To mark its 30th anniversary, the Southend Dance Centre recently welcomed two former Strictly Come Dancing professionals, Matthew and Nicole Cutler, as judges for a special ballroom competition.
Matthew, who won Strictly with Alesha Dixon, and Nicole, a former Strictly professional herself, ranked student performances in various styles, including the waltz, foxtrot, tango, quickstep, and Latin dances like the cha cha cha, samba, and rumba.
The Southend Dance Centre was founded by Brett and Sally Vernon with just two students, growing over three decades into a community with dancers aged 5 to 85.
Reflecting on their journey, Sally Vernon highlighted the sense of community they’ve built:
“Our biggest achievement is creating a dancing community for so many local adults and children,” she said. “People can come along and forget what’s going on outside in their lives and enjoy dancing, music, and socialising.”
The event was a moment of pride for the Vernons, who faced significant challenges, including the difficult recovery after 18 months of closure during the Covid pandemic.
Sally paid tribute to the loyalty and friendship of their students, who supported them during personal hardships and helped the school bounce back.
Matthew and Nicole, who were once World Amateur Latin champions, praised the students’ sense of “fun and enjoyment.”
Winners of the competition will have their names engraved on a commemorative shield, honoring their achievements and celebrating the school’s lasting impact on the local dance community.
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