By HANNAH LOUISE ANNETTS Updated: Seconds before our name is called, my fiercest competitor sidles up, strokes the dress that has taken weeks to sew, and whispers: It was a well-timed comment designed to throw me off balance, but we got the better score. This is the real world of ballroom dancing and I can tell you that it bears very little resemblance to the friendly, jokey version on Strictly Come Dancing - as the professionals in the show will know only too well.

Ballroom dancing is about the relationship and chemistry with your partner. To dance convincingly, particularly in latin numbers, you have to have a connection. Practically every series of Strictly comes with rumours of at least one love affair between the celebrity and their partner. Your partner will be touching you in a way your husband or lover might never have done. Love on the dancefloor: Boxer Joe Calzaghe and Kristina Rihanoff fell in love during Strictly last year.

There is enormous competition for partners, and with more female ballroom dancers than male it can get pretty heated. When they work, these relationships are incredibly intense. Far from it — uncomfortable situations with male dancers making unwanted passes are part of dancing. Often arrogant — you have to be to do well — many male dancers expect you will also be their girlfriend. My last dance partner and I broke up three months ago.

We both decided we were just not compatible and lacked that vital spark. He was my tenth partner. Other partnerships finished because I improved faster than they did, there was a clash of personalities or my commitment to dance was stronger.

One partner was Hungarian and his English was so poor it was never going to work. Significantly, the male dancers never agree to move. From top dancers, through to judges and choreographers, ballroom dancing is dominated by men. While for many it is a fun hobby, ballroom dancing has been a huge sacrifice for Hannah.

One teacher told me my breasts were too big to ever be truly successful. The spray tan, fake nails, hair pieces, and false eyelashes are a must. For their part, the men just need to don a black suit. So why do we do it? Most prizes are not financial so to earn a living, you must reach an incredibly high level, then pass exams to become a professional who can earn from teaching.

But the sacrifices are enormous. When I began, none of us had any idea what I was letting myself in for. I was five when I began ballet and tap. But at eight, I was terribly shy and my mum Diane, now 54, who had done some ballroom dancing, suggested I try it. Dancing with a partner would, they hoped, give me some confidence.

Within weeks ballroom had become my favourite dance class and within three months I was winning competitions. By the time I was 15, I was representing England and competing in national contests.

My father, who is 66, is a management consultant, but he also trained as a tailor and makes my outfits. The Strictly judges L-R Craig Revel Horwood, Len Goodman, Alisha Dixon and Brunio Tonioli may seem tough, but the real ones are even harder to please.

Despite the stress and the bunions and blisters - I have the ugliest feet in the world - I am addicted to ballroom. At school I passed exams with flying colours. I toyed with the idea of studying law and becoming a barrister - my parents, while supportive of my dancing, encouraged me to do a degree that would lead to a more traditional career. But I went against their wishes because I only wanted to dance. Incredibly, I have never set foot in a nightclub.

But the problem is that ballroom dancing is now deeply embedded in my psyche. Like those celebrities who become obsessed with staying on Strictly, my one-time hobby has become addictive. And to give it all up now - as I am within touching distance of becoming professional - would seem such a waste. Tonight, when you turn your TV on, and hear that familiar theme tune striking up for Strictly, spare a thought for me and my bunions.

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The views expressed in the contents above are those of our users and do not necessarily reflect the views of MailOnline. Backstabbing, bunions and sexism. Real ballroom dancing is NOTHING like Strictly By HANNAH LOUISE ANNETTS Updated: Real ballroom dancing is NOTHING like Strictly', 'url': Real ballroom dancing is NOTHING like Strictly', 'emailShareStyle': Hannah Louise Annetts has had to make enormous sacrifices.

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How to Become a Professional Ballroom Dancer & What to Expect - Ballroom Dancing Tips & Advice for Kids and AdultsBallroom Dancing Tips & Advice for Kids and Adults

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