Over 30 Isle of Wight Fitsteps members travelled to Blackpool on 9th December for the Annual Fitsteps Party and Awards Evening at Blackpool Tower Ballroom.
Fitsteps is a dance fitness class, based on Strictly Come Dancing and created by 2 formal Strictly Professionals, Ian Waite and Natalie Lowe.
It was a great day of dancing, masterclasses and fun at the iconic Ballroom, followed by dinner and the awards in the evening.
Not only did Ali Hinde of Ali’s Fitness Fusion win South East Regional Instructor of the Year for the 2nd year running, but Inspirational Fitstepper of the Year was also awarded to Louise McKinnon, of Shanklin, who attends classes outdoor at Arreton Barns.
Louise was nominated by her instructor, Ali, due to her amazing enthusiasm, despite being deaf and being well outside of her comfort zone and presented by Ian Waite.
Talking about her award, Louise said:
“A severe hearing loss in my twenties has presented many challenges from frustration to isolation. I now have a lot of support from friends and family and from my gorgeous hearing dog who alerts me to life-saving sounds and provides emotional support, giving me confidence to connect and not be afraid.
“Passionate about dancing and with the help of fantastic hearing aid technology I can hear the base and some pitches of a song. Most words are muffled, but that’s ok. Thank goodness I found FitSteps earlier this year. I was really nervous for my first class.
Article continues below this advertisement “But I shouldn’t have worried so, as it was absolutely the best experience I have had in a very long time, not because I received the award but because I haven’t just joined a dance class I have been welcomed into a remarkable FitSteps family.”
Fitsteps will be celebrating 10 years next year, and you can attend classes with Ali’s Fitness Fusion at Arreton Barns (outdoors), Camp Hill, Binstead and Wootton Bridge.
