Dance lesson with Strictly star

In town to visit Susan Duddy, from Altnagelvin, and his son, Luca William, he agreed to make a visit to the school where young members of the Dollars and Dimes dance troupe performed for him and he offered them tips on dancing and on their careers.

Vincent Simone is a professional dancer who dances with fellow Strictly Come Dancing sensation Flavia Cacace, and in addition to the runaway success of Strictly, the pair were also touring with their new professional show ‘Midnight Tango’.

Vincent happened to be in city to visit Susan and their son, Luca, and the visit came about because Susan’s aunt is Roberta Smith, a classroom assistant at the school.

Delighted with how the visit went, the principal at the school, William McElhinney, said: “We knew he was coming to the City and he agreed to visit the school because of the family link that exists. I also taught Susan in the distant past.”

Mr McElhinney continued: “He met and spoke to the children who do dance and take part in competitions through the local dance group Dollars and Dimes, and they performed for him. He talked to them and encouraged them to follow their vision and develop their talent and he also gave an overview of his own personal background.

“It was all very informal but informative and overall especially it was hugely positive. We were all very impressed by him and even though he has achieved celebrity status he still impressed with his humanity and the interest and encouragement contained in what he said to children. It was a very worthwhile visit and enjoyable.”