Photos by Russell Harper Photography

Hosted by our corporate partner, international law firm Hogan Lovells, Legally Ballroom saw a legion of lawyers pluck out their best feather boas, fringed frocks and velvet suits and compete for the crown on 17 June 2019.

Anything but low-key, the glitzy and glam Legally Ballrooms takes the title of one of London's most highly anticipated charity fundraising events, raising thousands annually to support charities across the country.

This year we were fortunate enough to benefit from the proceeds raised from Legally Ballroom, alongside Barefoot College and Birmingham Children's Hospital.

The extravaganza, held at the Leonardo Royal Hotel in Central London and attended by hundreds of colleagues, friends, families and partners of those competing, saw couples with little to no previous ballroom dancing experience shimmy, shake, Salsa and Swing their way to glory with the aim of taking the top spot.

Hestia was honoured to have its very own dancing duo battling it out for victory, too; Jessica Harrison, our Family Fitness Programme Manager and Rebecca Morais, an advocate in our Modern Slavery Response team, put on their shiniest shoes and came together to use their Samba skills to make a difference in support adults and children in crisis.

“I am so glad that I volunteered to take part in Legally ballroom! Not only did I learn a new skill, it was so much fun and I got to meet lots of people that I wouldn’t ever normally spend time with. The night itself was incredible, for me just seeing how far everyone had progressed was the best bit." - Jessica Harrison, Hestia's Family Fitness Programme Manager and ballroom buff.

The evening simply wouldn't have been complete without a sprinkling of Strictly magic, with dancing diva and head judge of BBC's Strictly Come Dancing Shirley Ballas showing up and taking a seat on the judging panel. She was joined by paralympic swimmer Ollie Hynd MBE and previous Legally Ballroom champ Jermaine Berchie.

The couples have spent weeks being put through their paces by professional ballroom dance instructor Damien leading up to the big night, and while we're sure jittery nerves were afoot, the audience saw nothing of the sort. Twirling and two-stepping into the evening, the duos looked as though they'd give even the Strictly lot a run for their money - and that is no mean feat.

Cementing the gaps of a jam-packed evening of entertainment was a drinks reception and gourmet three-course meal, as well as a silent auction and raffle with unbeatable prizes. Prizes were also given for best dressed competing couple, the couple who raised the most through sponsorship and of course, the overall champions of the dance floor.

We'd like to say a extraordinary thank you to all of the competitors for their dedication and drive (or should we say jive?) and for raising so much towards helping us support adults and children in crisis. To all of the wonderful judges, the evening's compères Gill McGreevy and Andrew Carey, our CEO Patrick Ryan for speaking about why our work is crucial and of course, Hogan Lovells for hosting such a wonderful event and continuing to support and enrich our work.

And lastly, huge congratulations to winners Lauren Melachrino and Sanjay Dave for snatching the crown!

Learn about our partnership with Hogan Lovells

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