Dancing Strictly London Returns for a Glittering Night of Fundraising and Community Spirit

The spotlight once again shone brightly as Maccabi GB's second annual Dancing Strictly London took centre stage at the Arts Depot on Sunday 8th November. With a sold-out audience of 400 guests filling the theatre, the evening delivered a spectacular celebration of dance, community spirit and charitable giving, raising more than £35,000 for 12 key Jewish causes.

Hosted by award-winning comedian and broadcaster Rachel Creeger, the event featured 12 brave amateur dancers who stepped out of their comfort zones and onto the ballroom floor after six weeks of rehearsals with professional dancers from Dream of Dance School. Each participant danced in support of a charity close to their heart, helping to raise vital funds for causes across the Jewish community.

The dancers were Abbie Hildebrand (CST); Claire Zulberg (Jewish Blind & Disabled); Dani Moss (Kisharon Langdon); Jane Goodkind (Chai Cancer Care); Laura Rose (Jewish Deaf Association); Maureen Fisher (WIZO); Neil Sapler (Jewish Care); Olivia Rawlings (Jnetics); Rachel Raven (Hatzola Edgware); Rocki Ezekiel (The Malki Foundation UK); Sarah Schechter (Magen David Adom UK) and Yoel Strous (Maccabi GB).

From salsa and samba to quickstep, tango and rumba, every performance showcased remarkable dedication, courage and personality.

The event also featured a special musical performance from the Jewish Dramatic Association of London (JDAL) during the audience vote.

The judging panel consisted of the fantastic Vanessa Feltz as Head Judge; Dream of Dance founder, Joan Lee; professional choreographer and performer Ilai Szpiezak; and dancer and Co-Founder, Sorelle Academy, Jessica Sidoli. Following the judges' deliberations and hundreds of audience votes, two winners were announced: the Judges’ Winner was Neil Sapler, while the Audience Winner was Olivia Rawlings.

This was the second time Maccabi GB has hosted Dancing Strictly London, having proudly brought the event to London following the success of the format created by Manchester Maccabi, who have been running their hugely successful version for more than a decade.

Judges’ Winner Neil Sapler said “It was a truly uplifting evening, with 11 fellow dancers who danced their hearts out for great causes. The support from the organisers, judges, professional dancers and families was fantastic. I hope my win goes a little way to highlight the importance and great work of everyone at Jewish Care.”

Audience Winner Olivia Rawlings said: “All the contestants were so well looked after from start to finish and you all helped calm our nerves and hype us up for our performances. It was such an amazing experience that I’m so grateful to have been a part of. Thank you to the audience, judges, dancers and staff for cheering us all on. But most importantly I’m so proud to have helped raise money for such incredible and well deserving charities. Truly an unforgettable experience! Winning the Glitterball was the cherry on top and will be a night I remember forever!” 

Sarah Schechter, a Maccabiah gold medallist in tennis, who took part to raise money for MDA UK, said: “What a wonderful experience and what a triumph for Maccabi GB! Thank you, thank you, thank you! You really go above and beyond in offering the Jewish community amazing opportunities - and this time with the chance to support all those wonderful charities!!”

Laura Rose, dancing for JDA, said, “To anyone thinking of doing this, DO IT! It was just the most amazing experience meeting wonderful people. Learning a new skill and having the support of your family and friends with you but most importantly raising money for your chosen charity. You won’t regret it. You’ll want to do it again!” 

Ashley Lerner, Chief Executive of Maccabi GB, said: "At Maccabi GB, we often talk about how “it starts with sport”, but what happens beyond the sport matters just as much. Dancing Strictly London demonstrated that perfectly. Over the past few months, we've seen people step outside their comfort zones, learn something completely new, form lasting friendships and raise vital funds for incredible charities. Tonight has been about community, courage, generosity and fun, and everyone involved should be enormously proud of what they have achieved.”

More than just a dance competition, Dancing Strictly London 2026 reflected the values at the heart of Maccabi GB: bringing people together, promoting wellbeing, strengthening Jewish identity and making a positive difference in the community.

Maccabi GB would like to thank all participants, professional dancers, judges, sponsors, volunteers and supporters for helping make Dancing Strictly London 2026 another outstanding success and a truly unforgettable evening. Special thanks to Quooker, David DeYong, Harpers, Reubens Deli and Athenia for generously donating raffle prizes.

To register your interest in Dancing Strictly London 2027, please visit maccabigb.org/dancingstrictly