Folkestone Dancers Celebrate Ellie Goldstein on Strictly Come Dancing

A Folkestone dance group is rallying behind Ellie Goldstein, who is competing on Strictly Come Dancing. They believe her participation highlights the importance of representation for dancers with disabilities.

Support for Ellie Goldstein

The dance group, Confidance, focuses on providing dance lessons to individuals with learning disabilities, including those with Down syndrome. Jo Frater, the founder of Confidance, emphasizes the significance of Goldstein’s role in national representation.

• Ellie Goldstein is the first contestant with Down syndrome on Strictly Come Dancing.
• Confidance encourages dancers to embrace their abilities and challenge societal attitudes.
• Goldstein’s participation is considered a vital step in advancing public perceptions of disabilities.

Inspiration and Goals

Frater expressed that Goldstein serves as a beacon of hope for aspiring dancers. “Attitudes act as barriers, and we are looking to challenge that,” she stated. With her success, Goldstein provides encouragement for many in the community.

Frater, inspired by her own brother who has Down syndrome, founded Confidance to create opportunities for all dancers. “Ellie is bringing great representation on a national level,” she noted.

Excitement for Upcoming Performances

Confidance dancers are preparing for a performance at the Folkestone Triennial on Thursday. Thomas Eastwell, a 34-year-old dancer from the group, mentioned that dancing brings him joy, saying, “It makes me feel happy.”

Freya Woods, 26, from Canterbury, echoed similar sentiments, praising Goldstein as “a great ambassador for people with disabilities.” She expressed her hopes for Goldstein to clinch the victory.

Goldstein’s Historic Achievements

Ellie Goldstein made history in 2023 by becoming the first model with Down syndrome to grace the cover of Vogue magazine. Her early performances on Strictly featured a cha cha cha to Ariana Grande’s “Yes” and a waltz to Ellie Goulding’s “Your Song.”

The support for Ellie Goldstein from Folkestone’s community highlights the positive impact of representation in dance and the arts, inspiring future generations of dancers with disabilities.