Farewell and thank you from Camilla

Former Strictly Come Dancing champion Camilla Dallerup retired from the world of dance this autumn with her Farewell Tour.

Camilla now works as a life coach, motivational speaker and writer. Her latest book, Reinvent Me, came out earlier this year.

But one of her final goodbyes was to DSI London, with whom she had a very special relationship. She writes: “The relationship with DSI was one that meant so much to me. To everyone at DSI, thank you for having shared my dancing journey, over the last 13 years, with me.

“To be completely honest, I have been putting off writing this thank you note for weeks, since I officially retired from dancing in October. Mainly because I honestly don’t know how my words or even ‘THANK YOU for everything’ will ever come close to truly say how grateful and thankful I am for everything DSI have done for me over the years before, during and after Strictly Come Dancing.

“Some of you – Gerald, Malcolm and Carole – we go way, way back and have shared so many memories. And to Vicky for all the amazing designs you created for me – wow, just wow. When people said, ‘What a beautiful dress!’ I was always so proud to say, ‘I didn’t even need to try it, it just fits perfectly.’ You just got me and supported me, no questions asked; it was an amazing collaboration, and one I’m so sad to say goodbye to.

“I really want you all to understand that when you are competing or busy, to have people like yourselves who support you in the way you did for me makes all the difference. It was just one thing taken care of; that I never had to stress or worry about. I always knew I was in safe hands with you all.

“For every last-minute call, fix, repair, design and rhinestone on my dresses, thank you for making me feel special on the dance floor and for always making me feel welcome in the shop. The biggest hug and so much love to you all.”