[A] professional dancer who has worked with Celine Dion, Shirley Bassey and Janet Jackson will lead the warm-up at this year’s Santa Salsa and Santa Dash in Lancaster.
Rolando Theodorou, who is originally from Cyprus and has lived in England for 20 years, will add pizzazz to the fun event in aid of CancerCare at Market Square, Lancaster, on Sunday, November 26, from 12.30pm to 2.30pm.
Rolando currently teaches salsa and other forms of dance at 3-1-5 gym in Lancaster on Tuesday evenings and is training to be a hairdresser with Jo and Cass in Lancaster and Preston. He lives in Preston and has taught dance classes there for seven years.
He said: “I’m a trained, professional dancer. I studied at the National Ballet School in Athens from the age of 17 and when I finished my studies I went on a TV station in Athens called Bravo.
“It was a live TV show that went out every Saturday night with stars like Celine Dion, Julio Iglesias and Janet Jackson.
“Now I’m reaching the age of 45, I am doing more teaching, which I love.
“It’s nice to be able to teach a variety of movement.
“In my classes I incorporate ballet, jazz, modern dance, street and lots more.”
When Rolando moved to the UK he worked for Blackpool Pleasure Beach in the Paradise Show for several years and was a lead dancer with Betty Legs Diamond at Funny Girls.
Rolando also danced in musicals such as Chicago and Cats and performed in numerous pantomimes with stars including David Essex and Paul Nicholas with the acclaimed Kudos Pantomimes Company.
A highlight of his career was performing with Shirley Bassey and the cast of Funny Girls at the Royal Variety Show in London in 2005.
He said: “Oh my god – it was the greatest moment ever!
“I love Shirley Bassey – the show was amazing.”
He said the ‘Santa Salsa’ warm-up for the Santa Dash will include salsa and other styles of dance.
Rolando explained: “I have one or two easy routines that I can teach. I’ll be getting everyone in the mood for the Santa Dash.
“It won’t be hard so anyone can join in. The people I teach are of all abilities and they say they love it. What I love about dancing is the unbelievable feeling that you have the power to please people. I love to see the smiles on people’s faces.
“A few personal friends of mine have had cancer. You see it differently when it’s someone close to you. The more people who talk about cancer the better. Some people are scared or embarrassed but I always check myself. It’s important to do this.
“I am supporting CancerCare because I want to give something back. I love teaching so it’s a nice thing to do.”
Rolando and his partner, Simon Bland, are also good friends with Benidorm and Auf Wiedersehen Pet star, Tim Healy. Tim recently opened Simon’s new audiology practice in Preston where the couple live.
Milnthorpe Steel Band will also be performing and playing Latin music for everyone to dance to.
The Santa Salsa and Santa Dash are part of the Lancaster BID Christmas Lights Switch-on event.
To register for the Santa Dash and Santa Salsa warm-up with Rolando, please go to the CancerCare website at www.cancercare.org.uk/events/santa-dash
Entry for adults (16 and over) is £7.50 and £5 for children under 16 years.
Rolando’s dance classes take place every Tuesday from 7.30pm to 9pm at 3-1-15 gym in Lancaster. You don’t have to be a member of the gym to join the classes.
