Smash the stereotype: our Head of Procurement is a dancer

Whether it’s glitz and glamour you are after, or a fun way to get in shape, the show-stopping moves of Latin and Ballroom dance will put plenty of sparkle and sweat into your spare time. From the Tango to the Foxtrot, the Jive and the Waltz, there’s a dance for everyone.

Latin and Ballroom dancing are back in fashion thanks in part to the huge success of Strictly Come Dancing. We spoke to Brian Jeal, Head of Procurement at Badenoch & Clark to find out more.

How old were you when you started dancing?

14 years old.

What got you hooked?

My parents went and suggested I go along as lots of other ‘young’ people went and it looked fun – the first time I went I was amazed at how many nice friendly girls were there, all vying to get a boy partner, I was spoilt for choice!

Was it “cool” as a teenager to dance? What did your friends think?

I kept it quiet for the first six months. I did not get that much stick. After I appeared on Blue Peter my school and neighbours all thought it was really cool. My twin brother and my two best friends all went along together so we treated it as a lark at first. My other friends came and watched us practice at times and wanted us to arrange dates for them with our dance partners at the time.

Was it the girls or the spangly costumes that appealed?

It has never been about the sequins! It was the company (ok, girls who did not say no!)

30+ years on and still dancing! What’s the secret?

It’s where I met my lovely wife so we both have that connection; we both love flying around the floor having a laugh – we don’t take competing seriously. It’s fantastic for socialising, the competitions keep you motivated, its great for exercise and I’ve always enjoyed my music loud. You can normally dance to anything and it’s great for breaking the ice, especially with the ladies!

What is your favourite dance?

The jive, without a doubt. It fires my imagination and I love the music. I wish I could have been at Liverpool Street Station for the T-Mobile advert, I’d have joined in for sure!

Rumour has it you’ve been quite a success….

I don’t sing and dance about it but we have had lots of fun and usually bring back a trophy or 16…

What are the benefits?

Having a great time with my wife, who is my dance partner, is the greatest benefit. The others are exercise, social life, achievement and the euphoria of getting through round after round and making the final.

How does it make you feel?

It gets the endorphins going like any sport, and feels good when I remember the steps! When competing I feel elated, exhausted and can’t stop smiling usually.

What would you say to convince others to take up dancing?

Try it, you will enjoy it. I believe anyone can dance and there’s bound to be a dance school near you.

What is the toughest bit about it?

It costs quite a bit of money to compete with the travelling but it’s worth it. Apart from that it’s just perseverance with the steps but once mastered they become easier and you can add your own style to it.

Have you had any embarrassing moments?

I once put aquarium glass sealer on my heels which I thought would help me stick to the floor. After a few minutes I saw loads of other dancers slipping on the marks I had left, I never owned up. And more recently, we were in the audience of Strictly Come Dancing. After the filming my two daughters sat in the judges’ seats and held up the bats showing the scores – two tens! As I took the photo security saw us and escorted us from the studio.

And your proudest moment?

When I took my elder daughter in for a big competition when she was 9 and she came first. The happy tears were rolling.

And what are your sights set on now?

Our biggest competition of the year is at the end of February; we did not do it last year but came 1st in 2007. We have much practising to do and a lot to live up to.