BALLROOM DANCING fans are cordially invited to the St Mary's Venue in Marylebone, London, for a Strictly Come Dancing event later this month with a difference.
On Saturday, October 27th, the London Irish Centre Charity and Self Help Africa will be hosting the Strictly Come Dancing Ballroom Battles charity fundraising event at the venue.
It's a chance to see 28 novice dancers put through their paces in a Strictly-style ballroom dance event that's raising money for two vital charities.
The London Irish Centre Charity provides crucial support to the capital's Irish expat community, combating issues around poverty while celebrating Ireland's unique heritage and culture.
Self Help Africa is a leading international development charity, dedicated to ending hunger and poverty in rural Africa.
For one night only, these enthusiastic would-be dancers will be strutting their stuff in support of both organisations.
The dancers have been busy putting the hours in too, with six weeks of exhausting four-hour training sessions under their belts in the name of light entertainment and a good cause.
As anyone who has ever watched strictly will attest, ballroom dancing is no easy feat with every wiggle, prance or delicate dance move part of a carefully choreographed routine.
When done right, it's poetry in motion and, even when it all goes a little off-kilter, it still makes for an entertaining and thoroughly enjoyable spectacle.
And while the BBC version may boast plenty in the way of VIPs, Strictly Come Dancing Ballroom Battles' has a VIC - a Very Important Cause - that needs you.
So, if you want to enjoy a night on the tiles like no other in London, head down to St Mary's Venue in Marylebone on October 27th to sample the lights, cameras, and quick-stepping action.
Tickets are available for £25 per person with VIP tickets on offer for £40 and including two drinks to get you in the party mood. Tickets can be purchased here.
And even if you are unable to attend, it's never been easier to make a donation, however small, to help raise the necessary funds for two important charities.
Donations can be made here. This is one event that's getting a "10" from the Irish Post.