Help me fulfil my dream and dance for charity as a finalist in Dance Floor Heroes
Blackpool woman Emma Ronson is preparing for the dance of a lifetime after beating 2,000 applicants to reach the final of a Strictly-style charity competition at the iconic Empress Ballroom.
A Blackpool woman is set to step onto one of the world’s most famous dance floors after reaching the final of a national Strictly-style competition and she’s raising money for mental health support along the way.
Emma Ronson has been named as one of just 12 finalists in the 2026 Dance Floor Heroes competition, a charity event inspired by Strictly Come Dancing that pairs amateur dancers with professional partners.
The finalists will perform in the famous Empress Ballroom at Blackpool’s Winter Gardens in front of a live audience and judging panel, all competing for the coveted glitterball trophy.
For Emma, reaching the final is the result of years of determination. This was her third time applying for the competition and the first time she has made it past the second round of the four-stage selection process.
She said: “I’m absolutely over the moon. I’ve applied three times and never made it this far before, so to be chosen as one of the 12 finalists feels incredible.”
More than 2,000 people applied for the 2026 competition making the achievement even more special.
As part of the experience, Emma will be paired with a professional dancer, learn a full routine and perform on the famous ballroom floor – even wearing a sparkling dress from Strictly Come Dancing itself.
She said: “It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. When I write it all down it does feel a bit scary, but mostly I’m just excited.”
Dance Floor Heroes raises money for Tia’s Crown, a mental health charity that provides support through dance and wellbeing sessions, as well as a 24-hour mental health helpline and other free services.
Each contestant must raise at least £1,000 for the charity before the competition.
To help reach that target, Emma is organising a fundraising gala night on April 10, alongside other events including bake sales and tombolas.
She said: “I’m really passionate about supporting mental health charities. Dance can make such a difference to people’s wellbeing, so it’s amazing to be raising money for something so important.”
Emma is also documenting her journey to the final on social media, where supporters can follow her progress as she prepares to take to the Empress Ballroom stage.
Tickets for the Dance Floor Heroes Live 2026 event are available for those who want to watch the competition and cheer Emma on as she aims to lift the glitterball trophy.
Emma Ronson is fundraising for Tia's Crown.