Youngest competitor in this year's Strictly Inverness encourages all ages to dance
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Strictly Inverness 2023 competitor Lia Smith beamed with pride as she followed in her mum's footsteps to be named runner up in this year's final.
Lia (18), from Muir of Ord, is a sports and coaching student at the University of Highlands and Islands but took a leap of faith in opting to hit the dancefloor for the Highland Hospice and Inverness Ice Centre fundraiser this year.
Once it was all over she said she couldn't recommend the whole experience more, "no matter what age you are!"
She added: "Strictly Inverness and the whole experience itself is such a great thing to be part of, but I think a lot of people hold back from taking part due to a lot of self doubt and anxiety. Before deciding to apply I felt exactly the same."
"Signing up and getting selected was nerve-racking and scary for me, especially being only 18 years old and the youngest person who competed this year.
"I did find it intimidating at times, but I was immediately put at ease by the kind and lovely people who are involved in making Strictly what it is.
"From the moment the applications come out until the final show they work their hardest to make Strictly go ahead every year.
"The dance tutors themselves are amazing for taking 32 people they don’t know and helping them all become dancers in only five months.
"The competition itself helps raise lots of money for these charities every year, but they also allow the dancers to have a go at fundraising.
"I found the fundraising a great part of the experience as it allowed me to work hard and ‘think out the box’, bringing lots of people together to help raise money. This was a very fun and rewarding thing to do.
"The shows, although frightening and scary at times, were the best part. They allow you to show the dances you have been working hard on with the people you have worked so hard with."
As well as the "normal" challenges of learning her assigned dances and all the fundraising in the weeks and months ahead of the competition Lia was also aware she would be stepping out in the wake of some very big shoes indeed.
"One of the reasons I decided to do it this year was because my mum Carla did it in 2016," she said.
"She made great friends and placed third overall. After completing Strictly Inverness and coming first on my night and second overall, I can't suggest doing Strictly Inverness more – no matter what age you are or dancing ability. It is all for a great cause and something you will never forget."
Lia' competed this year with Sam Urquhart (23) a PE teacher at Millburn Academy in Inverness.
