That’s The Way (They Like It)

Boogie on down…

atest press release from Tiglin, issued on Saturday, May 13th 2023…

Last night is one that will go down as a historic and memorable occasion for all of us at Tiglin.

The room was packed with people who were full of energy and who where there to cheer on their favourite dancers and chancers!

But what made the event so remarkable was seeing some of the lads who have come through the Tiglin programme dance when once they were crippled by addiction.

The electric atmosphere was what kept the whole night charged with emotion, fun, laughter and lots of competitiveness!

“Without the expertise of Vicky Andreanska and her amazing team this event would simply not have happened,” said Tiglin CEO Phil Thompson. “From the choreography, the advertising, the video recording, the editing and the co-ordination of the venue, Vicky made it all happen!”

The judges on the night had their work cut out for them because the talent just kept flowing and the costume selection added immense theatrical flare to the routines.

Etiquette expert and agony aunt Tina Koumarianos, Irish pro dancer Ervinas Merfledas, RTE’s weather presenter Nuala Carey and Tiglin’s Phil Thompson took to their thrones of judgement and cast the votes to decide the fate of the contestants. Thankfully there was a fall back though, as the audience could also vote, and this combination resulted in Ian and Jess’s Dirty Dancing routine nailing the top prize!

MC for the night was East Coast FM’S Laura Wood, who was nothing short of outstanding as she brought humour and professionalism together to make sure everything was on time and in order.

Rise at the Cove staff member, crafter and martial arts teacher Conor Brown joined Brendan Hurston whey they spoke of how “today we dance” when once they couldn’t lift their heads because of the grip of addiction.

They danced with a sense of freedom, fun and pride. Brendan and his partner Linda danced to the Rocky theme tune while Conor and his partner Aimee took on the Great Gatsby theme. Both were outstanding and equally inspiring.

However, it was Rise at the Cove Barista Ali and her dance partner Jack who left jaws on the floor with cartwheel moves and Olympic jumps!

The final count is not yet in for the funds raised but by all accounts, this event has been a massive success. “With a sell-out show and a GoFundMe total so far of over €20,000, it is clear that the services that Tiglin offers – housing, rehabilitation, family supports and homeless shelters – are dear to the hearts of those in the community of Greystones and County Wicklow,” said Aubrey Mc Carthy, founder of Tiglin.

“I just want to say a massive thank you to everyone who made this happen,” continues Phil Thompson. “Vicky and her team of amazing people, the sponsors of the event and those who sponsored the dancers, the great Laura Wood, the judges, Susan Collins Hair Salon, House Of Style, and everyone else who dug deep and gave generously.

“Your help is life changing, life giving and massively appreciated by all of us at Tiglin.”