Pasha Kovalev’s visit sparked memories and delight

An older person dances with a younger one — Jewish Care Holocaust Survivors Centre member Miriam Freedman dancing with Strictly Come Dancing Star Pasha Kovalev

Members of Jewish Care’s Holocaust Survivors’ Centre at the Maurice & Vivienne Wohl Campus in Golders Green put on their dancing shoes and enjoyed an uplifting special visit from Strictly Come Dancing star Pasha Kovalev.

Talking about the visit, Pasha said, “I absolutely loved coming here and meeting all the people who have such an amazing energy and a passion for dance.

“It was wonderful to have a chance to share experiences and to be surrounded by such an inspiring bunch of people. They are in their 80’s and 90’s and above, but their love for dance is still going strong and untouched by age.”

During a discussion with Pasha, the members and young volunteers, shared their favourite dancing moments and memories together and asked about Pasha’s journey to becoming a dancer, appearing on Strictly, and also how he met the fabulous Rachel Riley.

Maurice Peltz, Jewish Care’s Holocaust Survivor Centre member and keen dancer, who danced with His Majesty King Charles last year when he visited JW3 in Finchley, says, “I absolutely loved the afternoon and dancing with Pasha. I actually grew up with dancing. I was 14 years old and during the war, there wasn’t anything to do beside dance, that’s when it became my hobby.”

Maurice continued, “My wife was also a great dancer, but she didn’t dance before she met me. I would take her to the School of Dancing and soon enough we were both entering competitions and shows. I danced in completions in the Royal Albert Hall. Ballroom dancing is my favourite and even though I can’t dance anymore like I used to, I love watching classic ballroom dancing videos on Youtube.”

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