Paula's Report on
Club Semley Dance Academy Grand Opening
Sunday 11th October 2009
Having arrived at the studio soon after 7pm I was first met by a very nice man who turned out to be Matthew's dad. Matt was behind the bar and quickly came over to say hello and offer me a drink and refreshments (served by his mum!). His brother Jason was there too and it was obvious that the whole family had worked really hard to make the event a success. Matthew's Strictly partner Aliona also came along to lend her support. Nicole was due to be there, but had just come back from holiday and was on her way from the airport. Unfortunately, by the time she made it most people had already gone home!
I was on my own but soon started talking to some other people, who were all very friendly, and after a while Matthew came for a chat. He joked that when he opened the door the first fifteen people in the queue were this high [signalling at about waste height]. He spent time talking to everyone and making people feel at ease, which was lovely.
Soon after 8pm Matthew announced that the taster class would be starting in about five minutes. After a mass exodus to the loo before the class we were taken on to the dance floor. Slight problem, there were about fifty girls and about 10 guys. Nothing new there then! Matt asked if some people wouldn't mind dancing with friends so we all managed to pair up. He and Julie Tomkins (co founder of the studio) taught a basic cha cha cha and basic jive. It was good fun, especially when he speeded the music up really fast while we were practicing the jive and there were arms and legs flying everywhere!
After the class there was a chance to sign up for courses and more time to mingle and chat. Mr Cutler senior was doing a grand job re-filling our glasses (which I came to regret when I had to get up at six for work on Monday morning!) We even had a visit from a couple of policemen at one stage during the evening. I hoped there was nothing untoward going on, we were all behaving ourselves, honestly! After Matt talked to them they left clutching a flyer, so maybe he's recruited a couple of would be dancers there.
Matthew was signing autographs and having his photo taken with loads of people. Although I've met him several times before I've never had the opportunity to get a photo with him. I was a bit nervous of asking, but was encouraged by someone to go and ask (well actually she asked for me, thanks Laura!) and of course he happily obliged.
I was hoping that a few people might get up on the dance floor later in the evening, but there were only one or two and they were obviously good dancers. Most people starting to leave after about 9.30 and I finally left at 10.15 before they got me doing the washing up!!
I would like to say a big thank you to Matthew and his friends and family for all their hard work and for looking after us so well. What a great advert for the new studio. I wish them every success in this exciting new venture and hope that there will be many more events to look forward to in the future.
Paula Funnell
