Sparkling costumes, quick feet and nerves of steel will be put to the test for seven Dubai couples at the region's first Dubai Can Dance showdown.
Primetime television shows such as Strictly Come Dancing and So You Think You Can Dance have taken the world by storm over the past five years and now the glitz and glamour has caught on in the UAE.
The competition to teach novice couples to dance like professionals in just eight weeks culminates on Friday at a gala black tie dinner at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Dubai.
But in true Dubai style the event couldn't go ahead with the celebrity flair we are coming to know so well.
Stars of all five series of the BBC's Strictly Come Dancing Anton Du Beke and Erin Boag will put in an appearance and take to the floor to show the couples how it should be done.
When competing on the show, the popular BBC TV dance personality couple were ranked among the world's top ballroom dancers and can well understand the excitement, nerves and drama the seven couples will be experiencing.
'So happy'
The director of Step by Step Dance School, which is training the competing couples, Kim Webb, said: "We are so happy that Anton and Erin are coming to Dubai as it will help us to bring ballroom and Latin dancing to the forefront not just locally but to the whole of the UAE. They will perform their own cabaret act and Erin will have as many as four costume changes, while Anton entertains the crowd."
Anton and Erin will then join Kim and professional dance instructor Jackie Sweed as judges for the evening.
But in a never-before-done move, the final deciders of who glided through the waltz or cha-cha without missing a step will be the audience themselves through a special electronic voting system.
Events director Mark Povey said: "We are all looking forward to a magical evening of fun and glamour, especially as Dubai's top stylist Sinead Bridgett, from Emerald Events, will make sure all the contestants look stunning on the night with makeovers and specially-commissioned dancewear from DSI London, the designer's of Erin's fabulous dresses."
Povey added: "Although there are a lot of dance clubs in Dubai there are not many dance schools where you can learn to dance. The tuition has all been done by Step By Step, a Dubai-based dance company."
Povey sent emails to thousands of people in order to find the contestants and more than 300 people responded. The couples were whittled down to just 10 and due to unforeseen circumstances three had to drop out before the end of eight weeks.
It is hoped that the competition will eventually be picked up and televised as it is in other countries around the world, watched by millions of viewers each week.
One of the competitors is Dave Battiston, 36, CEO of Air Miles Middle East, who refers to himself as "dancing like a frozen leg of lamb". He credits his wife Aidy for convincing him to join the competition, admitting that although his wife hasn't danced before "She's the one with the rhythm".
'Patience of saints'
Another contestant, British Sales and Marketing Manager of Table 4 Six, Eleanor Starr said: ""Jackie and Simon (teachers) are so full of energy they both have the patience of saints and, of course, are amazing dancers. To be honest, I feel nervous already as there is so much to learn in eight weeks it is daunting."
While the women contestants were quickly up for the challenge, the men took a little more persuading. British General Manager of Grass Roots Middle East Mark Spicer, 34, was encouraged to take part by his dance partner Emma Thompson.
He said: "Someone told me my life would not be worth living if I didn't do this. I was on a flight back to the UK and bumped into a friend - she asked me to be her dance partner. With the aircraft doors firmly locked shut and at 35,000 feet, I was not given a chance to say no."
Indian Rajesh Sequeira, 38, an aircraft technician living in Bur Dubai and his wife Preethi, a 31-year-old secretary, have danced before and are looking forward to the competition.
He said: "I've done jive before but thought I would give Latin dance a go. Dancing is a good form of exercise and a break from your normal routine."
The gala dinner and dance competition is tomorrow and there are a limited number of tickets priced at Dh650 per person available at www.showbizme.com or by calling Mark on 050 625 7359.
