Well, what a fabulous day our Strictly behind the Seams tour was! Leaving in sunshine on the 8:26 train to Croydon, after cheering a late Maggie running along the platform and jumping on, we all settled down for an informal strictly related Quiz. Lots of chat and excitement filled our busy carriage. In Croydon our pre booked taxis were waiting for us, so ‘All aboard and take us to DSI!’

Dance Sport International is run by Gerald Schwanzer, who met us in the show room with a glass of fizz each, and we settled down for a session on all things Strictly. Gerald was so entertaining, explaining the processes and timeline from receiving the designs for the celebrities and pros to the finished costume. He shared lots of stories, Anton used to be the receptionist there and Nadia is the best professional as a 10 dance world champion.

And then the bit we were waiting for, to try some dresses on!! As you can see from the photos lots of us got the opportunity and it was lovely to swirl about in costumes you’ve seen on TV. Each costume had a photo of the celebrity wearing it, which added to the excitement.

Once we’d got changed again and calmed down, we went off around the workrooms which were vast rooms and warehouses full of work tables, machines, and so much fabric. There was an enormous hanging rail of 200 pale blue stretch silk shirts with attached pants for P&O cruises, plus strange show outfits for the cruise shows. It turns out that Strictly is only a small percentage of their income and they provide a lot of costumes for shows around the world, plus pop stars, but wouldn’t say who. 

Back in the taxis to the train station to grab refreshments before our train back. Again lots of chatting and before we knew it we were pulling into Bognor and saying our goodbyes! 

Thank you so much to everyone that helped plan the trip and all who came!

Fleurie x