Blue plaque bid for Grafton

The Grafton dance school in Village Way is bidding for a blue commemorative plaque for dance legends Bob Burgess and Doreen Freeman. Bob and Doreen were icons of the ballroom dancing world and tenants of the Ballroom for more than two decades.

Bob Freeman was President and founder member of the British Dancers’ Federation and Doreen was World Ballroom Dance Champion in 1948. They won a host of national and international awards and were Star Professional Champions in 1960. Their status elevated the Grafton Ballroom to one of the main hubs of the ballroom dance which has attracted numerous British and World Dance Championships since.