“I’ve always considered myself a strong person but the pressure became overwhelming and I didn’t know how to move forward.”
A mum-of-three has opened up about how dancing helped her find joy, balance and strength during one of the most difficult times in her life.
Originally from Poland but living in Northern Ireland for over 20 years, Magdalena Bisewska completed a Master’s in Law (Access to Justice) at Ulster University while balancing being a mum to 7-year-old twins and a 19-year-old daughter.
While writing her dissertation, Magdalena, 44 and living in north Belfast says she faced immense stress and family difficulties.
READ MORE: ‘I was lucky to visit Lapland aged 7 and want other kids to enjoy the same magical experience’READ MORE: Calling all Santas! Belfast woman helping make Christmas inclusive for everyone this year
“I’ve always considered myself a strong person but the pressure became overwhelming and I didn’t know how to move forward. Then one afternoon, while walking through Belfast city centre with my young daughter, I saw a group of people dancing near Victoria Square. I’ve always loved dancing so I stopped to watch.
“One of the dancers, Rob, who turned out to be a co-owner of Ceroc Ignite, invited me to join in and dance with him. I was shy at first but decided to give it a try. It felt like a breath of fresh air, a moment of freedom and happiness I hadn’t felt in a long time.
“Rob invited me to come along to a class at Shaftesbury Bowling Club on Annadale Avenue. When Tuesday came, I didn’t feel like going. I was exhausted but my husband convinced me, saying I could either stay home and help bathe the kids or go dancing. Within minutes I was out the door!”
Magdalena says from the moment she walked into that first class she felt welcomed: “Everyone was friendly, encouraging, and full of positive energy. I fell in love with dancing all over again. Ceroc Ignite’s classes are inclusive, uplifting and full of laughter – people of all ages (from their 30s to 80s) come together to move, connect and have fun.
“Dancing became my therapy. It allowed me to relax, focus on myself, and rebuild my confidence. Four months later I graduated. About a month after I joined I persuaded my friend Marta Walotka to come along with me. Marta, who is also from Poland, is an amazing mum of 7-year-old triplets – two of whom, Lena and Nina, have a rare and incurable genetic condition called Batten Disease.
“Marta is their full-time carer and her life is incredibly demanding both physically and emotionally. Now, a year later, both me and Marta can’t imagine life without it. Of course, it’s not always easy to leave the house, especially on dark, cold evenings when we’re tired and the weather is miserable.
“Sometimes we have to push ourselves to go but we always remind each other how amazing we’ll feel afterwards and without fail, we do. Dancing gives us both strength, joy and a much-needed escape. The Ceroc Ignite community, led by Mal Harrison and Rob Fernett, has created something truly special.
“Their classes and monthly freestyle events are warm, inclusive and beautifully run. As busy mums, we don’t often get the chance to dress up and feel glamorous but Ceroc gives us that opportunity. Three times a year there are wonderful themed balls, along with the regular freestyles, where we can put on a nice dress, do our hair and feel like women again, not just mums.
“These evenings give us a chance to shine, to feel confident and to reconnect with ourselves. It’s more than just dance – it’s friendship, support and belonging. Everyone is so positive, kind and respectful. It truly feels like one big family.”
Magdalena added: “When I first started dancing, my problems didn’t disappear, they were still there. But dancing helped me get back on track, focus on the things I could control and accept the things I couldn’t change.
“In a world where so many are struggling with stress and mental health, finding something you love – whether it’s dancing, painting, running or simply meeting new people can completely change your outlook.
“I have a tattoo that says ‘Still I Rise’ inspired by the poem written by Maya Angelou, the civil rights activist. It’s a reminder that with focus and determination we can get through anything. It’s not always easy but it’s always worth it.
“If sharing my story inspires even one person to take time for themselves and rediscover something that brings them joy, I’ll be delighted – and if that happens to be dancing I’ll be even happier.”
Ceroc Ignite runs on Mondays in Ballyclare Town Hall at 7.15pm and on Tuesdays in Shaftesbury Bowling Club, Annadale Avenue, Belfast at 7.30p.m.
“You don’t need to bring a partner or sign up in advance. Just turn up and you’ll be warmly welcomed. It’s modern jive dancing and most people come along on their own,” Magdalena added.
For more information you can check the website https://www.ceroc.com/24/131/belfast-shaftesbury-bowling-club?id=40.
For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our Be lifestyle newsletter for all the latest showbiz, fashion, beauty, family features and more.
