大象传媒

When all this dancing business began in the last weekend of September it all just seemed like a bit of fun, and, although I knew I'd eventually have to perform in front of 900 people (!), I can't say any sort of reality really had hit me... well now it has.

Last night we had our final group practice and had to rehearse our routines in front of the group. I really shocked myself at how nervous I was.

I've danced in group sessions quite a bit over the last few weeks, but knowing that everyone had stopped to look at me was just too much. When I managed to stop shaking, a little, I got round the floor, but felt like a stiff brandy afterwards.

When I sit at home and imagine myself dancing I look amazing so perhaps I should just stay at home? No seriously I know there is no turning back now and we're doing this for a great cause.

Putting on the glitz

On a more positive note it was like Christmas had come early at the Ipswich School of Dancing this morning when our dance costumes arrived. Myself, Alison Acton and Emily Anderson had the box open before you could say sequin.

I don't want to give away too many details, but let's just say there is a lot of glamour and lots of sparkly bits.

Jumping and jiving

This weekend we started our jive routine and it's coming on, although this morning I did have a moment where the tears began to flow.

The jive is the final dance of the evening and only the three lucky (or unlucky depending on how you look at it) will get to do it.

My partner and I are in agreement that it is most unlikely I'll actually get to dance a jive, and I'm not sure I want to inflict it on you anyway.

It's so fast, it's hard enough to keep up with the music, let alone look graceful, keep on time, remember the steps, keep the arms up and smile... phew.

I can say that Jill Halfpenny really deserved to win Strictly with her jive routine.

I'll sign off now. A massive thank you to everyone who is coming along and supporting the event. Please be gentle.