A group of women who usually dance for fun came together this month to raise over £4,000 for two local charities, divided equally between Stroud Women’s Refuge and Stroud Night Angels, with amazing cabaret shows held in Nailsworth this month.
After the huge success of last year’s cabaret show Dazzle Ladies Dance created and produced this year’s event, Dazzle Showgirls 2025 at Nailsworth Town Hall, a colourful weekend of cabaret acts, cocktails and live music which raised £4,132. The three acts including Old Time Hollywood, Country Hoedown and Latin Nights, performed for two nights.
The ambition of the cabaret weekend was to bring together a group of female performers, and to give something back to the community.
The aim was to create a non-typical dance troupe ensemble of predominantly amateur performers with every individual having their moment to shine. Real women of all ages and sizes, representing women everywhere.
The performers all have a special connection to Dazzle which has operated in Gloucestershire for the last 20 years.
Dazzle owner and creator Sarah Davis-Berry said: “Creating this show is a personal dream come true. The vision is a relaxed ‘Kit Kat Club’ style experience for our audience with table lamps, fun and glamorous themed acts and breaks for cocktails.
“Each showgirl was personally invited to be part of this unique troupe and it is a joy to see their confidence develop throughout the rehearsals and watch their dreams come true performing on stage.”
Showgirl Leopard Lola added: “The chance to become a Dazzle Showgirl and be part of this amazing group of empowering, inspirational women has really helped my self-esteem and incredible to raise this amount for charities really close to my heart.”
This year’s sponsors include local businesses Personal Best Studio, Heartfelt Care, Stroud Rotary Club, House of Zhuzh, Tesco, Waitrose, Morrisons and Nailsworth Town Hall. Their generous donations contributed to purchasing beautiful wigs, costumes, scenery, props, venue decoration and venue hire.
This year Dazzle worked with Jill Sweeney, professional hair and make-up artist and a group of second year students studying Media Make-Up & Hair at South Gloucestershire & Stroud College who took on the huge responsibility of researching & preparing 42 wigs for the cast and styling the 14 showgirls wigs during the dress rehearsal and two performances.
Dazzle Ladies Dance runs regular ladies dance classes and events in Gloucestershire and the Dazzle Showgirls are available for themed performance and entertainment at birthday celebrations, hen dos and corporate events.
