Sweet 16 step up for dance battle!

The Strictly Inverness 2011 dancers get together with instructors Tristian Hill and Nikki Mackay for their first session.

THIS week the Highland News is pleased to lift the curtains on the 16 contestants who have stepped up to the challenge of taking part in a glitzy dance competition.

Last year’s event raked in a whopping £24,000 for Highland Hospice and the Inverness Ice Centre, and Strictly Inverness 2011 promises to be even bigger and better, with a special event for juniors too.

Auditions for the three-day extravaganza were held last month and this year’s 16 contestants battled it out against a group of hopefuls to win their place in this year’s competition, which will take place in May.

Among the chosen group hoping to salsa their way to success is well known face of STV, Nicola McAlley, who was on the judging panel for the event last year. And also taking part is Stacey Allen, wife of our photographer Alasdair Allen, who came third in last year’s competition.

But, according to dance teachers, Nicky Mackay and Tristian Hill, the contestants weren’t afraid to strut their stuff when they endured their first dance lesson of the year.

Nicky said: “We were really impressed by everyone, they all danced really well for their first time. There were clearly a few nerves at first, but these soon disappeared as everyone became more comfortable. I can’t wait to start working with all of our couples soon.”

Tristian added: “It was great to finally meet all our adult dancers and start getting them paired up. At this stage, some of the dancers are more confident than others – and they are all at different levels of ability. But that will all change once the lessons begin.

“There’s just no telling how each couple is going to develop... we’re all really excited about the journey ahead!”

Wendy Clark, communications manager for the Highland Hospice, said this year’s dancers are shaping up to be a great bunch of people.

She said: “There was a lot of energy in the room. We really do have a terrific group of dancers this year, and they are all geared up to raise as much as they possibly can for Highland Hospice and the Ice Centre.

“Each of these dancers is undertaking a massive physical challenge over the next few months, and we hope that everyone who knows them – and those who don’t – will offer them lots of support by sponsoring them.”

And one of the hopeful contestants who will be battling it out to scoop the top award at this year’s competition is dancer Jill Asher.

She said: “I can’t wait to start dancing and fundraising. Highland Hospice is very close to me because my father was cared for and died there, and I use the Ice Centre for curling, so I’m keen to raise as much as I can.”

Another dancer, Gus MacDonald, said: “Highland Hospice and Inverness Ice Centre are both such good charities to dance and raise funds for. All this hard training will be well worth the effort – although I hope my partner has a pair of steel toe capped dance shoes!”