Business Come Dancing is back on the Dance Floor for 2024!
Business Come Dancing is back ready to take the dance floor by storm! This Strictly style exclusive black-tie fundraising event takes place at its new venue for this year, The Hilton Hotel, Bournemouth on Friday 22nd November.
The event has been running for over 10 years, inspiring the local business network to help Pavilion Dance Southwest creatively in fulfilling their mission to transform lives through dance. Since 2014, 65 businesses have put forward 100 people to raise money for Pavilion Dance and other charity partners. Money raised supports Pavilion Dance in delivering programmes in the community which create accessible ways to participate in dance & movement, reaping all the physical and mental health benefits it brings. Pavilion Dance sees dance as a superpower with proven benefits on physical and mental health, which they witness first hand in groups such as their Parkinson’s Dance classes and targeted health and wellbeing programmes in schools and community settings.
Hosted by Steve Harris from BBC Radio Solent, the event matches Dorset-based business participants with a professional dancer to learn a routine in 8 weeks. The dancing couples perform at a gala dinner in front of colleagues, family, and friends, and help raise funds towards Pavilion Dance’s community projects. With the support of sponsors and contestants, they hope to raise £25,000 from Business Come Dancing 2024.
Businesses who have taken part previously include: Frettens LLP (taken part 3 times), Purple HR, Beales Group, Morgan Sindall, Hoare Lea, Savills Client Services, Rebbeck Brothers, Filer Knapper LLP, #Willdoes charity (taken part twice), Coles Miller LLP, Marsham Court Hotel, Digital Storm, Pure Town Planning, Bournemouth Town Centre BID, Barclays, Ward Goodman, Blu Boho Living.
Pavilion Dance is currently recruiting participants to take part. They encourage anyone that might be up for the challenge to take a step out of their comfort zone, and take the opportunity to have an experience of a lifetime, whilst fundraising for a charity that supports many local people and communities.
“This has been one of the best things I have ever done and I’m truly grateful for all the support and encouragement along the way. The journey has been unforgettable,” – Kerry Houston-Kypta, Coles Miller Solicitors and Business Come Dancing Winner 2022.
The event sees an array of dance styles and performances from Contemporary to Tap, Bollywood, Musical Theatre, Charleston, Argentine Tango, Ballroom and Latin taking to the floor. Contestants get full tuition from professional dance teachers, with rehearsals taking place in Pavilion Dance’s modern, spacious dance studios and support with their fundraising activities.
“It was such fun and the effect of dance on your mental health is powerful. I know as a group the friendship and bond that has been created will be with us forever,” Lesley Paddy, Chair of #WillDoes charity and Business Come Dancing Winners 2023.
As part of Pavilion Dance’s fundraising, they are looking for local businesses to support the event through sponsorship and offer a number of different options for them to be involved. Last year they were joined by Paul Kinvig, Chief Operating Officer, Bournemouth BID as a judge who commented: “An event such as this, apart from being huge fun, demonstrates a brilliant connection between “art” & “business” in a wonderful way!”
There are different sponsorship options available, from Silver Sponsorship at £1000 to Exclusive Headline Sponsor at £5000. Bespoke options also available. Contact Cheryl Baldacchino for more details at cheryl.baldacchino@pdsw.org.uk
Further information can be found here
Business Come Dancing 2024, Image credit Pavilion Dance