University of Portsmouth student to dance for 24 hours as society runs marathon of classes for Comic Relief

Members of the University of Portsmouth Dance Society are putting together a day of themed classes to raise funds for Comic Relief.

On Friday and Saturday, live dance classes and virtual entertainment will be hosted on Zoom for 24 hours as the team came up with a creative way of fundraising while in person events are not possible.

Chloe Ellman-Baker, society president, is taking the marathon to the next level by participating in each of the classes throughout the 24-hour period.

Interior architecture and design student Chloe said: ‘We still have no clue what’s going on so we just wanted to plan something we know would go ahead.

‘I will be dancing for the entire 24 hours. It’s all for charity so I’m really excited.

‘It’s like a massive taster day so members of the public can come along and join in. People can come on for as many hours as they like!’

Each hour will be hosted by a different teacher from dance schools around the country.

Fun themes on the first day will include a Grease session and Disney-themed dances, while day two will showcase dance styles like ballroom, tap and street.

Participants are encouraged to donate a minimum of £2 towards the society’s fundraising efforts, and this will gain access to the Zoom meeting for the 24 hour marathon.

SEE ALSO: Fareham pupils raise almost £1,500 for Trussell Trust and collect hundreds of items for Fareham and Gosport food bank

These efforts follow the launch of Chloe’s free online classes hosted with welfare secretary Sophie Kettell, which help provide some fun exercise for children who are learning from home currently.

Chloe said: ‘Hopefully this will promote some more interest and get people more enthusiastic for when we go back to in person classes.

‘The kids’ classes are amazing to see how excited and enthusiastic they are to come on. We see them every week now - they will all be joining for the kids’ sessions.’

Visit fb.me/e/1Yqw4jL1v for more information about timings and classes, or go to justgiving.com/fundraising/updcdancearoundtheclock to donate towards the society’s fundraiser for Comic Relief.

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

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