Manager of Puddle Ducks Mid Cheshire, Rachel Bateson, recently swapped the pool for the dancefloor when she took to the stage for Comic Relief!

Rachel, who is a member of Rock Choir, the UK's leading contemporary award-winning choir experience, had been singing at Media City to raise money for Comic Relief when she was approached by Strictly Come Dancing professional dancer, Giovanni Pernice.

Inviting her to dance live on stage during the television show that evening, Rachel was whisked off for a quick rehearsal and brisk visit to wardrobe, before taking to the stage in front of an audience of millions with Giovanni.

Choir leader, Gina Blease said: "It was a big setup to surprise one of our members, Rachel Bateson. Giovanni asked her to dance on the live show in front of millions of people and she was just brilliant.

"She moved so elegantly and her smile lit up the stage. Rachel works hard at everything she does, whether that's teaching children to swim in her role at Puddle Ducks or as part of Rock Choir, she certainly deserved to have that moment".

Rachel has since returned to her day job, swapping the waltz for the water, she commented: "I had the most incredible day, I loved every minute. I was terrified, but Giovanni was just so lovely, caring and encouraging…he made it so special for me. Who knew I could (kind of) carry off a waltz! I feel so lucky and am so very grateful that Rock Choir gave me this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity".

She continued "I am now back to what I love doing even more than dancing, that is teaching children to swim, I teach on a Saturday morning at Everlast in Macclesfield and I'm already retelling my experience to the children! This is certainly a moment I will never, ever forget!"

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