Strictly Come Dancing duo share advice with superfan Stansted care home resident, 83, ahead of dance lessons

 

A resident at a care home in Stansted was delighted when her wish to take a dance lesson was made a reality, complete with a special surprise video appearance from a Strictly Come Dancing couple.

When the team at Care UK’s Mountfitchet House, on Coltsfield, learned that 83-year-old Brenda Grebol wished to take dance lessons, they were determined to make it happen.

Brenda began dancing with school friends at the age of 11. As she grew older, Brenda danced at the Old Winding Way social club in Dagenham, which was also attended by the late England player Terry Venables. Her favourite styles of dance include the jive and Rock ‘n’ Roll.

One of Brenda’s most cherished moments of dancing is with her husband, Lorenzo, in Spain, where they first met. The couple enjoyed learning from the locals, where they would copy their moves and take tips so they could join in and dance at traditional events.

To make Brenda’s dancing wish a reality, the team at Mountfitchet House arranged for her to take a dancing class with Maxine Williams, from Apton Dance Studio at Birchanger Village Hall, where Brenda learnt the waltz, cha cha and jive.

As an avid fan of BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing, the team at Mountfitchet House were determined to make Brenda’s dance lesson extra special with some advice from Strictly Come Dancing contestant Sarah Hadland, and her professional partner Vito Coppola. 

The advice from Miranda star Sarah Hadland, who danced the rumba this weekend, included "listening to your teacher," while Vito added, "dance with your heart and with passion."

Commenting on the advice from the Strictly stars and her dance lesson, Brenda said: “I’m over the moon and can’t believe Vito and Sarah have sent me a video! I took their advice on board and really danced with my heart and listened to my teacher.

“I just loved the feeling of dancing in a big hall with the music in my ears, and it was truly special to have my daughter, Theresa, and my friend, Marion there to enjoy the moment with me. Maxine was a superb teacher, and I look forward to seeing her again for more dancing.”

The dance class for Brenda was part of Care UK’s wishing tree initiative, which encourages residents to put their wishes forward, allowing them to reconnect with a past hobby or try something completely new that they’ve always wanted to do – from flying on a plane to enjoying a fish and chip supper, no wish is too big or small.

Joanna Duke, Home Manager at Mountfitchet House, said: “We watch Strictly Come Dancing together in the home every Saturday and Sunday, which brings back fond memories for Brenda of her dancing when she was younger, so when she expressed an interest in taking a dancing class, we knew we had to make it happen.

“Our wishing tree initiative is a great way for residents to share their dreams and interests, and it’s so rewarding to be able to make these a reality. Brenda had a wonderful afternoon dancing – she’s already talking about going back!

“I’d like to extend a big thank you to Sarah and Vito for sharing their advice with Brenda, and to Maxine for helping make Brenda’s wish come true!”

Mountfitchet House is a state-of-the-art care home which provides full-time residential, nursing, dementia and short-term respite care. The care home incorporates space for hobby and leisure activities and includes its own cinema, hair salon and café.