Wirral Met students bring the glitz and glamour for Strictly Goes to Hollywood

Ticket holders enjoyed a fabulous VIP drinks reception from Liverpool Gin Distillery and a three-course meal followed with coffee and rum fudge before enjoying a showcase from professional dancers, followed by the main dance competition and group dance, and ending with a chance to take to the floor themselves after the winners announcement and presentation.

The students were asked to provide the hair styling and make-up for contestants participating in the dance skills competition held at the Rum Warehouse at the Titanic Hotel on Saturday 19 March.

The theme for the evening was Hollywood, with contestants and their partners performing to music from well-loved movies.

Students were given a brief from the dancers on what they wanted their look to be like – The Mask, Bugsy Malone, Beetlejuice – and then researched and designed their mood boards to create the look.

Tia Robinson, Level 2 make up student said: “I’ve really enjoyed it and it’s given me a lot more confidence. Everyone has been so lovely and its been an amazing experience. Strictly Goes to Hollywood is an evening of glitz and glamour so the make-up had to reflect that – my movie theme was ‘Sing’ so I made the overall effect created is one of sparkles so that when the light hits the make up on stage it pops.”

Alyssa Andrews, Level 3 hairdressing student said: “This is the kind of work I want to go into as a career so it’s been a really great experience. I’d love to do more like this. It’s so fast paced. The dancers gave us pictures of what they wanted and we’ve recreated the looks –  lots of curls!”

Pauline Cox, Regional Community Fundraiser – Merseyside for Shelter, said: “Strictly is one of our flagship events and we’re so grateful to have the support and expertise of Wirral Met College students.

“Collaborating with the department benefits everybody. Our contestants have fundraised and trained for weeks and it’s an opportunity to be pampered and to walk out onto that dance floor feeling like a million dollars – the charities benefit and the students get live event experience. We’re looking forward to continuing with this partnership for future events.”

Sue Higginson, Principal at Wirral Met College said:

“We are honoured to have been invited to support this fantastic event for two incredible charities, one of which is our charity of the year as chosen by students and staff.

“This is also a fabulous opportunity for our students to demonstrate their top-quality skills and techniques and prepare them for high level, quality jobs within their industry. We are very proud of them and hope our support helps the contestants raising much needed funds and we wish them all the best of luck …………keep dancing!

“Our students are in their first year of their VTCT Diploma in Make-up and second year Diploma in Hairdressing having progressed from Level 2 with us. Events like this really help prepare them for a career in the beauty industry.

“We have a long established history of providing hairdressing and beauty therapy and our salon is open to the public 5 days a week offering a range of professional treatments and services at affordable prices. To book visit wmc.ac.uk/metatthesalon.”

Applications are still open for Hair and Beauty courses starting September 2022.

Strictly Goes to Hollywood is sponsored by The Forshaw Group, a multi-award winning Fire & Flood Restoration Company passionate about business, people & community, and by Westminster Associates, whose unique approach and Insights Discovery supports businesses by facilitating meaningful and honest dialogue around sustainable cultural and behavioural change.