Strictly Come Dancing...Bristol Style!

St Peter's Hospice is calling on Bristolians to put their best foot forward and support its brand new fundraising initiative – Strictly Come Dancing Bristol!

The charity is looking for willing couples to sign up to 8 weeks of free professional dance training before performing at a Grand Finale at the Bierkeller Theatre next March.

Audience members will vote for their favourite couple at the event which will be presented by Bristol's very own Tess and Brucie - Jemma Cooper from BBC Points West and BBC Radio Bristol and Ian Downs from Jack FM.

The couples will be taught two dances each by professional dance teacher Michele Webber from Dance Factory Bristol, and the finale show will feature performances of many different styles of dancing.

The event will also raise much needed funds for the city's hospice.

Those who sign up will attend a meet and greet on 24 November where they can meet Michele and find out what dances they will be performing.

Maria del Carmen Moon Park, events fundraiser at St Peter's Hospice said: "Strictly Come Dancing Bristol is a brand new event for us and it's a great opportunity for people to raise money for the hospice while doing something really fun!

"Whether you've got two left feet or you fancy yourself as the new Anton du Beke this will be a fab chance to show your friends and family what you're capable of in just 8 weeks.

"It's also going to be a fun activity to take part in with your chosen partner while you're both learning new skills and getting fit. For the Grand Finale we will be transforming dancers to make the night even more special and add a touch of sparkle.

"If dancing's not your thing why not buy a ticket for the final so you can vote for your favourite dancer!"

As spaces are limited to only 12 couples, entrants will need to apply before learning whether they are successful. Those chosen will train every Saturday morning from 10am-12pm on Gloucester Road, Bishopston, beginning on Saturday 4 January.

Michele Webber said: "Myself and Dance Factory Bristol are absolutely delighted to be supporting St Peter's Hospice for this new event. I am looking forward to training the couples and teaching them some moves before the challenge of the final performance."

St Peter's Hospice is now in its 35th anniversary year and is Bristol's only adult hospice. The hospice cares for more than 2,670 patients each year as well as supporting family members. It costs £6.8 million to run the hospice with 77% of that coming from the generosity of public support.

Maria continued: "I'm really looking forward to seeing how the dancers progress and can't wait to see them shaking their stuff at the finale! This really is a once in a lifetime opportunity and it's going to be lovely to see the couples' families cheering them on. We're hoping to raise a fab amount for the hospice through sponsorship and ticket sales, which will go towards caring for people with life-limiting illnesses in Bristol."

Registration closes for Strictly Come Dancing Bristol on Sunday 17 November. Registration is £30 and each dancer is asked to raise a minimum of £200 for the hospice.

Tickets for the Grand Finale will cost £15.

For more information call Maria on 01275 391428 or email [email protected]