Rachel Rimmer Strictly Learns To Dance

I’m taking part in this year’s ‘Strictly Learn to Dance’ competition, organised by, and in aid of Dove House Hospice in Hull. The challenge consists of 12 weeks of Ballroom and Latin dance training, leading up to a big show at The Hull City Hall on 19^th November 2021, where we’ll all dance in front of over 1,000 people to try to win the Strictly trophy. Myself and my partner will be dancing the Waltz and the Samba.

To take part in this competition, you have to be a dance amateur. There are 12 couples who have no previous dance training and have been put together by the experts. Over 100 people usually sign up for the event each year, so it was an honour to have been selected.

The reason I wanted to do this, was because I’ve supported Dove House ever since I worked there many years ago. It was my first job where I worked in the finance department and started my accountancy training – I even completed my AAT with them. I was very sad to have to leave to further my career and it will always have a special place in my heart. Another reason I wanted to do this, was because it scared the life out of me! I’ve never liked being the centre of attention, so to be dancing in front of so many people’s very much out of my comfort zone. But then again, comfort zones are there for a reason, and they have to be pushed!

We actually started training back in January 2020, with the original show date being the end of March 2020. However, after 11 weeks of training and getting to one week before the show, Covid-19 hit and everything was cancelled. We were all so disappointed as we’d worked really hard. Dove House then had to keep moving the date until eventually we got November this year, so it will actually be happening.

Unfortunately, this time around, my original dance partner’s injured his shoulder, so I’ve had to source a new one. It’s very disappointing after all this time, given everything we’ve gone through, to now not be able to do the show together. I’m however fortunate that my new dance partner’s great, and very dedicated to learning the dances and putting on an amazing show.

At the end of the day, we’re all doing this for the charity which has suffered greatly by missing out on this event in both March 2020 and March 2021. Not to mention all the other events that had to be cancelled.

I’m very proud to be able to help by putting myself out there on the dancefloor and I’m excited to dance in front of all my friends, family and colleagues – even if this does mean stepping outside of my comfort zone.

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