Dad 'speechless' after winning dance competition (From St Albans & Harpenden Review)
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Dad 'speechless' after winning top dance competition in Emirates Stadium for Cancer Research
9:30am Monday 4th February 2013 in News
By Zoe Forsey, Senior Reporter
Dad 'speechless' after winning dance competition
A father from Harpenden has tangoed his way into the limelight by being named the champion of a Strictly Come Dancing style competition.
Alex White, who designs computer systems for Tesco, took to the stage in the Emirates Stadium on Friday, January 25 in aid of Cancer Research.
The 51-year-old danced an Argentine Tango with professional dancer Trudi Youngs from Mirrors Dance School in Luton.
Mr White said: "I have always enjoyed watching Strictly on the television.
"I just thought that even if I make a complete fool of myself it would be for a great cause."
The father-of-two was even more determined to take part in the challenge because his mother has successfully beaten breast cancer.
He said: "I’m very grateful for the charity. I know there is so much work still being done against cancer.
The pair started rehearsing for the show in December, and Mr White soon set his heart on dancing the Argentine Tango to Roxanne from the musical Chicago.
He said: "It has been my favourite dance to watch.
"I have always loved the drama and the intimacy of it.
"We picked a really dramatic piece of music."
On the night they had to battle it out against eight other couples for the trophy.
They impressed the panel of judges, which included TV judge Len Goodman’s son James, leaving with them with three tens and a nine.
Mr White said: "The dance disappeared in a flash.
"There was such a roar from the crowd at the end. I’ve never heard anything like it before.
At the end of the show the contestants were called back onto the stage and the final winner, decided by public text vote, was announced.
He added: "I was almost speechless and I normally don’t find it difficult to talk.
"It was the first time I’ve ever won anything.
"When my daughters saw the trophy they both squealed with delight. They couldn’t believe their dad had done this dance and won.
"It was one of the most memorable days of my life."
Mr White had officially caught the dancing bug and has now signed up to regular classes.
He said: "It’s never too late to teach an old dog new tricks."
