A celebration of Len Goodman’s life and his contribution to Dartford will be captured in a new public artwork by artist Adrian Riley.
Published date: 12 August 2024
Dartford Borough Council has commissioned the talented young artist to create a lasting tribute to the former dance instructor, Strictly Come Dancing judge and TV star who died in 2023 aged 78.
Adrian is working with Len’s family to create a work which will take pride of place outside the Goodman Dance Academy in Dartford Town Centre. It will be a playful celebration of a much-loved man who, despite soaring to world-wide fame at the age of sixty, was still happy to describe himself as “a dance teacher from Dartford who got lucky”.
It is Len’s quick wit and mastery of words that has inspired Adrian to install some of his most famous catchphrases on the town centre pavements and public spaces.
Expect to see familiar favourites like ‘Pickle my walnuts’, ‘its all sizzle and no sausage’, and of course, ‘Seven!’.
Leader of the Council Jeremy Kite said. “We’re incredibly proud to celebrate Len’s life here in Dartford town centre. The Goodman Dance Academy is known right across the country and Len Goodman deserves to have the kind of tribute that gets people’s toes tapping. When I met with representatives of Len’s family to see Adrian’s proposals we couldn’t help smiling. It’s a perfect tribute to a perfect gentleman.”
Mr Riley, whose art has been previously commissioned by the NHS, the National Trust and English Heritage, said: “I want people to be inspired to place their feet on the diagrams and dance some of the steps while surrounded by memories of Len’s great wit, pathos and love of life”
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.’
Additional information:
Len Goodman was a professional ballroom dancer, dance teacher, dance competition adjudicator, Lecturer and Examiner. He opened the Goodman Dance Academy in Dartford in 1973 after a successful career in ballroom dancing.
Len started dancing in his early 20s and became a World Exhibition Champion at the age of 28. He was a pioneer of freestyle disco dancing following the success of the film “Saturday Night Fever” and built a reputation as a lecturer, judge, teacher, and entertainer. He travelled the world and became a respected figure within the ballroom community.
Strictly Come Dancing came calling at the age of 60. Len became the Head Judge alongside Arlene Phillips, Bruno Tonioli, and Craig Revel Horwood. The Strictly Come Dancing format was exported to 62 countries under the title Dancing with the Stars. Len went on to gain international fame when he became Head Judge on Dancing with the Stars in America from 2005.
The work by Adrian Riley will build on major regeneration scheme in Dartford to upgrade the public realm, with improvements to Dartford Town Centre, including new homes to create a vibrant, attractive, and welcoming town centre for residents and visitors.
In Summer 2023 two sculptures recognising Sir Mick Jagger and Keith Richards were installed at One Bell Corner.
The tribute to Len Goodman is due to be unveiled in late 2024.
For further information, please contact press@dartford.gov.uk or call 01322 343440.
Press release by Dartford Borough Council.