Liverpool dance group, Dance Unlimited, is proving that age is no barrier for the dancefloor as they raised more than £100,000 for Liverpool Women’s Hospital through their ‘Strictly for Women’s Hospital’ event.
Having just celebrated its third anniversary, the annual event helps aid funds for bereavement rooms and vital equipment for the maternity department. The concept of the event pairs professional dancers with hospital staff, in true Strictly style, to raise money for the charity.
Organiser of Strictly events and founder of Dance Unlimited, Hazel Langdon, approached the hospital three years ago suggesting a partnership creating their first Strictly Come Dancing event.
She said: “They had a target of raising £100k for their Bereavement Suite Appeal so that was our aim. I am absolutely delighted that we smashed the target through the dance events.”
At the heart of these events is the Dance Unlimited Show Steppers, a team of amateur dancers whose ages range from 36-81. They group received a standing ovation for their performance to two tracks from the smash hit musical, Chicago.
Hazel said: “I often say age is just a number. If you sit on the couch and do nothing, you will age very quickly. I would say don’t dwell on the things you can’t do as you get older, concentrate on what you can do and get on with it.”
She described dancing to be the perfect way to stay mentally and physically fit, as it improves general wellbeing and helps maintain overall strength.
“I am incredibly proud of my dancing troupe. It just goes to show that you are never too old to dance, learn a new skill, perform at packed out venues whilst keeping fit and becoming a member of a disciplined team. This is why I have a wonderfully healthy, fit and mainly middle aged dance troupe who are living their dream.”
“Our eldest lady is 76, can still do can-can kicks and looks amazing,” she added.
The Dance Unlimited Show Steppers have been making a positive contribution to the Liverpool community. They have been dancing to raise thousands of pounds across the city for the last three years, allowing hospitals and charities to gather the funds to continue their vital work.
Hazel said: “As well as raising money for the NHS, we have also entertained at care home and community events for people with dementia. I can honestly say, I am blessed to have a group of the most selfless, generous individuals with the biggest hearts who are doing their best for charitable causes.”
In the coming months Hazel and her team will be collaborating with her son, owner of Liverpool Lifestyle Community, to raise funds for Alder Hey Children Hospital. They will also be making a summer appearance at the New Brighton Festival.
Dance Unlimited Liverpool is based at Woodlands Social Club and Allerton United Reformed Church. They offer a range of adult dance lessons in Ballroom, Latin, Sequence and more. To get involved with the dance team or to book the Dance Unlimited Show Steppers, contact Hazel on 07708783553.
@merseynewslive 💃✨ Over £100,000 raised for Liverpool Women’s Hospital will be helping to aid bereavement rooms and vital equipment for the maternity department and it’s all down to the devotion of the Dance Unlimited’s, Show Steppers. The amateur dance group, aged 36-81, received a standing ovation as they proved that dance has no age limit. Organiser and founder, Hazel Langdon, said she’s incredibly proud of her dance troupe who are living their dream. 📲Want to book or join them? Head to the Mersey News Live article for Hazel’s contact information. Don’t miss out! #DanceUnlimited #Charity #Strictly #BreakingBarriers #Age #LiverpoolEvents #Liverpool #TitanicHotel
Featured Image (c) Hazel Langdon
