Time to hit the boards as 'Strictly Clon Dancing' returns to West Cork
Some 400 people are expected to watch 11 glamorous couples shimmy and twirl their way through everything from the cha-cha to swing, samba, salsa, and jive as the first semi-final of Strictly Clon Dancing 2016 — a highly successful fund-raiser for Clonakilty’s GAA and rugby clubs —swings into action at the Inchydoney Lodge & Spa at 8pm.
This is the second year of the spectacular show, which last time around raised substantial funds for both clubs and features elegantly attired contestants in colourful, tasselled, body-hugging ensembles — none of them professional dancers, but all of them talented.
However, it’s not just about talent — the 22 couples participating in the competition have worked hard to perfect their routines.
They’ve been practising diligently for months, attending a mandatory weekly three-hour rehearsal class with a qualified dance teacher and high-kicking their way through numerous unofficial practise sessions.
The winners from this first semi-final which, according to spokeswoman Helen Houlihan, was virtually sold out by the middle of last week, along with those from the second, which takes place on Saturday, November 12, at the town’s Fernhill House Hotel, will go forward to the final on Saturday, November 19, at Dunmore House Hotel, in which 12 couples will participate. All contests will be judged by audience vote and a five-member judging panel made up of local people, dance experts and celebrities.
“The outfits are stunning — it’s all sequins and high heels; very colourful, very glamorous,” said Ms Houlihan, who added that the event is expected to be equally successful this year.
There was huge excitement about this last year — it created a big buzz in the town because everyone knew somebody who was dancing.
“It’s very much about ordinary people showing great dancing skill and there is a great competitive atmosphere as well as a willingness to put in hours of work; they give of their time freely,” said Ms Houlihan.
