Our dancers took some time out from their hectic schedule to answer some questions about their Ozanam Come Dancing journey so far.

AOIFE     

   

Question 1:     Do you have any previous dancing experience?

None at all

Question 2:     What are you most nervous about on the night?

I can’t believe I’m doing this and really hope we remember our routine on the night

Question 3:     Do you have any funny stories from rehearsals so far?

Yes. Last week at rehearsal, Harry bent down to lift me and tore open the back of his trousers!

Question 4:     Describe your partner in three words?

Messer, sweetheart, FLIRT

Question 5:     Who are you most looking forward to seeing in the audience on the night?

My dad. I love him so much and it would be great to make him smile.

Question 6:     What three words best describe your dance?

A complete shambles

Question 7:     How do you feel now compared to the beginning of rehearsals? (more confident, more nervous?)

I feel more nervous as the weeks go by and March 6^th gets closer! Everyone tries to reassure me that it will come together – I hope they are right.

                 

HARRY                  

                              

Question 1:     Do you have any previous dancing experience?

Absolutely none!

Question 2:     What are you most nervous about on the night?

(Faceplanting) Keeping to the right steps. Not missing any!

Question 3:     Do you have any funny stories from rehearsals so far?

Have to decommission a pair of trousers due to the fact that on one of the lifts I ripped my trousers. Surprisingly big tip. At least the girls – Aoife and June — got a laugh. 

Question 4:     Describe your partner in three words?

Enthusiastic, generous, sympathetic

Question 5:     Who are you most looking forward to seeing in the audience on the night?

My parents. It’s something out of comfort zone and I’m not used to it. My parents keep asking how I’m getting on, so I’d say they are excited to see me too.

Question 6:     What three words best describe your dance?

Fast-paced music

Question 7:     How do you feel now compared to the beginning of rehearsals? (more confident, more nervous?)

More nervous. June usually just laughs at us when we make a mistake. It won’t be the same on the night!!!

                  BRONWYN                   

                                       

Question 1:     Do you have any previous dancing experience?

None

Question 2:     What are you most nervous about on the night?

Not being perfect

Question 3:     Do you have any funny stories from rehearsals so far?

Lots of laughs at our mistakes

Question 4:     Describe your partner in three words?

Fun, enthusiastic and dedicated

Question 5:     Who are you most looking forward to seeing in the audience on the night?

All my friends and the London crew who are flying over

Question 6:     What three words best describe your dance?

Fun, 70s, disco

Question 7:     How do you feel now compared to the beginning of rehearsals? (more confident, more nervous?)

More confident and tired

                  JOE                

                                       

Question 1:     Do you have any previous dancing experience?

Absolutely none

Question 2:     What are you most nervous about on the night?

Timing of dance moves.

Question 3:     Do you have any funny stories from rehearsals so far?

Very bad timing all the time lol

Question 4:     Describe your partner in three words?

Very, very demanding

Question 5:     Who are you most looking forward to seeing in the audience on the night?

My family; Ronan, Max and Deborah. Plus all my friends.

Question 6:     What three words best describe your dance?

70’s Disco vibe

Question 7:     How do you feel now compared to the beginning of rehearsals? (more confident, more nervous?)

More confident but nervous getting closer to the date.

                  LORRAINE                   

                                       

Question 1:     Do you have any previous dancing experience?

Years ago. Salsa for a few weeks

Question 2:     What are you most nervous about on the night?

Jimmy not showing up.

Question 3:     Do you have any funny stories from rehearsals so far?

Loving the cape

Question 4:     Describe your partner in three words?

Dedicated, eager, cool

Question 5:     Who are you most looking forward to seeing in the audience on the night?

Everyone that comes to see us

Question 6:     What three words best describe your dance?

feisty, fun, dramatic

Question 7:     How do you feel now compared to the beginning of rehearsals? (more confident, more nervous?)

More nervous

JIMMY                  

                                       

Question 1:     Do you have any previous dancing experience?

No

Question 2:     What are you most nervous about on the night?

Getting it wrong and letting Lorraine and our supporters down

Question 3:     Do you have any funny stories from rehearsals so far?

No, but we are having great fun so far.

Question 4:     Describe your partner in three words?

Works too hard

Question 5:     Who are you most looking forward to seeing in the audience on the night?

My wife and family and friends.

Question 6:     What three words best describe your dance?

Hard to learn.

Question 7:     How do you feel now compared to the beginning of rehearsals? (more confident, more nervous?)

A little bit more confident but strangely getting more nervous as the 6^th of March approaches too.

                  MARIA                  

                                       

Question 1:     Do you have any previous dancing experience?

No. I did a bit of ballet when I was in Grade School.

Question 2:     What are you most nervous about on the night?

Forgetting the routine.

Question 3:     Do you have any funny stories from rehearsals so far?

Yes, when the routine is upside down.

Question 4:     Describe your partner in three words?

Magnificent, too patient, very professional (knows the Salsa by heart)

Question 5:     Who are you most looking forward to seeing in the audience on the night?

My colleagues and my husband.

Question 6:     What three words best describe your dance?

Flirting, fun and encouraging.

Question 7:     How do you feel now compared to the beginning of rehearsals? (more confident, more nervous?)

Nervous and scared.

                  MARCUS                      

                                       

Question 1:     Do you have any previous dancing experience?

Yes, I learned ballroom dancing when I was 18 and I have danced Salsa the last 15 years.

Question 2:     What are you most nervous about on the night?

Forgetting turning my hat on the right spot.

Question 3:     Do you have any funny stories from rehearsals so far?

For every practice, I forget the routine. My partner knows this and is laughing every time we start.

Question 4:     Describe your partner in three words?

Good temperament, quick learner, surprise.

Question 5:     Who are you most looking forward to seeing in the audience on the night?

A lot of people. They want to see a nice professional show.

Question 6:     What three words best describe your dance?

Lots of spinning, funny element, flirting.

Question 7:     How do you feel now compared to the beginning of rehearsals? (more confident, more nervous?)

More confident.

                  SHARYN                

                                       

Question 1:     Do you have any previous dancing experience?

10 years ago, I joined a Salsa class and danced socially for about 5 years.

Question 2:     What are you most nervous about on the night?

Finding out I suffer stage fright or falling over.

Question 3:     Do you have any funny stories from rehearsals so far?

I managed to give myself mini-whiplash practising our lift at home but nothing a bit of dry needling and deep heat wouldn’t fix. Plus our son always wants to join in when we dance- he’s five.

Question 4:     Describe your partner in three words?

Loving, loyal and handsome.

Question 5:     Who are you most looking forward to seeing in the audience on the night?

My sister Allison and all my besties.

Question 6:     What three words best describe your dance?

Fast, fast and fun

Question 7:     How do you feel now compared to the beginning of rehearsals? (more confident, more nervous?)

More nervous but very excited.

                  PRZEMEK                    

                                       

Question 1:     Do you have any previous dancing experience?

Just a bit. A few years ago I was dancing the Salsa.

Question 2:     What are you most nervous about on the night?

A mixture of feeling, but the most important is going to be just the first few steps.

Question 3:     Do you have any funny stories from rehearsals so far?

None so far.

Question 4:     Describe your partner in three words?

Most amazing woman

Question 5:     Who are you most looking forward to seeing in the audience on the night?

All my friends.

Question 6:     What three words best describe your dance?

So fricking fast.

Question 7:     How do you feel now compared to the beginning of rehearsals? (more confident, more nervous?)

I think I’m more nervous now but also excited.

                  SUSAN                  

                                       

Question 1:     Do you have any previous dancing experience?

Yes, I teach the Active Retirement in Ozanam House and the Saturday Club.

Question 2:     What are you most nervous about on the night?

Messing up or falling over.

Question 3:     Do you have any funny stories from rehearsals so far?

It’s all been funny and looking at the concentration on Paul’s face is hilarious

Question 4:     Describe your partner in three words?

Funny, dedicated, strong with the lifts.

Question 5:     Who are you most looking forward to seeing in the audience on the night?

Family and friends.

Question 6:     What three words best describe your dance?

Fast, challenging, fun.

Question 7:     How do you feel now compared to the beginning of rehearsals? (more confident, more nervous?)

More confident, Paul’s been great at picking up the steps.

                  PAUL                     

                                       

Question 1:     Do you have any previous dancing experience?

No, none at all. Probably daddy dancing at a function.

Question 2:     What are you most nervous about on the night?

Getting the dance correct on the night and not pulling a muscle.

Question 3:     Do you have any funny stories from rehearsals so far?

Not really, but it has been fun at rehearsals.

Question 4:     Describe your partner in three words?

Talented, beautiful, patient.

Question 5:     Who are you most looking forward to seeing in the audience on the night?

Just family and friends, people that have supported us through this process.

Question 6:     What three words best describe your dance?

Fast, complicated, fun.

Question 7:     How do you feel now compared to the beginning of rehearsals? (more confident, more nervous?)

With the dancing; more confident.

On the night; more nervous.

                  ÚNA               

                                       

Question 1:     Do you have any previous dancing experience?

No.

Question 2:     What are you most nervous about on the night?

Forgetting the steps.

Question 3:     Do you have any funny stories from rehearsals so far?

No.

Question 4:     Describe your partner in three words?

Funny, energetic, all-rounder.

Question 5:     Who are you most looking forward to seeing in the audience on the night?

Family, friends and Dublin.

Question 6:     What three words best describe your dance?

Energetic, bubbly and fun.

Question 7:     How do you feel now compared to the beginning of rehearsals? (more confident, more nervous?)

More confident and enjoying it.

                  MICHAEL                     

                                       

Question 1:     Do you have any previous dancing experience?

No, but I did a Strictly for ICHH at the Mansion House.

Question 2:     What are you most nervous about on the night?

I’m not usually one to be nervous but dancing in front of a crowd would be what would make me nervous

Question 3:     Do you have any funny stories from rehearsals so far?

We do talk about how she used to teach me in primary.

Question 4:     Describe your partner in three words?

Funny, energetic, bubbly

Question 5:     Who are you most looking forward to seeing in the audience on the night?

My whole family and friends.

Question 6:     What three words best describe your dance?

Groovy.

Question 7:     How do you feel now compared to the beginning of rehearsals? (more confident, more nervous?)

Much more confident.

Following an unprecedented response, we are delighted to announce that our show is NOW SOLD OUT!

Ozanam Come Dancing 2020 is our biggest fundraising event of the year. This event will raise funds for the vital work we do in the community, focusing on our summer youth programmes where we hope to engage over 280 children and young people from the north inner city in a safe and fun programme during the summer months.

You can still get involved in the event and DONATE by supporting our dancers HERE!

Tickets are now on sale for our BIG annual Fundraiser Ozanam Come Dancing.

Join our host Brendan Courtney, our celebrity Judges Thommas Kane-Byrne and the fantastic Katherine Lynch for a great night of fun, dance and fundraising.

Friday, March 6th at 7.30pm in Liberty Hall, Dublin 1

Tickets are €20 and are ON SALE NOW from TICKET’S SALES

OZANAM COME DANCING IS BACK!

OUR 11 BRAVE COUPLES ARE ALREADY PRACTICING THEIR MOVES.
JOIN OUR WONDERFUL HOST BRENDAN COURTNEY AND OUR CELEBRITY JUDGES, INCLUDING KATHERINE LYNCH.

DON’T  MISS OUT….

LIBERTY HALL

MARCH 6TH

DOORS OPEN AT 6.30PM  

SHOW STARTS AT 7.30PM

FOR MORE INFORMATION AND UP TO DATE NEWS,
VISIT OUR EVENTS PAGE

• 

Aoife

Harry and I met a number of years ago through our shared love for sub-aqua diving. Together we’ve dived in caves and quarries and have been through many highs and lows…but have never done anything quite like Ozanam Come Dancing! Harry says I tricked him into being my partner as I asked him in the pub after making sure he’d had more than “just the one” but I would have gone to any length to support Ozanam House.

I work in the National Office of St. Vincent de Paul as part of the fundraising team. We are located just across the road from Ozanam House, so I get to see service users coming and going with smiles on their faces every day, and am inspired by the dedication and love offered by the volunteers and staff.

Although the Liberty Hall stage is very different to the Dublin bar dance floors we’re used to, I hope you’ll cheer us on as we dance our way to the big night looking like it’s a 3 legged race!

Harry

Aoife and I met through DCU Sub Aqua 4 years ago. We became good friends and remain so (hopefully it’s still true after this). Aoife asked me to partake in Ozanam Come Dancing as she needed a partner “who worked for a big corporate” so she phrased it, knowing I work for KPMG.

It was the first time I had heard of Ozanam House but I was interested in helping out. My level of dancing would be limited to all of two moves (well actually it’s one but in opposite directions!). By partaking in Ozanam Come Dancing, I hope to be able to add to my existing two dance moves, make people aware of Ozanam House and use all of my ‘Big Corporate’ contacts to raise lots of funds for a great cause.

Bronwyn

I have volunteered for SVP for a few years and that is how I became aware of the great work that is carried out there. I took a career break this year and decided to volunteer in Ozanam House last summer. I think I enjoyed it as much as the kids!

Besides dancing in the kitchen, around the Christmas tree and at the disco, I have no dance experience and I never for a second thought I would be brave enough to take part in this. I’m hoping to raise lots of funds for Ozanam House and all those who benefit from summer camp, youth club, adult lessons and so many more! I hope to have lots of fun and learn something new about myself and maybe a bit of dancing too.

Joe

Hi, I’m Joe and I have worked in the George’s St Arcade for the last 26 years in security and fully expect to be buried there by my colleagues for this! My great friend Bronwyn asked me to partner her as a last resort on her list I’m sure. Bronwyn has volunteered at Ozanam House so when she asked me to help her out and told me about all the great work they do, that was it, I was in!

My extensive dance experience is huge as from an early age through the age-old company of certain beverages I seem to dance a lot when it’s on my side. I’m not condoning this practise mind you. My only fear would be my partner Bronwyn,  she can’t dance lol!

Caroline

I’m Caroline and I work for AIB. They have been supporting this event with some of my colleagues involved for many years so I am thrilled to be able to be involved myself this year. his is my first involvement with Ozanam House but having heard all about it I was blown away by what they do for the local community and now I’m really looking forward to volunteering & finding out all the ways they help the local community. 

My dance career came to a halt aged 5 when my ballet teacher moved back to Greece! Time to rekindle that burgeoning dance career! So I hope to learn to dance, have fun & most importantly raise funds for a fantastic cause! My biggest fear, of course, is falling flat on my face in Liberty Hall! Am hoping though with June’s help that won’t happen!

David

When I heard about the Ozanam Come Dancing I initially wanted to be involved to raise funds for the charity and also because I genuinely enjoy dancing and always have. However, when I came to Ozanam House I was 110% committed to raising as much funding as possible for the centre and the people in the community. 

Unfortunately, Dublin 1 is an area that has been left behind over the years as the rest of the city has grown and developed. The funds raised by the charity allow for adults and children in the local community of north inner city Dublin of all ages, to participate in activities that are simply not available to them elsewhere. I hope to do them proud.

• 

Holly

Ozanam House is a fantastic resource for the D1 community and I’m so excited to see first hand what goes on in the centre. I’ve been in the audience for Ozanam Come Dancing before, so I’m more than ready to experience the other side of things now and raise as much as I can for an incredible cause! I’m currently in my penultimate year of Graduate Entry Medicine at UCD. On top of all my studies, I work part-time in Dance World, Ireland’s leading dancewear retailer, who have worked very closely with Ozanam House for many years.

Growing up I did more dancing than studying, sadly that has changed the past few years but I’m looking forward to the challenge. My biggest goal is to raise as much funds as possible while spreading the word of what Ozanam House is all about. Of course, the fear of Tiarnan dropping me has always been there. I think it’s a good test for our relationship. I trust him, I swear…

Tiarnan

I am currently a final year graduate medical student at the Royal College of Surgeons. I have juggled my studies for the past number of years with playing inter-county football for Fermanagh, as well as with my home club Derrygonnelly Harps. Hopefully, my footwork on the field will be transferable to the dance floor! I know the great work that SVP do all across Ireland so my main goal is to raise as much money as possible for Ozanam House. Being able to play a small part for this community and see the fantastic work that goes on here is an added bonus. AND…I’m finally getting to learn to dance, a skill I’ve always wanted to have. Coming from a sporting background I’m very competitive, so I’d be lying if I said I didn’t want to win. Holly’s fear is that I drop her but these are some of the safest hands in Fermanagh, although a football is a good bit smaller!

Jessica

Through my work in the City of Dublin Education and Training Board, I have known about Ozanam House for many years. They offer such a variety of activities and classes for all ages and people from diverse backgrounds -in particular children from marginalised communities. It is great to be able to support their summer programme – especially by dancing!

I love dancing – as a child I did ballet and then jazz-dance as a teenager – prancing around to the Rocky Horror Picture Show. Recently my dancing has been limited to children’s parties,  musical chairs and my children trying to teach me how to ‘floss’. So, when I heard about Ozanam Come Dancing I thought it was high time to get back into the swing of things.  I am hugely excited about this and I aim to win!

My biggest fear is that after the season of mince pies and mulled wine I only have 9 weeks to get fit, learn the steps and squeeze into a fabulous costume! But I’m sure – it’ll be grand on the night. 

John

I am a Development Officer with the City of Dublin Education and Training Board (CDETB). Through my work in the north inner city, I am very aware of the range of services and supports which Ozanam House provides to the local community. They do an amazing job.

My dancing experience is limited to the old Top of the Pops, shaking a leg at dances, weddings and parties and watching all the “Strictly” competitors from the comfort of an armchair. So quite a lot in fact!

A big achievement for me would be, to be able to move in a smooth and coordinated fashion and make it resemble something like a dance from “Strictly”. My biggest fears would be failing to get the rhythm right and leaving my dancing partner Jessica to cover up all my mistakes. So nothing to worry about really!   

Lorraine

My name is Lorraine and I am the group conference & events sales manager at Hilton Hotel Dublin Airport. I have been so impressed with what I have heard about Ozanam House SVP since I first stepped into the centre. I love what the funds are going towards and am looking forward to being a part of something that will create opportunities for so many children in the inner city.

Having only taken a couple of Salsa lessons years ago, I am stepping into the unknown here really. I watched my sister tale part last year and decided to give it a go to raise much-needed funds for a great cause, learn to dance and have lots of fun!

Jimmy

I heard about Ozanam House and OCD 2020 from my friend and fellow dancer Bronwyn at an event for Ballymun Kickhams GAA where I am currently a juvenile mentor. I have enjoyed working for the Cyclone Group for nigh on 20 years now. They are a great bunch and will no doubt give me great support. I have no dance experience whatsoever so the nerves are kicking in but it is the same for the other dancers and we’re all going to be there for each other.

Growing up in Ballymun, I know how important places like Ozanam House are to a community and how vital the Summer Projects can be to the children and young people as I’ve experienced them myself as have many of my friends. My biggest fear is getting it wrong on the night and letting Lorraine and our supporters down but hopefully, if we work hard enough, that won’t happen. With your help, we hope to raise as much funds as we can for this very worthy cause.

Máire

I am a full-time student at Trinity College and an active member of the VDP Society. The Trinity VDP society hosts a kids’ Christmas party every year in Ozanam House with the kids we volunteer with during the year so I know the amazing work they do.

I used to attend weekly dance classes when I was in secondary school, however, I didn’t keep them up when I got to college. Pity! I have many fears….If we’re talking generally, I’m not the biggest fan of spiders, but with regards to this experience, I just hope not to trip over myself on stage! I hope to raise funds and awareness of the great project that is Ozanam House’s summer youth programme and also have some fun along the way.

David

My name is David Kearney and I am a student at Trinity College. I remember playing ultimate frisbee in Ozanam House with my school when I was in transition year so it’s nice to see it from another angle. I have been involved in Trinity SVP since I came to college so enjoy helping out so was glad to get involved.

I have no dance experience, my uncle is an Irish dancing teacher and always tried to teach me stuff like the two-step but I never listened. I hope to raise as much money as possible for the kid’s summer camps and also to have a great time dancing while getting to know Máire and the other couples. There’s nothing I’m very worried about other than maybe dropping Máire on her head during one of the lifts…HaHa!

Maria

My name is Maria and I work with SVP as a relief manager in our charity shops across the east region. One of my colleagues was involved last year which got me interested as I love dancing. At first, I was hesitant to do it, but eventually, I made my mind up to give it a try and I am delighted I did.

It’s not only taking part in the event and entertaining everyone that I am looking forward to. I hope to be able to help those in Ozanam House, to extend awareness of the amazing work that happens in the centre and of course to raise lots of funds and support the many children, young people and the elderly who benefit from the centre and from SVP.

Marcus

My name is Marcus, I am from Germany and I work for Liberty Mutual Insurance. I am good friends with one of the childcare staff in Ozanam House so I know about some of the great work that’s done here. As I’m now settled in Ireland, I feel it’s a good time for me to return some of the great hospitality I received when I arrived in Dublin and when the opportunity to fundraise through Ozanam Come Dancing came up and I was hooked!

I’ve done a little dancing before. I took ballroom dancing classes when I was 18 in Germany and over the last 15 years, I’ve taken some Salsa classes around the world, including, Germany, Ireland and America – how international! So I obviously hope to entertain the audience with a good show on the night, but more importantly, I want to be able to help Ozanam House to continue supporting the families, kids and older people that they work with into the future.

Sharyn

I’ve been a legal secretary in Eversheds Sutherland law firm for more 15 years.  I first heard about Ozanam House when two of my colleagues took part in Ozanam Come Dancing last year.  They had such a good time and brought so much awareness about Ozanam House to the company that when I was asked to do it this year, I didn’t hesitate to say yes.  And then, of course, managed to persuade my hubby to do it with me!

We’re delighted to be given this opportunity. We hope to raise as much as we can in support of the programmes run and provided by Ozanam House for the children and young people of the community.  As parents to an amazing little boy, we understand just how important these programmes are for not just the children but for the parents too. 

Przemek

I’m a cinematographer and I’ve been making movies for the last 10 years here in Dublin.  I got involved in Ozanam Come Dancing through the encouragement of my brilliant wife Sharyn, whom I met at salsa classes years ago.  Together, we feel privileged and happy to take part in this great event for this great cause.  I’m very much looking forward to working with our amazing choreographer and most of all to try out my dancing costume 🙂

Susan

I have Worked for Ozanam House for the past 15 years with the Active Retirement Group, teaching adult education dance classes and the children’s dance classes on a Saturday. I teach line dancing and hip hop in the centre and in many other areas of Dublin so this is something completely different for me and I can’t wait for the challenge. I can’t wait to learn a new style of dance but most of all to have lots of fun.

Ozanam House is a such a great resource for the inner city community and I hope everyone I know, all my students and friends throughout the city will get behind us and support us…and of course, I hope I don’t trip up on the night!

Paul

My sense of involvement in Ozanam house is through my wife Sue who has been teaching there for 16 years. I work in a pharmaceutical company in Baldoyle called Mylan. My only previous dancing experience is Daddy dancing in Tomangos maybe! I’m looking to gain experience of the joy of dance, also to step out of my comfort zone. My biggest fear is not falling off the stage…but pulling a muscle, at my age!

Una

My name is Una Collins. I am the Deputy Principal in St. Laurence O’ Toole’s CBS “Larriers”, Seville Place, North Wall. I have been working in the school for 16 years and I love it. Over the years we would have had children in our school who would have used the services provided by Ozanam House SVP so I know it well

I have no previous dance experience so this is going to be a new challenge for me… I’m sure it will be scary and exciting but I’m really looking forward to experiencing something new and fun. Just taking part is an achievement in itself and it will most definitely take me out of my comfort zone which can only be a good thing. Go Us!!

Michael

My name is Michael Spain and I have lived all my life not far from Ozanam House. It is my first involvement with the centre and I am absolutely buzzing to get started with everyone. I don’t have much dance experience only when I’m in a night club teaching everyone a lesson in being a ‘groover’. My dance partner is my former teacher so when she asked me I couldn’t say no. I have done a strictly before and it is an amazing experience shared with everyone involved where you get to make great new friends.

I’d do anything in front of a million people, no fears at all! It’s all about enjoying yourself in life and to fear nothing.. as it holds you back! My only hope is to achieve lots in supporting the cause that we’re all working hard towards, raising lots of funds for Ozanam House SVP so let’s blow it out of the park!

Dance; Swing

Song; Do You Love Me? by The Contours

Úna

My name is Una Collins. I am the Deputy Principal in St. Laurence O’ Toole’s CBS “Larriers”, Seville Place, North Wall. I have been working in the school for 16 years and I love it. Over the years we would have had children in our school who would have used the services provided by Ozanam House SVP so I know it well

I have no previous dance experience so this is going to be a new challenge for me… I’m sure it will be scary and exciting but I’m really looking forward to experiencing something new and fun. Just taking part is an achievement in itself and it will most definitely take me out of my comfort zone which can only be a good thing. Go Us!!

Michael

My name is Michael Spain and I have lived all my life not far from Ozanam House. It is my first involvement with the centre and I am absolutely buzzing to get started with everyone. I don’t have much dance experience only when I’m in a night club teaching everyone a lesson in being a ‘groover’. My dance partner is my former teacher so when she asked me I couldn’t say no. I have done a strictly before and it is an amazing experience shared with everyone involved where you get to make great new friends.

I’d do anything in front of a million people, no fears at all! It’s all about enjoying yourself in life and to fear nothing.. as it holds you back! My only hope is to achieve lots in supporting the cause that we’re all working hard towards, raising lots of funds for Ozanam House SVP so let’s blow it out of the park!

If you would like to support us, you can do so through this link

Dance; Charleston

Song; Happy by C2C

Susan

I have Worked for Ozanam House for the past 15 years with the Active Retirement Group, teaching adult education dance classes and the children’s dance classes on a Saturday. I teach line dancing and hip hop in the centre and in many other areas of Dublin so this is something completely different for me and I can’t wait for the challenge. I can’t wait to learn a new style of dance but most of all to have lots of fun.

Ozanam House is a such a great resource for the inner city community and I hope everyone I know, all my students and friends throughout the city will get behind us and support us…and of course, I hope I don’t trip up on the night!

Paul

My sense of involvement in Ozanam house is through my wife Sue who has been teaching there for 16 years. I work in a pharmaceutical company in Baldoyle called Mylan. My only previous dancing experience is Daddy dancing in Tomangos maybe! I’m looking to gain experience of the joy of dance, also to step out of my comfort zone. My biggest fear is not falling off the stage…but pulling a muscle, at my age!

If you would like to support us, you can do so through this link

Dance; Jive

Song; Footloose by Kenny Loggins

Sharyn

I’ve been a legal secretary in Eversheds Sutherland law firm for more 15 years.  I first heard about Ozanam House when two of my colleagues took part in Ozanam Come Dancing last year.  They had such a good time and brought so much awareness about Ozanam House to the company that when I was asked to do it this year, I didn’t hesitate to say yes.  And then, of course, managed to persuade my hubby to do it with me!

We’re delighted to be given this opportunity. We hope to raise as much as we can in support of the programmes run and provided by Ozanam House for the children and young people of the community.  As parents to an amazing little boy, we understand just how important these programmes are for not just the children but for the parents too. 

Przemek

I’m a cinematographer and I’ve been making movies for the last 10 years here in Dublin.  I got involved in Ozanam Come Dancing through the encouragement of my brilliant wife Sharyn, whom I met at salsa classes years ago.  Together, we feel privileged and happy to take part in this great event for this great cause.  I’m very much looking forward to working with our amazing choreographer and most of all to try out my dancing costume 🙂

If you would like to support us, you can do so through this link