Start the New Year in sparkling form. Dust off your dancing shoes and enjoy a 'Strictly Fitter, Stronger weekend retreat at Chewton Glen in January 2016, which offers a sustainable, realistic approach to exercise that fits in with busy lives.

During this enjoyable weekend, guests will learn nine dances; improve their posture in gentle Pilates classes with coach Simon Jones, who will also offer advice on nutrition.  Guests will hear about the behind the scene action from the stage of the highly successful BBC 1 'Strictly Come Dancing' programme. Strictly's professional dancer and 'It Takes Two' dance expert Ian White, will also lead a 'Fitsteps' dance class.

Talking about his involvement in the retreat, Ian said: “I'm thrilled to be part of Fitter Stronger's dance weekend. Dance is a terrific fun way to exercise but  it is also great for the soul and makes you smile.  It is a huge part of my life and I know how much joy it brings to beginners and experienced dancers alike and would encourage anyone to come along. And I'll be there to take you behind the scenes at Strictly, too”.

Another fabulous dancer supporting the retreat is Strictly champion Camilla Sacre-Dallerup, who will explain why dance is good for body and soul. Camilla commented: "I'm thrilled to be involved in the Strictly, Fitter Stronger weekend mainly because dancing has been part of my life for over 30 years and through dance I have learnt that when our mind and body is in harmony we feel happier and healthier. Dancing brings us to a meditative state, and no matter what is bothering you when you arrive at your dance class, you will feel less bothered by it when you leave. It's simply impossible to focus on anything else than the steps and the music whilst dancing and this is what really helps you clear your mind plus of course the movement helps the endorphins in the body and uplifts the mood. Dancing is what brought me to actually teach meditation and visualisation. I can't wait to share some of the mindful tools, which saw me through over 30 years of competing, with the guests", concluded Camilla. 

Suitable for complete beginners, those recovering from illness and injury and those who have danced all their lives, guests will enjoy a delicious, filling, nutrient-dense menu with much of the food grown on site and experience a five-star tea dance.

The launch weekend will take place at Chewton Glen between 8th to 10th January 2016 and costs £910 per person, based on two guests sharing. The cost includes:

• Two nights'  accommodation in a double or twin room

• All meals and non-Alcoholic beverages

• Afternoon tea dance

• All classes and talks

• Full use of the award winning spa and leisure facilities

There is a 10 percent early booking discount for all bookings paid in full before 30th November.

For further information or to book a place please call Paula Kerr on 01732 824443 or visit www.fitterstronger.org

For further press information and interviews please contact:

Angela Day                                                         Paula Kerr

Head of Public Relations at Chewton Glen              Founder of Fitter, Stronger

Direct Line: 01304 617755                                   Direct Line: 01732 824443

Mobile:  07785 619294                                        E.mail: info@fitterstronger.org

E.mail: aday@chewtonglen.com                           www.fitterstronger.org

www.chewtonglen.com

Editor's Notes

Chewton Glen is a five-red star privately-owned luxury country house hotel, located on the edge of the ancient New Forest National Park in Hampshire and just a few minutes' walk from sea. Featuring an award-winning restaurant, world-class spa and leisure activities, luxurious accommodation and modern meeting facilities, the hotel has 70 individually designed bedrooms and suites including the 12 tree-house suites, a nine-hole par three golf course, croquet lawn, indoor and outdoor tennis courts and a spa which has been voted the best in Europe.

A very special place, Chewton Glen is a proud member of Relais & Chateaux and is one of the finest luxury hotels in the UK, it has been voted 'Best UK Holiday Hotel' and listed as one of the 'World's Best Hotels' by Condé Nast Traveller readers.

Strictly Fitter, Stronger – Questions Answered

What is Strictly Fitter, Stronger?

We are a luxury rural weekend retreat, offering an opportunity to learn nine ballroom and Latin dances, enjoy a luxury tea dance, Pilates class and motivational talks from dance professionals, as well as hearing the secrets of Strictly Come Dancing.

Where is Fitter, Stronger?

We are at Chewton Glen Hotel & Spa, New Milton, Hampshire BH25 6SQ. We are situated on the edge of the New Forest and the grounds are bordered by tranquil Highcliffe beach and the Solent.

What do I need to bring with me?

You will need shoes with a low heel for ladies and comfortable clothes to exercise in.

What activities will I do?

You will learn nine ballroom and Latin dances; enjoy Pilate's classes, a tea dance. a motivational talk from Camilla Sacre-Dallerup and a fun talk and chance to ask questions with Ian Waite, who will also lead a Fitsteps class.

Will I have to join all the activities?

We encourage full participation where possible and scale exercise according to agility, ability and experience.

What level of fitness will I need?

Our fitness sessions will be customised to suit your needs. When you book your place, you will be sent a questionnaire to determine your physical ability. If you are recovering from illness or injury, we will work with you to provide a fulfilling and rounded programme of activity.

What if I have never exercised before?

Experienced exercisers and complete beginners are made equally welcome. We will teach you all the techniques you need to exercise effectively and safely.

What if I have never danced before?

We work with complete beginners and experienced dancers and will arrange choreography in groups, according to ability.

How many people will join the Strictly Fitter, Stronger weekend?

We book a maximum of 20 places on each weekend because we want to ensure we give you our full attention in exercise classes and that you have lots of opportunities to ask questions.

What is included in the cost?

Your accommodation, food, all activities, talks and full use of the hotel and spa are included in the cost of your stay with us.

MEET THE TEAM

Ian Waite - Profesional Dancer

Ian is probably best known for his role as one of the professional dancers on The BBC's hit show Strictly Come Dancing. Having appeared in almost every series aired, competing in six of them, he has built up a following of dedicated fans and has become a highly respected figure in the world of dance. Ian's dance career started at the age of ten when he accompanied his younger brother to Saturday dance lessons and was enticed onto the dance floor for the first time. It was clear to all that despite being in his school rugby and football teams, Ian was a born performer and dancer! Ian also appears on BBC2 Strictly spin-off series It Takes Two, with his celebrity Strictly partner Zoe Ball, offering advice to celebrity dancers. www.ian-waite.com/

CAMILLA Sacre-DALLERUP -  Motivational SpeakeR

Camilla Sacre-Dallerup spent over 25 years as a successful competitive ballroom dancer, which lead to her being asked to join the original cast of Strictly Come Dancing. After six years and winning the trophy in 2008, she left to focus on her wellbeing business, though dance is still very much a part of her life. In 2013, Strictly Come Dancing asked Camilla to be an assistant choreographer and in January 2015 she was reunited with Craig Revel Horwood and her winning Strictly partner, actor Tom Chambers, on the Strictly Come Dancing UK tour, where she was a judge. Camilla is passionate about sharing what she has learned. Through her years of competing, what became very apparent to her was that when the body and mind is in harmony, you can be the best version of yourself, leaving you able to deal with everyday situations from a very comfortable place. She regularly writes for fitness and health magazines. She is also a life coach, NLP master practitioner, certified hypnotherapist and meditation teacher and divides her time between the UK and LA, where she coaches individuals and businesses in how to live mindfully. camillasacredallerup.com/

James Goodman – Dance Teacher

James has been teaching Ballroom and Latin dance for over 10 years at the Goodman Dance Academy in Kent which he took over from his father Len Goodman. As well as teaching dance, James judges competitions all over the UK as well as being a compere for many dance events.  He has lectured for dance regulatory board the IDTA at their annual London Congress and has worked for P&O cruises as a guest teacher. James prides himself on being able to get anyone to dance, even those with two left feet!

Simon Jones - Fitness Coach

Simon qualified as a personal trainer 15 years ago and became a mat-based Pilate's instructor 8 years ago. He has helped non-runners run marathons, 10k races and assault courses, worked with amputees, assisted clients with Olympic lifting competitions, helped police, prison, fire and ambulance staff prepare for fitness tests and trained a team for a charity climb of Ben Nevis. simonjonespersonaltrainer.co.uk/