Guest column: Tommy Franzen - the legend continues

By Emma Coombes, local resident

Last Friday, I posted an article promoting local dancer Tommy Franzen and an emphatic plea for Brockleyites to lend him their support in BBC1’s current Saturday night show So You Think You Can Dance….and it worked!

Tommy stormed through last Saturday night’s semi-final gaining the largest public vote amongst the men. This was a phenomenal achievement. Tommy started off as a dark horse in the competition, overshadowed by other competitors who had stronger instant public ‘local’ appeal and, early in the series, faced elimination. However, his dance credentials have always shone through and this was recognised by the judges, who elected to keep him in.

Since then, Tommy has dazzled with some spectacular dancing, mastering all styles from hip hop (his chosen discipline) to the quick-step and in addition, choreographing his own inspirational solos – last week described by the judges as ‘outstanding’.

His ability to master, mix and combine such a variety of dance styles has led him to become the judges favourite, the bookies’ favourite and judging by last week’s vote, one of the public’s favourites too.

As I said last week, I think Tommy is a great reflection of the artistic talent in the Brockley and Lewisham area. He is an inspired and creative dancer and a great role model for youngsters in the area. Last week many of you voted for him – mention of the Brockley Community’s support even appearing on his official Facebook fanpage. Hell, even Ainsley Harriot has posted a public message of support for him on You Tube, and what better endorsement can be achieved than that….(!)

This week Councillor Heidi Alexander officially lent Tommy the Mayor’s backing, stating "Tommy is a fantastic ambassador for a borough overflowing with creative talent. His amazing performances speak for themselves and I'm sure the whole of Lewisham will be right behind their local hero in the final on Saturday night."

So, as our Mayor likes to state, ‘Lewisham’s Got Talent’… so let’s vote for Tommy on Saturday night and prove it!