People of Hastings and St Leonards: Debbie Cutting
To start off the new year, HIP’s Kathryn Sutter met Debbie, a born-and-bred Hastings resident whose famous seafront boogie sessions kept many people going through the covid pandemic.
We started by chatting about Debbie’s early life and her adoration of the town: ‘I was born in 1966 and have lived in Hastings ever since. I’ve never been abroad and I’m the type of person who always looks forward to returning home when I go away. I’ve never wanted to travel and I’m content here, Hastings is my place.’
When chatting with Debbie her love for life and the simple things shone through, which is perhaps why so many were drawn to join her boogies during the pandemic. ‘I’ve always been someone who tries things and I’ve always been active and sporty. In the 90s I played football with Hastings Town Ladies, and I’ve played Tennis and Rugby for the town.
‘I’m a party animal at heart and a few years ago I started going to Tomboogie, an inclusive dance school in Bexhill. It was love at first dance and I was soon going to classes six days a week. When the pandemic hit, I really missed the classes and connecting in person. One day I decided to walk down the seafront with my speaker. I started doing some of the routines I had learned with Tomboogie. For the first few days, people watched, and then to my surprise people started joining in.’
It was never Debbie’s intention to start a dance group but as she returned each day, more and more people joined in, causing controversy as well as joy.
‘As more people started dancing, we became a community and a support group for people who were lonely and isolated during the pandemic. Going down to the beach to dance gave me something to get up for in the morning, and I know many other people felt the same way. The dancing brought together people who would otherwise have never met. I know the physical and mental benefits were huge for many attendees. We had one man who came to dance on his mobility scooter and ended up losing five stone in the process!’
Debbie managed to keep dancing almost daily for two years despite being arrested and coming up against criticism due to social distancing rules in place at the time. ‘I had never set out to break Covid rules but ended up being arrested twice. The first time I spent three hours in my cell dancing – I did always say I’d be arrested for crimes on the dance floor! I still believe that the benefits everyone got from the dancing and community created outweighed the difficulties we faced. I am proud I stood up for what I believed in.’
After a solid two years of dancing, Debbie now returns to the seafront regularly to catch up with the unique community of dancers and sea swimmers outside the Azur. She leaves the boogies for special occasions such as bank holidays, however her heart is very much still at the seafront.
‘In March I took up cycling, so I cycle down the seafront most days. The community around the Azur is particularly special and I enjoy visiting the cafes and seeing friends, I like to get on my bike and see where the wind takes me. I feel very happy with my lot. I enjoy life, I’m independent and content – what more could I ask for?’
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