Darren Badder - About Me

Brief Synopsis on me - Darren Badder

Electronics Engineer by trade but was a professional ballroom dancer for 25 years (started when I was 3) performed on Come Dancing for 8 years, Cruised on the QE II, performed for our Queen (not the Rock Group) and also Princess Anne, danced on Blue Peter in my earlier days and also (especially for the Midlands members) danced on Pebble Mill at One and also TISWAS (Today Is Saturday, Watch And Smile) with the phantom Flan Flinger (We got changed in his dressing room but sworn to secrecy on who he is) - Oh OK then, I will spoil it for you.....his name was Benny Mills, a Taxi Driver from the West Midlands. There you go, I have said it now !!!!!!

During my dancing career, I have danced with many partners while progressing through the ranks from Novice to Juvenille, through Junior and then into the Amateur ranks.

To name a few of my partners (who may well be married now) they are - Jane Wooward, Michelle Cordiner, Kerry Nichols, Maria Thompson, Tina Follett, Helen Rodderick & Vicki Waring.

So in my early twenties, turned professional with my partner Hilary Bradley (formally Biggs) in Weston Super Mare. It got to the stage where we both wanted to start families and sadly went our own ways, although we still see each other on a regular basis.

In 1992 met someone new (see 2001 below) and we decided to join a martial art club where I attained Black Belt in Karate and weapons.

In 1998 I took my Private Pilots Licence.

In 1999 my girlfriend who was a singer, formed a duo with her best friend - Jessica; stage name 'KAMRA'.

As I play piano and many other instruments (drums, saxaphone, etc) we teamed up with another friend in the entertainment world who played guitar, therefore we started an Abba Tribute Band.

After 8 very successfull years we finished the Abba Band, this was our website http://www.abbadayz.co.uk. After Abba Dayz, I joined forces with another friend of mine - Tom - and now play all the clubs and hotels etc as UK's Ultimate Duo - SWITCH - http://www.switch-duo.co.uk

Go married in 2001 and now have two children - Joe - Born in 2002 and Jessica - Born in 2004.

From 1987 - 2000 I worked in Land Rover in Solihull as a Maintenance Electrician before advancing my career with Desoutter Ltd as a Project and Installation Manager. The main aspect of my work is on the electronic EB Tooling from Georges Renault working in many major manufacturing companies including Catterpillar, Kawasaki, Land Rover, Perkins to name but a few.

During 2008, Joe decided he would like to play football and he joined Smithswood Boys Football Club in the Under 7's - During this period, I trained with the FA and qualified as a Football coach.

Also, as can be seen from the links page, I design websites and produce posters / artwork for many Tribute Bands and Groups, For more information please e-mail me.