Shirlee and Laura, a same-sex dance partnership, take part in Strictly Inverness to fundraise for Highland Hospice.
They are rehearsing for a fundraiser as Team Friday, with their performance scheduled for May 16th after six weeks of practice. The duo formed due to numbers, not as a statement, according to Shirlee, and their primary goal is to raise money for the hospice.
The podcast also features other diverse episodes. Past episodes have explored topics ranging from social life and competition, to foot issues, training, and fundraising.
Neither dancer possesses extensive experience, pushing them outside their comfort zones. Shirlee jokingly admitted to only knowing the Macarena. Rehearsals involve learning choreography and adjusting to dancing together. Finding their places initially took time, Laura explained.
Their fundraising efforts extend beyond dancing, including a planned Ladies’ Day event, a spring fair, and a quiz. Donations have been generous, with businesses donating raffle prizes, Laura noted.
Highland Hospice provides end-of-life care and supports families. Shirlee, who works there, witnesses the impact firsthand, describing it as an environment of both sadness and love. Laura feels a personal connection, knowing people who have needed the hospice’s services.
As training intensifies, the pressure mounts. They are now learning new and challenging moves, including lifts, which Laura acknowledges as a significant challenge. Despite the difficulty, both dancers find the experience worthwhile.
The duo’s popularity is growing. They are becoming one of the most talked-about pairs and get along very well, according to Shirlee. Trust and teamwork are essential components of their success, she added.
The podcast releases on Saturdays, tracking their progress leading up to the Strictly Come Dancing event on May 16th.