Strictly Come Dancing star praises international dance championship in Guernsey

The International Dance Sport Championship was held in Guernsey for the first time this weekend. Credit: ITV Channel

A former Strictly Come Dancing winner has praised the inclusive nature of an international dance competition in Guernsey.

The island hosted the inaugural International Dance Sport Championships this weekend.

The celebration of ballroom and Latin American dance saw performers from across the world travel to the island to compete.

Organised by the British Dance Sport Association (BDSA), the championship featured traditional Latin and ballroom classes, in addition to a wheelchair category.

The International Dance Sport Championships featured classes across Latin, ballroom, and wheelchair categories Credit: ITV Channel

One of the competition's celebrity guests was former Strictly winner Matthew Cutler.

Matthew praised the event's inclusivity and diversity, saying: "I've seen people from every age group: from juveniles to soloists, to seniors.

"I've also seen a same-sex couple compete. The competition is really a very inclusive competition, so that's really good."

Professional dancer Matthew Cutler says the joy of dancing is when everyone has a chance to get involved

Matthews adds: "There's nothing better than dancing to music. People like my dad, for example - he's a lot older but he loves dancing, it keeps him up and about and it keeps him going.

"Dancing is a great thing to do at any age."

Despite Storm Darragh's disruption, competitors travelled from across the world to Guernsey to dance Credit: ITV Channel

It is hoped the championship could become a regular fixture in the Channel Islands' sporting calendar.

Peter Nash, from the BDSA, says: "We've had a short time to get it done, and we're really ready to make the improvements from next year.

"We're hoping to put this as the premier [ballroom dance] event, certainly in the Channel Islands, and in the UK."

BDSA hope to bring the championships to Guernsey again next year Credit: ITV Channel

Marcus Hilton MBE, President of the BDSA, adds that the stormy weather didn't stop people from falling in love with Guernsey.

He says: "The highlight of the weekend for me was on Friday, when we had the World Professional Ballroom Champions come all the way from Singapore to do a show.

"They should have gone back yesterday - they're still here!"

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