Forget the Tea Dance, it’s Don and Doreen’s ‘D’ dance!

A pair of lifelong dance fans enjoyed a chance to trip the light fantastic once again thanks to staff at their Dorset care home.

Fellow residents Doreen Webb and Don Skilling were treated to a starburst afternoon on the ‘dance floor’ at Colten Care’s Outstanding-rated Newstone House in Sturminster Newton.

Knowing both of them have an interest in dancing, team members transformed the dining room into a Strictly-style ballroom complete with lights, sparkle and smart speaker.

The music featured waltzes, tangos, quicksteps and salsas.

Companionship Team Leader Karlene Duffy said: “Don was a ballroom instructor at his father’s dance school in Blackpool while Doreen also has a passion for ballroom.

“She loves all things Strictly and used to dance regularly with friends and family.

“She asked recently if she could go to a dance. We wanted to make that wish come true for both by holding a special afternoon in recognition of their love for sparkles and beautiful dance moves.

“Instead of a ‘tea dance’ we renamed it a ‘D-dance’ in their honour. We invited all our residents to join in or just enjoy the music.

“Don taught us some moves while Doreen encouraged all her friends at Newstone to come along and share her passion.

“It was amazing. Don took great delight in showing us what to do. He certainly let us know if we put a foot out of place. Everyone loved it.”

Doreen said afterwards: “I had a wonderful day. I laughed, danced and enjoyed an afternoon with everyone. I will never forget it. Thank you!”

Don said: “I just went with it and the moves came back to me straight away. It was wonderful to dance again.”

Among the other residents who came along was Rita Clay. Earlier this year, Rita took part in an online dance session with former Strictly Come Dancing pro Robin Windsor, specially arranged by Colten Care for residents at various homes.

After seeing her moves on the day, Robin told Rita she was “good enough to be in next year’s Strictly”.