While much of the focus of Strictly Oxford has been on the celebrities taking part, it takes two to tango (or waltz or foxtrot).

And behind every novice is a dedicated partner determined to bring out their best and help make the event as enjoyable as possible.

“The main thing is to get them, and keep them, confident,” said Viv Rhymes, who has been a teacher at Step By Step Dance School, which is organising the event, for eight years.

“Our celebrities are so gutsy. They are real heroes putting themselves on the line. Their dance partners are doing a fabulous job of getting them confident and feeling supported.”

How difficult is it to turn what in many cases have been complete novices into ballroom dancers? “It is harder for the male celebrities,” said Viv. “They have to be seen to be leading. The women can be guided by their partners.”

Having their feet trodden on is something the dance teachers expect. “They say if no one is standing on you, you’re not doing your job. It’s one of those perks of the job,” she joked. There’s been a lot less toe-crushing as the final looms. Viv said the competitors were putting in at least six or seven hours a week practice. All the celebrities and dance partners are giving their time for free and are also raising money by sponsorship.

And it’s not just the novices who are a little nervous about the big night. “I’m not a performer, I’m a trainer,” said Viv, 53, whose day job is as a specialist teacher.

“I’m more used to preparing other people to go on stage.”

But she’s looking forward to partnering Oxford University college principal Nick Brown in two set dances and a freestyle presentation. She has 73 friends and family going along for support, including husband Peter, who she’s been married to for 34 years. “He’s never actually seen me dance before,” revealed Viv. She’s hoping Peter – whose interests are motorbikes and off-road cycling – might be inspired to take a whirl around the dancefloor with her. “I’d love that,” she said.

THE EVENT IN A NUTSHELL

For six weeks, 16 contestants from across the county have been practising their steps ready for this year’s Strictly Oxford. The event raises money for Vale House – a care home for late stage Alzheimer’s sufferers. Last year it made £37,000.

The competition culminates on Sunday (July 21) at Oxford’s New Theatre. Tickets are available at www.atgtickets.com To sponsor a celebrity look for them by name at justgiving.com

 

Contestant SHAMUS DONALD, MD of the Mail’s parent company, talks about the hard work for the big night

In recent days I have polished my whisk, worked on the spin and my Merengue is looking more refined. All this without setting foot in the kitchen.

My only previous dancing lesson, apart from a foursome reel in my parents’-in-law hallway the day before my wedding in 1980, was 40 years ago in a school gym. My school had decided that a dance lesson with the local girls school before our leavers’ ball was just the job. Boys were lined up on one wall, girls on the other, and we were invited to meet in the middle. I remember much embarrassment, but not a single step.

My eldest son saved me from competing in Strictly Oxford last year by getting married on the weekend of the contest. My other children have failed to step into the breach this year. The lessons at Step By Step have been a real eye-opener. I didn’t realise quite how physically demanding dancing is and how beautiful when done well. I was starting to get the hang of it last week until I had a meltdown in the American smooth waltz. I blame the heat. Left foot back became right foot forward, my clockwise spin went in reverse. I was rescued by Gemma Leggett, my wonderful dance partner, and by the support of my darling wife Anne.

How it will work out on the night is anybody’s guess. Practising in the studio is not quite the same as performing on stage with all eyes on you. But if Andy Murray can perform at his peak in front of millions then I ought to be able to make a decent fist of this. I remind myself it’s for a great cause – Vale House is an inspiring, caring environment for those struck down with dementia. When I am back stage racked with nerves, I’ll use the supportive comments of my children to regain my confidence: “You can’t put a price on the years of entertainment we will get out of this!”