Dartford Borough Council is pleased to announce that the town’s tribute to Len Goodman will be unveiled in July.
After a successful professional dancing career and decades of teaching dance in Dartford town centre, Len Goodman gained worldwide fame as a judge on Strictly Come Dancing and on Dancing With the Stars in the US, before passing away in 2023, aged 78.
As a celebration of his life and contribution to the town, Dartford Borough Council has commissioned an interactive artwork that will encourage visitors to dance while reminding them of some of Len’s best quips. The artwork will be installed outside the Goodman Dance Academy in Market Street, which Len first opened in 1973.
Artist Adrian Riley won the commission with his idea to use inscriptions and steps on the pavement to both celebrate Len’s unique character and maybe teach onlookers a dance step or two. Adrian has remained in constant conversation with Len Goodman’s family throughout the design process to ensure the final piece truly reflects his much-loved persona.
Expect to see familiar favourites like ‘Pickle my walnuts,’ ‘it’s all sizzle and no sausage,’ and ‘Seven!’.
The unveiling will take place on Wednesday, July 1.
Leader of the Council Jeremy Kite said: “We couldn’t be happier to install this fitting tribute to Len Goodman. He once described himself as a ‘dance teacher from Dartford who got lucky,’ I prefer to think of him an inspiring local person who captured the nation’s hearts.
“I know that Len is dearly missed, it’s been a privilege to have Adrian and Len’s family on board throughout this process. I hope that this tribute will be a fitting legacy to a man who helped get the nation dancing.”
Adrian Riley said: “It’s been a privilege to bring this proposal to life and create something that everyone can engage with. An artwork that gets people dancing, even if it’s just a few steps as part of their everyday walking to the shops or to work, is surely a fitting tribute to a man who inspired and brought joy to many.”
Len’s wife, Sue, and his son, James, said: “We are thrilled that Dartford Borough Council are organising a lasting tribute to Len and we are so pleased with the appointment of Adrian Riley. We are excited by Adrian’s vision of how he intends to capture Len’s wit and charm.
“Our Dance studio has been teaching people to dance in Dartford for just over 50 years and to now have this wonderful tribute outside our school is incredible and Len would have been truly bowled over by it.”
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