Two members of Suffolk New College are hoping to be a hit on the dancefloor as they prepare to take part in a Strictly-style dance-off.
Cherese Tiller, a Foundation Learning Curriculum Co-ordinator, will be taking part in Strictly Charity, an event organised by Ipswich School of Dancing in support of Inspire Suffolk.
This year’s finals will take place at the Royal Hospital School on 12 December 2026 from 6 pm. If you would like tickets, please go to the Ipswich School of Dance website.
Cherese said: “I’m doing a Samba number and I’ll be dancing to a Shakira song called Dai Dai. We train over 12 weeks every Saturday for an hour and a half. We are having fun and raising money for a great cause.
“I think they have raised around £90k since setting up this event. I always talk to students about standing out from the crowd and taking a risk – so I decided to practise what I preach and have a go myself. I’ve fallen over once – but I’m loving it, it’s building up my confidence and it’s a great atmosphere at the dance school.”
Also taking part is 21-year-old foundation student from the college, Ella Chinnery from East Bergholt. The employability student has been at the college for five years, and she said: “I’m dancing to Summer Nights from Grease.
“I’m looking forward to dressing up, and I’m a big Strictly fan. I did this to improve my dancing, show people what I can do and raise money for charity.”
In terms of advice to others who put themselves out of their comfort zones for charity, she added: “Believe in yourself.”
If you would like to donate to Ella – you can do so here: https://www.justgiving.com/page/ella-chinnery-1?utm_medium=FR&utm_source=WA
If you would like to donate to Cherese, you can do so here: https://www.justgiving.com/page/cherese-sarah-samba-strictly?utm_medium=FR&utm_source=CL