Let’s dance for Barefeet Charity

The opening dance performed by Barefeet Zambia, with introduction by Ballymoney’s Adam McGuigan, was shown on the big screens and attracted a lot of attention from the children from the streets who came to watch.

Guests were then entertained by a fantastic group of local people who gave up their time and their talent.

Getting competition started David McMullan and Kathleen Cunningham took to the floor and gave everyone a snappy Cha, Cha.

Next Alistair Parke and Olivia Hayes glided across the floor with a beautiful Waltz. While Jane and Ivor Neill put on a stunning display of the Salsa with David and Amy Thompson getting everyone all clapping.

Elly Smith and Mark McCloy from Portstewart stunned the three judges who each gave them a score of 10 for their Tango. And Rio Rueda was performed by Owen Rea, Liz McCormick, Olivia Alistair, Jane, Ivor, Elly and David to resounding applause.

The McHooligans performance brought the house down with laughter as Alan Shields who had an injury in a practice session performed the majority of the dance from a wheelchair aided by his able nurse in full uniform alias Colum McConville.

Roseanna Morelli gave the performance the Wow factor and they were supported by the beautiful Lauren, Ashley, Lily, Lauren m and Brega from the Marlene Dunlop Irish dancing School. This amazing piece of comedy can be seen on U Tube - its worth a look especially if you know Alan and Colum!

Texas or Bust, burst on to the floor and stole the show and the prize with an unexpected line dancing routine. Martin McGuigan, Colum McConville, Richard Dickson, Danny Kerr and Chris Irwin stepped it out dressed up as women wearing denim skirts, wigs, full make up and cowboy boots setting off a look that can only be described as scary.

Thankfully Siobhan Kerr, Joanna Martin, Olivia Hayes, Liz McCormic and Karen McGowan added some class dancing to the performance.

These last two acts caused an uproar and all credit to the men especially for being such good sports and thanks to Siobhan and Roseanna for getting the men prepared for the routines.

Maeve Henry was a beautiful stand in for Tess Daly and her amazing photos which were taken when she was in Zambia, helping with the project.

The three judges took on the roles with enthusiasm and humour: Edwina Wright Ballymoney’s answer to Arlene Philps, Raymond Pollock a past strictly come dancing winner and Raymond McCullough the university Chaplain who is about to take to the floor in a forth coming event.

Thanks also go to Brian Moore who spear headed the whole evening finishing off with a disco and the quiet man behind the lighting and staging Bryan McLean.

Finally thank you to all who supported this charity event for Barefeet: The Magherabuoy Hotel, Jim Bell Florists, Guy and Girl Hairdressing, Car and Audio, Roughans Portstewart, Mark Seaton, Sharon Kane complementary therapy and Red Sails ceramics who all gave donations for the raffle.

Dancing for Barefeet raised £2,200 - however Times readers can make it £2,500! If you laugh at the U tube video which already has 169 viewing, then please be part of the fun in raising the total.

Donations which can be made at www.barefeettheatre.org or call 07821817449 or just hand over the donation to Alan Shields or Colum McConville personally and as Bruce says: ‘lets keep on dancing for Barefeet Charity!’