe Hall in Bramham, Leeds. The amateur dancers and their partners will be joined by a star-studded judging panel, featuring the X Factor’s Ray Quin, choreographer Ian Banham, and professional dancer Jemma Girling.
Morley Glass & Glazing stepped in last year to sponsor outfits for Nottingham University’s student-led Latin, Ballroom and Salsa Society.
Ian said: “I have attended Ballroom and Latin Classes at North Leeds Dance Academy with my wife Kathy in the past but we’ve never gone beyond a beginner’s level. This competition is really taking things to another level. I’ll be training all summer to make sure I’m on top form and hopefully we’ll have a great turnout to support such a great cause.”
Ian and his dance partner Olivia Choi from the North Leeds Dance Academy will compete in two group dances and a solo dance.
“I’m very excited to be dancing the samba, which is a lively, energetic and fun dance that perfectly matches my larger than life character and personality,” Ian said. “It’s a difficult dance with bounce and odd rhythms but I’m going to give it my all and hope for the best.”
Tickets are £25 and all proceeds will go to help Variety continue its charity work, providing practical, tangible help to children in the UK coping with sickness, disability or disadvantage. Doors will open at 7pm for a 7.30pm start.
