No bumps in night as dance challenge turns scary

Horror was the theme of this year’s ABN Amro Dancefloor Challenge, which once again saw local personalities teamed with experienced dancers in the competition which this year was raising funds for the Headway charity.

That meant that one of the personalities was Headway’s executive director, Philippa Stahelin, who said she was doing it ‘for the team’ at the charity. She was teamed up with dancer Christopher Jehan and they did the paso doble.

‘I really enjoyed it,’ she said. ‘It was great to do it in front of an audience after all the training. Everyone’s really enjoying it and it’s a great team atmosphere.’

Also taking part was Guernsey Police Inspector Phil Breban, who said he had never danced before but intended to continue after the event along with his wife, Karen.

Inspector Breban was teamed with dancer Debi Harris, who was taking part for the second time along with her husband Wayne, who was partnered with Island FM station co-ordinator Carrie O’Regan.

‘The thing with Phil is he will just go through it and through it,’ said Mrs Harris of her partner’s dedication to their routine, which was the jive, as well as a group dance which all the couples took part in.

A fellow emergency service officer also took part, with St John Ambulance and Rescue Service senior officer, operations, Dean de la Mare, taking to the floor with partner Charlotte Trigwell in the quickstep.

‘It’s been quite the challenge,’ said Mr de la Mare, ‘but it’s been fun at the same time. You certainly have to put in the work.’

Funeral director Jai Vaudin had also enjoyed the experience, and he had partnered Carine Bichard in the quickstep.

He had no experience of ballroom dancing before, but said he had done karate to a high level as well as roller skating many years ago.

‘We’ve done really well,’ he said, after the couple’s matinee performance. ‘We have had two eights, a nine and a 10 in our dance today and we got three sevens last night.’