On Thursday, the York University Students’ Union (YUSU) Sabbatical Officers took to the dance floor. In true Strictly-style, each officer was paired with a professional dancer, all of whom specialised in a different style of dance. After months of dedicated practice, they performed their routines live in Central Hall.
The pairings were as follows:
- Hannah Nimmo, Community Wellbeing Officer with Mille Smith – Contemporary
- Pierrick Roger, YUSU President with Jess Crewe – Jive
- Tanisha Jain, Sport Activities Officer with Rebecca – Street/Commerical Bollywood fusion
- Meely Doherty, Academic Officer with Jay Bareham – Foxtrot
With two of the Sabbs having competed in last year’s event, there was even more of an incentive for them to bring their best moves to the floor. Roger playfully told his competitors, “watch out – I’ve got kicks coming”.
In between the Sabbs’ routines, the dance societies also competed in their own competition. But there was an added twist – they had to dance in a style that was different from what they were used to.
Ballroom and Latin Society (YBLS) performed a lively, Lindy-hop swing dance routine to L-O-V-E by Nat King Cole. Dance Society (UYDS) performed a Ballroom and Latin dance comprised of 5 different ballroom styles, all with very different timings. Last but not least, Swing Dance performed a dance choreographed by UYDS to ‘Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go’ by Wham.
The audience, both those packing out Central Hall and watching along on YSTV’s livestream at home, were encouraged to vote on their favourite dances. A minimum of £2 was required for each vote, and the money raised went to support the charity CoppaFeel, which raises awareness of breast cancer amongst young people.
After a night of creative quicksteps, fancy foxtrots, and lovely lyrical numbers, it was time to announce the final votes. Dramatic lighting, suspenseful music and a crowd of nervous competitors took to the stage as the 2024 Sabbs Come Dancing winner was announced… and in the end, it was Community and Wellbeing Officer and co-producer of the event Hannah Nimmo who took home the crown, leaping and turning her way to victory.
Hannah performed a contemporary dance routine alongside her partner Millie Smith from Dance Society, who she thanked for always being “so patient and understanding when I forget things. She’s happy to just run the dance literally over and over again until I remember it.”
The two of them made a great pair and their beautiful performance to Sign of the Times by Harry Style triggered the Start of the Tears for several audience members. Their partner work, chemistry and cohesion truly set them apart from the other routines.
The judges gave them 33 out of a possible 40 points, and throughout the night, they went on to raise £142 for CoppaFeel. Ellen Rintoul, YUSU Raising and Giving (RAG) officer and co-producer of the event, commended the pair on the fact that they “really told a story” and Mary Haworth, another judge, described the dance as “serene”.
Vision spoke to Hannah at the end of the event, who said “I’m genuinely in disbelief”.
“It’s been six months’ worth of work putting this event on, so to see it all come to life tonight has been so incredibly special”. Hannah shared that there’s been a “lot of long days and a lot of sleepless nights over it, but we’ve done it and we’ve raised over £1000 for CoppaFeel”.
Ultimately, “A-maz-ing!” was the word of the night for these dancers appearing time and time again as the dancers headed over to the judges’ table and spoke with the presenters.
The event was definitely a ‘A-maz-ing’ success, with everyone showing dedication and courage in a style of dance that most of them had no prior experience in. With so much enthusiasm from students, it’s looking promising for next year’s Sabbs Come Dancing!