Strictly Steps out in London

27 Oct 2008 09:00 Africa/Lagos

Strictly Steps out in London

LONDON, October 27/PRNewswire/ --


- TV Star Karen Hardy Launches Brand New Dance Studio in the Heart of London


- With Photos


"Fans of the hit TV series Strictly Come Dancing will be a step closer to their dreams of tripping the light fandango, as Karen Hardy one of the outstanding dancers from the BBC One show, launches her own luxury dance studio in London"


Karen Hardy, the World Masters Champion Latin American dancer and former Strictly Come Dancing winner with Mark Ramprakash, has created Karen Hardy Studios in response to the enormous rise in popularity of ballroom dancing since the show launched in 2003. The studios aim to bring the dance class experience into the 21st century, offering professional tuition, exciting social events and once-in-a-lifetime dance experiences in a glamorous Chelsea setting.


On December 9, Karen Hardy Studios will roll out the red carpet to all the Strictly celebrities for its launch - a night filled with glamour and glitz at its stunning location at Imperial Wharf on the Thames. From January 2009, the studio will open its doors and offer all dance disciplines, from the salsa to the Paso Doblé, to newcomers and professionals alike. All classes will be taught by professional instructors trained by Karen Hardy herself, and Karen will also teach classes and individuals by special arrangement.


The studios are a cut above the traditional formal, old-fashioned ballroom dancing school, with luxurious touches such as a fully licensed bar, where nervous novices can sip a glass of champagne before class, and stunning interior décor featuring maple flooring, air-conditioning, plasma screen TVs and full length windows revealing the sensational backdrop of the Chelsea riverside. And you won't find a tuneless piano in the corner: each studio is equipped with a state-of-the-art sound system to cater for the exciting variety of dance styles on offer.


Members can choose from individual tuition, group classes, social evenings and practice sessions. The studio also caters for corporate events, while those looking for the time of their lives can book one of the studio's luxury gift packages, which include a private lesson, a meal in a hip Chelsea restaurant and a night in a fabulous hotel.


Commenting on the launch, Karen Hardy said:


"With the studio I want to take the dance experience to the next level. We cater for everyone, from first-timers to accomplished dancers, couples, individuals and groups, both young and old.


"This isn't just a dance studio, it's an experience. It's all about luxury, glamour and attention to detail. We want the real experience of dancing to live up to the fantasy and magic that you see on shows like Strictly Come Dancing."


Show business legend Bruce Forsyth CBE has said of Karen:


"I am delighted to hear about Karen's new dance studio in Chelsea, Wilnelia and I cannot stop our toes twitching in expectation. Good luck with it all, Bruce"


Karen Hardy Studios open on 5 January 2009. For bookings and further information, visit http://www.karenhardystudios.com


About Karen Hardy


Karen Hardy competed as a professional Latin American dancer, and is a former World Masters, United Kingdom Open, and Strictly Come Dancing Champion. Karen was awarded the Carl Alan award for services to the dance world in 1995. Karen was named Teacher of the Year in 2002 & 2003 at the Crystal Palace Dance Championships and to date devotes her time to successfully producing new young and inspiring champions in her coaching worldwide.


In 2005 Karen was asked to be a part of Strictly Come Dancing. She took BBC Newsreader Bill Turnbull seven weeks through the show and in the Christmas show trained former World Heavyweight Boxing Champion Evander Holyfield. The following year Karen showed her true talents and pure love of dance as together with her celebrity partner, cricketer Mark Ramprakash, they took the nation by storm as they took the title of Strictly Come Dancing Champions Series 4.


2007 Karen Hardy and Erin Boag released the first ever Strictly Come Dancersize fitness DVD. This DVD made it to the number one slot in the fitness market and has over 200,000 copies to date.


Pictures accompanying this release are available through the PA Photowire. They can be downloaded from http://www.pa-mediapoint.press.net or viewed at http://www.mediapoint.press.net or http://www.prnewswire.co.uk.


Source: Karen Hardy Studios Ltd

To request further information, interviews with Karen Hardy, images or an invitation to the studio launch event on 9 December, please contact Rachel Matthews: Tel:+44(0)871-218-2341, rachel.matthews@karenhardystudios.com