Keeping the Strictly spark alive

Inspired by former RNC student Chris McCausland and his dance partner Dianne Buswell, who danced their way to the Glitterball trophy on Strictly Come Dancing 2024, ballroom fever has officially arrived at the College.


Building on Chris’s legacy, London-based Step Change Studios launched an initiative to bring ballroom dance to RNC. They approached Translucent Dance Studio in Worcester, who jumped at the chance to get involved. After specialist training in delivering dance to the visually impaired, dance lessons were launched at the College in September. Students have already picked up the Waltz and the Cha Cha Cha.

Today, the group were presented with their first pair of professional dance shoes and during the session, they practiced finding their balance and perfecting their steps in their new footwear, just in time for their first formal dance exam this Sunday.

Students are really loving the lessons. Storm shared:

‘Before losing my sight I did ballet and gymnastics. Being able to dance again is great and it just goes to show that these opportunities can still be available to me with the right training and it gives me a real sense of pride.’

Vasilisa, who previously practiced ballet at the College, said that the ballet training has helped her ‘pick up instructions more easily,’ while Jessie admitted she was ‘definitely inspired by Chris McCausland’s success.’

Kai, a newcomer to the ballroom world, is enjoying it so much he is already ‘looking for classes to attend back home.’

Teacher Matt from Translucent Studios says:

‘It’s really fun and it’s been very rewarding. The students seem to absolutely love it!’

The classes will continue for the rest of the academic year and, hopefully, continued funding will ensure lessons are available to students for many years to come.

Thank you to the staff and volunteers that come along to help with the classes. In particular, Maria, Peter, and Rachel.

Thanks to Step Change Studios and Matt from Translucent Dance Studio for bringing ballroom fever to RNC. Keep Dancing!