Strictly Steps out in London

Strictly Steps out in London

TV Star Karen Hardy Launches Brand New Dance Studio in the Heart of London

LONDON, October 27/PRNewswire/ -- "Fans of the hit TV series Strictly Come Dancing will be a step closer to
their dreams of tripping the light fandango, as Karen Hardy one of the
outstanding dancers from the BBC One show, launches her own luxury dance
studio in London"

Karen Hardy, the World Masters Champion Latin American dancer and former
Strictly Come Dancing winner with Mark Ramprakash, has created Karen Hardy
Studios in response to the enormous rise in popularity of ballroom dancing
since the show launched in 2003. The studios aim to bring the dance class
experience into the 21st century, offering professional tuition, exciting
social events and once-in-a-lifetime dance experiences in a glamorous Chelsea
setting.

On December 9, Karen Hardy Studios will roll out the red carpet to all
the Strictly celebrities for its launch - a night filled with glamour and
glitz at its stunning location at Imperial Wharf on the Thames. From January
2009, the studio will open its doors and offer all dance disciplines, from
the salsa to the Paso Doblé, to newcomers and professionals alike. All
classes will be taught by professional instructors trained by Karen Hardy
herself, and Karen will also teach classes and individuals by special
arrangement.

The studios are a cut above the traditional formal, old-fashioned
ballroom dancing school, with luxurious touches such as a fully licensed bar,
where nervous novices can sip a glass of champagne before class, and stunning
interior décor featuring maple flooring, air-conditioning, plasma screen TVs
and full length windows revealing the sensational backdrop of the Chelsea
riverside. And you won't find a tuneless piano in the corner: each studio is
equipped with a state-of-the-art sound system to cater for the exciting
variety of dance styles on offer.

Members can choose from individual tuition, group classes, social
evenings and practice sessions. The studio also caters for corporate events,
while those looking for the time of their lives can book one of the studio's
luxury gift packages, which include a private lesson, a meal in a hip Chelsea
restaurant and a night in a fabulous hotel.

Commenting on the launch, Karen Hardy said:

"With the studio I want to take the dance experience to the next level.
We cater for everyone, from first-timers to accomplished dancers, couples,
individuals and groups, both young and old.

"This isn't just a dance studio, it's an experience. It's all about
luxury, glamour and attention to detail. We want the real experience of
dancing to live up to the fantasy and magic that you see on shows like
Strictly Come Dancing."

Show business legend Bruce Forsyth CBE has said of Karen:

"I am delighted to hear about Karen's new dance studio in Chelsea,
Wilnelia and I cannot stop our toes twitching in expectation. Good luck with
it all, Bruce"

Karen Hardy Studios open on 5 January 2009. For bookings and further
information, visit http://www.karenhardystudios.com

About Karen Hardy

Karen Hardy competed as a professional Latin American dancer, and is a
former World Masters, United Kingdom Open, and Strictly Come Dancing
Champion. Karen was awarded the Carl Alan award for services to the dance
world in 1995. Karen was named Teacher of the Year in 2002 & 2003 at the
Crystal Palace Dance Championships and to date devotes her time to
successfully producing new young and inspiring champions in her coaching
worldwide.

In 2005 Karen was asked to be a part of Strictly Come Dancing. She took
BBC Newsreader Bill Turnbull seven weeks through the show and in the
Christmas show trained former World Heavyweight Boxing Champion Evander
Holyfield. The following year Karen showed her true talents and pure love of
dance as together with her celebrity partner, cricketer Mark Ramprakash, they
took the nation by storm as they took the title of Strictly Come Dancing
Champions Series 4.

2007 Karen Hardy and Erin Boag released the first ever Strictly Come
Dancersize fitness DVD. This DVD made it to the number one slot in the
fitness market and has over 200,000 copies to date.

Source: Karen Hardy Studios Ltd

To request further information, interviews with Karen Hardy, images or an invitation to the studio launch event on 9 December, please contact Rachel Matthews: Tel:+44(0)871-218-2341, rachel.matthews@karenhardystudios.com

-------
Profile: intent