Ottawa's 'The Dancing Guy' returns to the capital celebrating 30 years of cheer
Ottawa native Cameron Hughes, who’s also known as “The Dancing Guy" returns to the nation's capital to celebrate his 30-year anniversary of service as a professional hype man.
“I’m there to put a smile on your face and bring the energy,” Hughes told CTV News Ottawa in an interview on Thursday. “
Hughes first wowed NHL fans in the stands in January 1994 when the Ottawa Senators played at the Civic Centre.
“So I got up from my seat … got into the aisle and I started dancing up and down the aisle and they’re all like, ‘Oh, he’s going for it.’ And the place went nuts,” he said. “I haven’t stopped dancing since."
Since that faithful moment, Hughes has continued entertaining fans and igniting crowds at sporting events across the globe.
He’s performed at over 1,500 sporting events, grabbing attention from sports stars Connor McDavid, Roger Federer and many more.
"They love it, they love the crowd getting behind the fun," he added.
Those who know Hughes gathered at the ByTowne Cinmena Wednesday night to celebrate his “30 years of cheer”.
“I have never seen somebody that can work up a crowd like this guy,” said Move 100's Stuntman Stu, who has known the 'King of Cheer for 25 years.
“I met Cam back when he visited Lisgar and that’s where he went to school (and where I worked),” said Saul Mogelonsky. “ He was my big supporter when I had my kidney transplant last year, kept me cheering all the time.”
Even Prime Minister Justin Trudeau dropped by for the event, surprising his childhood friend and saluting Hughes ability to empower and excite a crowd.
This weekend, the dancing guy will be back among the Ottawa Senators and the fans, where he will be honoured for his contributions at Canadian Tire Centre.
“I never thought in a million years I’d be dancing and throwing t-shirts and lugging myself around the world, putting a smile on people’s faces,” Hughes said. “It’s something I was meant to do when you get invited to your hometown and say thanks, I mean hello … t-shirt drop.”
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Air turbulence: When can it become dangerous?
Flight turbulence like that encountered by a Singapore Airlines flight on Tuesday is extremely common, but there's one aspect of severe turbulence an aviation expert says can lead to serious injury.
B.C. serial killer Robert Pickton hospitalized after prison attack
British Columbia serial killer Robert Pickton was attacked and sustained life-threatening injuries in a Quebec prison Sunday in what officials described as a 'major assault.'
opinion Tom Mulcair: With Trudeau spiralling, Mark Carney waits in the wings
In his latest column for CTVNews.ca, former NDP leader Tom Mulcair argues that if there's an unofficial frontrunner in the eventual race to replace Justin Trudeau as Liberal leader, it has to be former Bank of Canada governor Mark Carney.
Toronto Blue Jays fan struck by 110 m.p.h foul ball offered tickets, signed baseball by team
The Toronto Blue Jays have offered tickets and a signed baseball to a fan who says she was struck in the face by a 110 m.p.h (177 km/h) foul ball at Friday’s game.
Orphan orca's extended family spotted off northeast side of Vancouver Island
Members of a killer whale pod related to an orphan orca calf that escaped a remote British Columbia tidal lagoon last month have been spotted off the northeast coast of Vancouver Island.
OPP continues to investigate boat collision north of Kingston, Ont. that left 3 people dead
Ontario Provincial Police continue to investigate a long weekend fatal boat collision on Bobs Lake, north of Kingston, Ont.
Matthew Perry's death is being investigated over ketamine level found in actor's blood, reports say
An investigation has been opened into the death of Matthew Perry and how the “Friends” actor received the anesthetic ketamine, which was ruled a contributing factor in his death.
'Miscommunication' Liberals say of Speaker Fergus event invite Conservatives call partisan
House of Commons Speaker Greg Fergus is facing fresh Conservative-led calls to resign, this time over "very partisan" and 'inflammatory' language used – the Liberals say mistakenly – to promote an upcoming event.
'Mr. Trump doesn't worry us', says Canadian ambassador
As Prime Minister Justin Trudeau continues the 'Team Canada' charm offensive to U.S. lawmakers and business leaders, Canada's ambassador to the United States downplayed the effect of another Trump presidency on Canada.