This is a Latin dance and is a mix of different Cuban dances. There are many different regional versions of the Salsa, most of which are North American.

In Salsa, weight shifts are done in the hips with arm and shoulder movements incorporated.

With the New York style, the dancers remain in front of each other while in the Cuban style they circle around each other.

Performed on the night by Marcus and Maria to “Mas Que Nada” by Sergio Mendes and Black-Eyed Peas.

Charleston is a harbour city in South Carolina. South Carolina is known as the Palmetto State due to the fact its main fort was built on spongey palmetto wood which helped repel a British attack as the cannonballs simply bounced off the fortress. Perhaps it is no surprise the Charleston dance is characterised by its bouncy rhythmic movements.

The Charleston made its debut to the wider world in 1923 in the Broadway show Runnin’ Wild. It is comprised of the African dance Juba and consists of fast footwork with twisting, bouncing heelwork and swinging arms.

Performed on the night by Aoife and Harry to “Pencil Full of Lead” by Paolo Nutini.

and

Susan and Paul to “Happy” by C2C.

Swing dancing was born out of the jazz movement of the 1920s in the USA. As the sound developed, so too did the dances and this involved incorporating the popular dances at the time like the Charleston and Foxtrot. This would eventually become the Lindy Hop, a dance many credit as the genesis of Swing.

There are many forms of swing and the most popular include Lindy Hop, jive, the Jitterbug and West Coast Swing. Swing is an exciting fast-paced dance and the participants hold hands.

Performed on the night by Úna and Michael to “Do You Love Me?” by The Contours.

The Jive is a dance formed from African-American dances in the 1930s. It’s a more uninhabited version of the Jitterbug. Cab Calloway was an early proponent and it brought it to the attention of the wider public.

It is a very happy and ‘boppy’ dance with the lifting and bending of knees and rocking of the hips commonplace. This dance is usually performed to Swing or Rock music.

Performed on the night by Sharyn and Przemek to “Footloose” by Kenny Loggins.

and

Máire and David to “Happy” by Pharrell Williams.

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

                 

CAROLINE                   

                                       

 

Question 1:     Do you have any previous dancing experience?

Ballet aged five. Started and stopped there.

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

Getting stage fright and forgetting the moves.

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

Not yet.

Question 4:     Describe your partner in three words?

Easy-going, fun, friendly.

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

I can’t single out one particular person but am overwhelmed at the support I’ve gotten. Seeing all the friendly faces in the crowd will help calm my nerves.

Question 6:     What three words best describe your dance?

Cheesy, energetic, fun.

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

Feeling excited and can’t wait to see all the other dances.

DAVID                   

                                       

Question 1:     Do you have any previous dancing experience?

None- this is my first genuine dancing experience.

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

The crowd – performing in front of a large audience.

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

Not yet, but I’m certain there is one to come.

Question 4:     Describe your partner in three words?

Funny, friendly, bubbly.

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

Mark Connell – the man who is always there for me. He rings me every morning at  3.30am to make sure I’m in the gym and motivates me 24/7 – What a Man.

Question 6:     What three words best describe your dance?

Lively, funky, electric.

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

I’m feeling much more confident, but more nervous in terms of it really being show-time.

HOLLY                  

                                       

Question 1:     Do you have any previous dancing experience?

Yes, but never Ballroom/Latin! I did Ballet and Stage School growing up. Trust me, this is all new.

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

To be honest, tearing a hole in my fishnets. And Tiarnan dropping me!

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

Tiarnan calls me “Annette” when I get ratty with him. My alter ego, apparently.

Question 4:     Describe your partner in three words?

Tall talented Tiarnan

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

My biggest hype girl Sadhbh! And all of my friends and family of course. Everyone has been so supportive.

Question 6:     What three words best describe your dance?

Intense, fiery and intricate.

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

The excitement builds more and more each week, but the nerves do too. It’s great to see it all coming together.

TIARNAN                     

                                       

Question 1:     Do you have any previous dancing experience?

No, not official experience. Just the nightclub dancefloor. Afraid there is little-to-no dancing in football.

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

We have a few lifts, so dropping Holly. Some boisterous heckling from a few of the lads coming.

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

I think June was a bit taken back with my attention to dance step, I just needed it to be shown one more time.

Question 4:     Describe your partner in three words?

Feisty, talented and (a tiny bit) demanding.

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

The slagging from the lads is in full swing, so interested to see what Eoin ‘Maccer’ MacMathuna thinks of my footwork.

Question 6:     What three words best describe your dance?

Passionate. Exciting and a winner.

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

Confident –I got this (well, that’s what I’m telling myself). You better ask Holly.

JESSICA               

                                       

Question 1:     Do you have any previous dancing experience?

I have danced different dances on and off- Tango, Salsa and Zouk.

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

Tripping over my amazing dress.

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

This is not a laughing matter.

Question 4:     Describe your partner in three words?

Courageous, persistent, great fun.

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

My girls; Scarlett – 11 and Pia – 8.

Question 6:     What three words best describe your dance?

Elegant- smooth and classic.

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

More important to get more practice in and get the steps and details perfected.

 JOHN                    

                                       

Question 1:     Do you have any previous dancing experience?

Not really.

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

Crashing through the stage. No seriously, missing the steps and stepping on Jessica’s toes.

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

It’s been a blast.

Question 4:     Describe your partner in three words?

Elegant, sophisticated and charming.

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

Rows of colleagues and family showing their support.

Question 6:     What three words best describe your dance?

Uneven — smoother — smooth (I hope).

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

Getting more confident moving somewhat better.

 MÁIRE                  

                                       

Question 1:     Do you have any previous dancing experience?

I picked up dancing at 12-years-old and performed in yearly musicals and shows, but I gave up at 17.

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

Falling probably.

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

David existing for the first two weeks probably.

Question 4:     Describe your partner in three words?

Tall, tall, tall.

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

My little sister.

Question 6:     What three words best describe your dance?

Fun, bouncy, daunting.

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

Definitely more confident.

 DAVID                   

                                       

Question 1:     Do you have any previous dancing experience?

Nope.

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

Messing up one of the lifts.

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

Kneeing Máire in the head during a drop.

Question 4:     Describe your partner in three words?

Small, dancy, quirky.

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

My parents.

Question 6:     What three words best describe your dance?

Fast, intricate, enjoyable.

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

Much more confident, way more excited to show off the dance.

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 rip. 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 practicing 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!