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Posted:
7:00 p.m. on August 24, 2021
Len Goodman of Strictly Come Dancing presented a dancing couple from Ipswich with a prestigious award for teaching others to strut.
Pat and Tom Lait with their Carl Alan Awards trophy
– Credit: Charlotte Bond
Pat and Tom Lait on Friday received the illustrious Carl Alan Awards, the so-called “Oscars” of the dance world.
Former Strictly Come Dancing judge Len Goodman presents his award to Pat and Tom
– Credit: courtesy of Lait Dance Club
The duo founded the Lait Dance Club in 1974 – and have taught ballroom, Latin, rock’n’roll and salsa, to beginners, intermediates and competitors for nearly half a century.
Tom Lait, 90, gives his wife Pat, 76 a ride
– Credit: Charlotte Bond
Pat and Tom Lait are still active dancers
– Credit: Charlotte Bond
Ms Lait, 76, said: “It was really cool. The awards are the Oscars of the dance world.
Pat and Tom founded the Lait Dance Club
– Credit: Charlotte Bond
“And we’ve had a lot of ballroom dance winners over the years.”
Pat and Tom have been teaching all types of dance to the people of Ipswich for almost half a century
– Credit: Charlotte Bond
His daughter Annette Lait and son Bruce Lait, who help run the school, have won the best dance performances in the UK.
Pat and Tom Lait think dancing can really lift people’s spirits
– Credit: Charlotte Bond
“It really is a family affair,” she said. “We have had an incredible career.”
She said that those who enter their studio feel a little depressed and alone will soon “cheer up” by dancing.
“They gain in social and health well-being,” she added.
Pat and Tom Lait with their Carl Alan Awards trophy
– Credit: Charlotte Bond
For more information on the Lait Dance Club, click here.
The Milk Dance Club in Ipswich opened in 1974
– Credit: Charlotte Bond
