Athlone Musical Society brings Strictly to Athlone

Athlone Musical Society is set to dazzle audiences as it brings Strictly Athlone to the Radisson Blu Hotel on Friday, August 30.

For one night only, familiar faces from local businesses around Athlone will pair up with members of the musical society to compete on the dance floor.

The Musical Society has commented the commitment of the participants to supporting the arts and their willingness to step out of their comfort zones is truly commendable - especially considering that many of the participants are first-time dancers!

Eleven duos have been working tirelessly under the expert guidance of award-winning choreographer Jay Molyneux.

Pro dancer Lisa Holloway is dancing alongside the talented Tomás Glynn, representing Poppy Fields café. Tomás, an Athlone native with a passion for theatre and performance, is bringing his energy and enthusiasm to the dance floor. When he’s not dancing, Tomás enjoys basketball, music, and gaming with friends.

The determined Luke Hickey, participating on behalf of MedServ, is being supported by dancer Maryna Azarova. Luke is a 23-year-old law graduate from the University of Galway, is not just passionate about his career—he’s also an avid lover of the arts. Currently Luke works at Medserv, helping to streamline the billing process for patients, allowing doctors to focus on patient care.

Pro dancer Dan Whelan is alongside the dynamic Hazel Higgins, dancing on behalf of Spill The Beans. Hazel, who holds a Bachelor of Business degree and is both a qualified Pharmacy Technician and Beauty Therapist, has also taught line dancing and dabbled in salsa, showcasing her love for movement and rhythm.

Pro dancer Richard Brown is dancing alongside the spirited Paula Thornton representing An Post. Paula is an Underwriter at An Post Insurance and holds an APA qualification. She joined the business in March of the previous year as part of the New Business team and secured the position of Underwriter last month. Paula attended Drama School at University in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, where she found a love for all things drama and music.

The dynamic Ella Powell, dancing on behalf of AKT Stage School, is joined by pro dancer Jamie O’Callaghan. Ella, a dedicated member of AKT Stage School since she was young, has turned her passion for theatre into a teaching role at AKT. Balancing her studies for the Leaving Certificate, Ella shone as Princess Jasmine in the Dean Crowe Christmas panto, Aladdin.

Pro dancer Deborah Riley is dancing alongside the dynamic Ekine Azcarate from the Dean Crowe Theatre. Ekine is a 23-year-old actress and theatre director from Argentina, has a B.A. in Performing Arts from Buenos Aires and experience in theatre and film, she’s quickly become a rising star in Athlone. She works as the Tech Manager at Dean Crowe Theatre.

James Rabbitte from the Westmeath Independent is being supported by pro dancer Laura Bukvic. James is an Advertising Executive, and loves working with local businesses to create impactful marketing campaigns for both online and offline readership. In his free time, James is an avid reader and active in Irish cultural organisations like Scór and Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann.

Pro dancer Laura Reddy is alongside the adventurous Tommy Hurley from Baysports. Since 1989, Baysports has been a go-to location for exhilarating fun, attracting visitors from across the country and beyond. Tommy, the General Manager of Baysports, is bringing his passion and energy from the water to the dance floor.

Pro dancer Mick Gallagher is dancing alongside the amazing representative from Athlone Chamber of Commerce. Athlone Chamber of Commerce are the premier business support and networking organisation in our town with 160 members strong! They work tirelessly to promote Athlone’s economic development, attract new businesses, and boost our community spirit.

Pro dancer Jonathan Kilduff is supporting Natasha Smyth from Gateway Insurance. Natasha graduated from Athlone Institute of Technology with a Diploma in Business Studies and holds a professional Diploma in Insurance (CIP), as well as having completed her Accountancy Technician exams. Over her decade-long tenure at Gateway, she has become an integral part of the team and currently serves as the Office Manager.

Beauty expert, Vali Lee, from BombShell Studios, is the next dancer. With 10 years in the industry, Vali is continually upskilling to provide top-quality services and exceptional results. She will be dancing with pro dancer Paul Masse.

A wide range of dance styles will be put on display on the night, including the passionate tango, the graceful waltz, and the lively quickstep.

The judging panel includes well-known local politician Aengus O'Rourke, acclaimed recording artist Lucia Evans, and Aisling Fennell, the talented owner of Attitude Dance School. MC Chris Coroon will also be there every two-step of the way to ensure the night is full of laughter and light-hearted fun.