Dance craze hits new heights!

When dreaming up the stunning surrounds of the Blackpool Tower Ballroom designers probably didn’t imagine it being used for modern day Zumba dancing.

But it made for an ideal backdrop for the sport nonetheless, to raise thousands of pounds for a children’s charity.

Hundreds of dancers filled the floor to take part in a charity Zumba-thon in the venue on Friday night, in aid of Brian House children’s hospice – raising £2,600 in the process.

The ‘Brian House Treasures’, nurses from the care unit in Bispham, led the way in the four-hour fund-raiser, having organised the event as part of the Trinity Hospice Corporate Challenge.

And celebrity Zumba teacher Dan Whiston, TV’s Dancing On Ice champion, led the way with a number of routines along with the Fylde’s top Zumba teachers.

He wasn’t the only bloke brave enough to take on the dancing though.

Friends Josh Sheridan, 23, and Alex Peak, 27, from Kirkham, took part in the mainly women’s event to raise money for the children’s hospice.

Josh said: “It’s such a good cause and it’s a fun way to spend a Friday night.”

Melissa Peak, 25, from Kirkham, added: “I just wanted to support Brian House because the work they do is so fantastic. The Zumba-thon is just a lot of fun and a great way to raise money.”

Amanda Halliwell, 52, from Grange Park, said: “Brian House is such a good charity so this is a fun way to raise money for it.

“And it’s really nice to be able to dance in the Tower Ballroom.”

A number of Zumba teachers from across the Fylde coast joined Dan and Coronation Street actress Hayley Tamaddon and former Olympic skating star Karen Barber for the fund-raising workout.