Firefighter crowned British Champion in classical sequence ballroom competition

One of our firefighters and his partner has won a prestigious ballroom dancing competition to become classical sequence British Champions 2025.

Rob Lem, who is a Crew Manager based at Stafford, competed at the Blackpool Dance Festival at the well-known Winter Gardens in October last year.

He and his dancing partner Keeley competed in the classical sequence category in the Royal Empress Ballroom to the sound of the Royal Empress Orchestra on 20 October.

They were placed first by the judges in all five dances, consisting of the waltz, tango, saunta and two-step. The pair previously came second in the same competition in 2022.

The win was particularly poignant as it marked 75 years of the prestigious competition.

Speaking following his success, Rob said: I’m so proud of Keeley and myself for winning the British Champions title.

“It feels surreal to look at the trophy and see our names alongside all those previous incredible winners since 1951.

“There’s something really special about being part of such a long history, and it’s a huge honor to have our names added to that list.“

Rob started dancing when he was just five years old, inspired by his parents who were avid dancers themselves.

He joined the fire service in 2008 at Bilbrook and Codsall Community Fire Station before becoming a wholetime firefighter in 2018, having completed an apprenticeship with the service at Longton, before he was promoted to Crew Manager at Stafford Community Fire Station in 2022.

Rob also became a dad in 2022 and his daughter, who is turning three in February has picked up the dancing bug too.

“She loves to dance, especially to Taylor Swift songs right now“, Rob added.

“But who knows, maybe one day she’ll follow in my footsteps. Whatever path she chooses, I’ll be there to support her every step of the way. “

For more information on a career with Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service, visit: Careers | Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service.