Introduction to a Year of Dancing
A couple, Diane and Steve Gee from Burton Latimer in Northamptonshire, have spent the year 2025 dancing in various locations around the world, raising almost £4,500 for charity. This impressive feat was part of a challenge that began when a friend suggested Diane mark her 60th birthday by dancing in 60 different places.
The Dancing Challenge
The couple danced in a total of 108 international venues, raising £4,473 for Macmillan Cancer Support and the Cyprus Alzheimer’s Association. Their dancing adventures took them to various iconic locations, including dancing with sea lions in Chile, inside a submarine, and in front of Christ the Redeemer in Brazil. They even danced in front of the Eiffel Tower in Paris, showcasing their passion for jiving.
The Journey
The pair joined a jive club soon after settling in Cyprus in 2023, and as their confidence grew, the idea evolved into a charity project. They often asked strangers to record their dances, which sometimes attracted curious looks from passers-by. One of the most memorable locations was New Delhi train station, where they danced on the platform, surrounded by hundreds of locals.
Favorite Dancing Locations
Steve Gee’s favorite place to jive was probably Machu Picchu in Peru, citing the iconic location and backdrop as the reason. The couple’s final fundraising performance was on New Year’s Eve at a sports bar close to their home. Although the challenge is now finished, dancing will remain part of the couple’s travels, and they have already booked a jiving cruise around the Caribbean in March.
The Future of Dancing
Diane Gee said, “Whenever we travel, we’ll be looking at places thinking, can we jive there? It’s now part of the fun.” The couple’s love for dancing has become an integral part of their lives, and they will continue to jive, albeit without the pressure of doing it for charity. As they embark on their future adventures, it will be exciting to see where their love for dancing takes them next. Their story is a testament to the power of passion and charity, showing that with dedication and love, anyone can make a difference. It’s a reminder that dancing is not just a form of exercise or entertainment but also a way to bring people together and create lasting memories.
