Strictly Come Surrey 2023

Dust down those glitter balls and sequins – Strictly Come Surrey is BACK for the first time in four years!

Tickets for the spectacular event taking place at the Ivy Arts Centre on Sunday 30 April (doors 5.30pm for 6pm) are on sale now and to whet your appetite, the partnerships have been revealed.

Scroll down to find out which nominated staff and students are taking part and which dance experts they’ve been paired with.

The competition, run by the Students’ Union and Ballroom and Latin Dance Club (BLDC), will be judged by a professional panel made up of members of the BLDC, SU and GSA.

The judges will evaluate the performances of the celebrity dancers and their professional partners, and the winners of the competition will be determined by audience members in attendance and watching on the live stream.

So come and witness some incredible performers as they give it their all.

And remember – Keep Dancing!

Charlie says: "The only experience I have of dancing is on a night out, and my moves are dreadful to say the least! But I’m really enjoying the process of Strictly and working with some really inspiring students to pull together a routine.

"Remembering all of the steps and staying in time with the dance has been quite tough if I’m honest, but I’m enjoying the challenge. I love the dance and the movement, it’s fun and fast so I can get really into it, especially as the song is very fun. I really don’t like the outfit I have to wear, though, because I’m so used to wearing sports gear every day.

"But I’ll make sure to scrub up well for the night! Abbie is a great teacher and partner and has told me to just relax and really enjoy the music."

Amanda says: “Stop thinking and go with it!!” Thankfully my Strictly partner Tabitha is very, very patient and encouraging. My routine is the human body equivalent of the Rubix cube - hips, arms, feet, not looking down and smiling – and when it goes a bit left field we laugh it off and carry on. Tabitha has filmed our training sessions on her phone, so I can “practise, practise, practise” at home. 

Like many people, my dancing capabilities have been home grown on a dancefloor of a night out or special family occasion, usually after a glass of wine. I am finding the Samba very tricky, the part of our routine I’m enjoying the most is the section where there are some African beat influences, I am just moving my arms so I can cope with this part. Everyone has been extremely supportive; my twin girls are so excited and can’t wait for the night. I must also mention my boss, Nick Jones, for allowing me to squeeze training sessions in around everything else.”

Colin says: "I was nominated for Strictly by my line manager, after we had a conversation about the tv show! I have never danced before so it was a good opportunity to learn something new, even though I was initially nervous about the prospect. I am currently training with Corinna (my fantastic dance partner) two hours a week; it has been great fun and a really amazing experience.

"The hardest part of the training so far is learning (and remembering) every section of the routine but also the actual steps themselves. I’m lucky enough to have been supported by my family, friends and the other participants in the event this year who have all been so good. The best tip has been to not look at my feet and don’t overthink!"

Hollie says: "I was nominated for Strictly but this year is my 10^th year working at Surrey, so it feels like a good way to celebrate that!

"I love the dancing, it’s so much fun and my partner is very talented and patient! The biggest challenge I’m having is that the dance is quite serious and I’ve been told I’m not meant to smile, which is IMPOSSIBLE! I’m smiley naturally but I’m also having fun and constantly laughing at myself, so I’m grinning like a Cheshire cat and I need to find a way to cut that out!

"Everyone is so supportive. Well I say that, I showed my five year old a video from the last Strictly and his response was “wow they’re so talented… you’re not talented mummy” but apart from him everyone has been very supportive!"

Deborah says: "Strictly is something I’ve always wanted to do so it was great to be nominated this year. I have no dancing experience and two left feet, but I am loving the opportunity to meet new people and learn a new skill.

"The toughest part so far has been getting into my Latin dress, trying to do up my shoes and don’t even go there about dancing in them. I am a trainers girl! But I love the Cha Cha Cha as it is fast, sassy and cheeky just like me. I also love the twists and turns - its great fun!

"James is fantastic and I’m working hard on the tips he’s giving me - listen to the beat of the music, remember to count in your head and mostly importantly keep eye contact (don’t look at your feet)! In fact, everyone has been so supportive and are buying tickets (or at least they better)!"

Jasmine says: "I was nominated by my friend Laura to take part and I decided to go for it as it looked like such a fun opportunity to learn something new and get involved!

"I’ve done some dancing before with the Musical Theatre Society and Zumba but nothing quite like this.

"Currently Liam and I train a couple times a week where we can fit it within our busy schedules. I was away over Easter so I was faced with the tricky challenge of practicing alone between placement and revision!

"Everyone has been super supportive, and Liam has been a great dance partner, so I look forward to showing what we’ve got."