Two Strictly Come Dancing choreographers led a group of swing dancers to claim the world record for the largest Charleston, in order to raise money for a new cancer ward at Guy’s and St Thomas’ Hospital last Sunday.
The 977-strong group, which included 15 dancers from Homerton, managed to raise over £1,454 for the ward.
The event was the brainchild of Strictly’s Charleston choreographers Scott Cupit and Jenny Thomas.
We’re still reeling after the #SPWorldRecord yesterday @Spitalfieldse1. Thanks to all of you for making the magic! pic.twitter.com/6Sn2NKT6o4
— Swing Patrol London (@SwingPatrolLdn) October 12, 2015
Last year Mr Cupit was able to set up his dance school, Swing Patrol London, after he Charleston-stepped his way into Dragon’s Den and won over past Strictly contestant Deborah Meaden.
The school now has more than 40 weekly swing dancing classes at 35 venues across London.
“We wanted to hold an event that everyone from the community could get involved in,” said Sarah Beaton, the school’s operations manager.
“Scott has visited dancers at Guy’s and St Thomas’ who have suffered with cancer in the past, and has seen the good work that goes on there.
“This new cancer centre will provide cancer patients from both within and outside of London with better, more centralised care and will research new treatments for the future. It’s an extremely worthy cause.”
The group are still waiting for official confirmation from the Guinness Book of World Records, but the current record is held by just 503 dancers from East Sussex.
Jenny Bailey, one of the 15 dancers from the Homerton group, said: “I had a truly fantastic time on Sunday. The atmosphere was brilliant. Our dance teachers and all the staff worked so hard to make everything run smoothly.”
