Killavullen set to be gripped by Saturday night dance fever

THE village of Killavullen is set to be struck down with a severe case of Saturday Night Fever this coming weekend when people gather in Magner’s Bar from 9pm for the launch of the much anticipated ‘Strictly Ballygown at the Movies’ fundraiser.

A couple of months ago the call went out to people to dust down their best moves and don their dancing shoes to tread the boards at the extravaganza, which will take place at the Charleville Park Hotel on Saturday, April 7.

Proceeds from the event, which will see 15 couples go head-to-head on the dance-floor for bragging rights, will go towards expanding the playground facilities at Ballygown National School.

Parents Association PRO Carol Doyle told The Corkman that the school has expanded rapidly over recent years, meaning that its outdoor play facilities were no longer large enough to cater adequately for the increase in pupil numbers.

“The Board of Management is very progressive and keen to provide a high standard of facilities and resources for pupils. The Parents Association has been active organising various events making for a very hectic programme each year,” said Carol.

“This year it is the turn of past pupils, parents and even grandparents who are being challenged to step up to the plate. When the call went out for dancers a couple of months ago there was a stampede for places not matched by the opening day of the sales,” she said.

She said the competitors, who range in age from teenagers to pensioners and are drawn from many different backgrounds, have come together at the school each weekend night to perfect their moves under the expert tuition of dance teacher Bridget Harte.

“On Saturday nights the school comes alive with laughter, incredulity and the occasional wail of frustration as the 30-strong prepare for the final showdown. Feet that never before hit a dance-floor are learning to jive cha-cha and Charleston and the atmosphere at the sessions makes it clear that they are all having a ball,” said Carol.

“In between they have been selling advertising, seeking sponsors not to mention the endless hours scouring the internet for that perfect outfit. Given all of their hard work, next Saturday night’s launch will be great opportunity for them to take a rest and blow off some steam.”

On the night the dancers will be officially introduced and the pairings announced.

“It promises to be a great night and we are hoping a big crowd will come out to enjoy the fun and get their tickets for the April 7 showdown,” said Carol.

“We have asked a lot of our dancers over the weeks and we want people to show their appreciation for all the hard work they have put in on behalf of the school,” she added.

For more information about the event and clips of the dancers practising visit the dedicated Strictly Ballygown at the Movies Facebook page.