Armelle’s Fun Fashion Fundraiser For Wicklow Hospice

The Arklow community is coming together for a heartfelt evening of fashion, fun, and philanthropy for Armelle’s Fun Fashion Fundraiser. The event, organised by Laura’s Health & Dance Fitness Studio, will raise funds for the Wicklow Hospice in memory of their beloved dancer and friend, Armelle Goulet-Conway.

Laura, the founder of the studio and one of the event’s main organisers, spoke to Arklow News to tell us more about this special night and the inspiration behind it.

“In July we lost one of our dancers and friends from our classes, Armelle. She was a French lady who joined our old-generation dance community in 2016 and quickly decided she was too young for that group, so joined us in the quicker and livelier classes. From there Armelle helped showcase our classes in dance videos/demonstrations/festivals and loved attending our social nights.”

“Even through the lockdown times, I know Armelle was so grateful to have Zoom meet-ups for both dance classes and social occasions to help keep her going as she was an older lady living by herself throughout this time. She truly loved her fashion and would always be one of the best dressed. She made a lot of friends throughout our dance community and that helped her when she went into the Wicklow hospice herself as she had many visitors from her dancing days.”

“Armelle was a garden volunteer at the Wicklow hospice, she helped dig up the grounds and planted so many flowers and trees for the residents, when we visited her in the hospice she was so proud to tell us all that she got to appreciate her hard work in those grounds then. So when we wanted to hold a social night in the studio because she loved our social nights so much – it was a no-brainer for us to hold a swap shop in her memory and to help raise some funds for the Wicklow hospice. I’d like to particularly thank Claire, Roisin, Vicky & Sandra for all their hard work it would not have been possible”

Laura has had a hugely generous response from local businesses who have sponsored prizes for the raffle on the night. Many people have also donated their gorgeous clothes to be swapped.

Laura’s Health and Dance Fitness was created 10 years ago focusing on adult dance & fitness. Laura says she wanted a place where people could come and move to music and not make it feel like exercise. The aim is to make fitness fun.

The idea eventually expanded into children’s classes. Since then she has created a beautiful community in those 10 years where people not only come for exercise but for friendships, escapism, a safe place, socializing, and a purpose.

The group have created many dance videos in the local communities and businesses, and taken part in many local festivals and parades for dance & fitness demonstrations. They are always welcoming new members at our studio above Proper Pizza on the Wexford Road. For more information, you can visit the Facebook page. Details about the event are below with tickets available on Eventbrite.

Armelle’s Fun Fashion Fundraiser
When: Saturday, February 1st 2025
Where: Laura’s Health & Dance Fitness Studio, Arklow
Time: 7pm -9pm
Who: Ladies Fashion only