Former Strictly Come Dancing Professionals Judge Essex School’s 30th Anniversary Competition

An Essex ballroom dance school’s 30th anniversary competition was judged by two former professionals from Strictly Come Dancing. Matthew Cutler, who won the glitterball trophy alongside Alesha Dixon on the BBC program, and Nicole Cutler, his former wife and professional dance partner, evaluated the performances at Southend Dance Centre earlier in the current month. Brett and Sally Vernon established the school, initially with only two students. Currently, it serves pupils ranging in age from five to 85. Mrs. Vernon stated, “Our biggest achievement is creating a dancing community for so many local adults and children.” She further commented, “People can come along and forget what’s going on outside in their lives and enjoy dancing, music and socialising.” Mrs. Vernon also mentioned that the “blood, sweat and tears” invested over the past decades represented “something to be proud of.” Matthew and Nicole, who were once World Amateur Latin champions and with Nicole appearing on the popular TV series from 2004 to 2007, assessed the dancers’ routines, which included the waltz, foxtrot, tango, quickstep, cha cha cha, samba, rumba, and jive. For the competition, students presented 90-second routines. The names of the winners will be engraved on a shield. According to Mrs. Vernon, Nicole praised the pupils’ display of “fun and enjoyment.” The Vernons, who also competed professionally during their careers, collaborated with various Strictly Come Dancing couples. They received training from head judge Shirley Ballas, whom Mrs. Vernon described as “always passionate about passing on her wealth of knowledge to others.” Mrs. Vernon identified the school’s most significant challenge as the period during Covid, when it had to “claw back” its position following 18 months of closures, prompting her to commend the pupils. She stated, “Our students show us friendship and support when we are having any personal hardships, especially shown during the pandemic.” For updates on Essex news, follow BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram, and X. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.