Pro Dancers News from Dincwear Dancewear.

April 2026 Edition

 

Karen Hauer breaks cover hours after quitting show after 14 years.

Professional dancer Karen Hauer has “broken cover” for the first time since announcing her departure from Strictly Come Dancing after 14 years. The 43-year-old was spotted attending a wellness retreat for dogs and their owners, the LitPet Sunday Dog Social, held at 180 House on London’s Strand.

Key Details of Her Exit.

• Announcement: On 21 March 2026, Hauer shared a tearful Instagram video confirming she is leaving the BBC show to pursue new projects.
• Longest-Serving Pro: Having joined in 2012, she leaves as the longest-serving female professional dancer in the show’s history.
• Departure Context: Her exit follows weeks of rumours regarding a “purge” or mass cull of professional dancers for the 2026 series. Other pros reportedly leaving include Nadiya Bychkova, Gorka Márquez, Luba Mushtuk, and Michelle Tsiakkas.
• Personal Impact: Hauer admitted the departure has been “terribly stressful” and stated her dogs have helped her cope with the emotional transition.

Career Highlights.

During her 14-season tenure, Hauer reached the final twice—with Mark Wright in 2014 and Jamie Laing in 2020. Her final celebrity partner on the show was Gladiators star Harry Aikines-Aryeetey in 2025.

Dianne Buswell and Joe Sugg have officially welcomed their first child.

   

Dianne Buswell and Joe Sugg have officially welcomed their first child, a baby boy named Bowden Mark Richard Sugg, born on 16 March 2026.
The couple, who met on Strictly Come Dancing in 2018, shared the “magical” news via Instagram, describing a love like they’ve never felt before.

Key Details of the Announcement.

• Name & Pronunciation: They chose the unique name Bowden, with middle names Mark (after Dianne’s father) and Richard (after Joe’s late grandfather). Joe clarified the pronunciation as “Bow” like “how,” not like “row”.
• Birth Date: Bowden was born on Monday, 16 March 2026.
• Dianne recently celebrated her first week as a mum, sharing intimate photos of her recovery, skin-to-skin contact, and being brought breakfast in bed by Joe.
• Journey to Parenthood: The couple first announced the pregnancy in September 2025. Dianne made history as the first professional to compete on Strictly while pregnant during the 2025 series.

Trainspotting: The musical heading for London’s West End this summer.

The world premiere of Trainspotting: The Musical is officially arriving at London’s Theatre Royal Haymarket this summer, with performances starting on 15 July 2026.
Adapted by original author Irvine Welsh, this production is a full-scale musical that aims to be “bigger” and have a “louder beating human heart” than previous stage plays. Tickets went on sale starting 24 March 2026 at 8 am.

Key Production Details.

Venue: Theatre Royal Haymarket.
Run Dates: 15 July to 5 September 2026.
Opening Night: 22 July 2026.
Performance Schedule: Monday to Saturday at 7:30 pm; Matinees on Thursday and Saturday at 2:30 pm.
Running Time: Approximately 2 hours, including a 20-minute interval.
Age Guidance: Recommended for ages 15+.

Cast and Creative Team.

Lead Role: Scottish actor Robbie Scott will make his West End debut as Mark Renton.
Creative Team: Directed and developed by Caroline Jay Ranger (Only Fools and Horses The Musical).
Music: Features a mix of iconic tracks from the 1996 film soundtrack (expect artists like Iggy Pop and Underworld) and brand-new original songs written by Irvine Welsh and musician Stephen McGuinness.

Ticket Information.

Tickets are available through the official Trainspotting Musical website and major vendors like Ticketmaster UK. Prices start from £30 to ensure the show remains accessible, with Irvine Welsh explicitly stating he would not allow “dynamic pricing” models that drive costs up to £300.

General News & Sighting

• Strictly stars Karen, Luba, Michelle and Nadiya announced that they are leaving the show. Karen was the longest serving professional on the series with 14 years of service.
• London burlesque musical “Diamonds and Dust” has entered liquidation, with more than £3.0 million in debts across almost 100 creatives and companies.
• Akram Khan is closing his company after 26 years and refocusing his business.
• The What’s On Stage award for best choreography went to Fabian Aloise for his work on “Evita”.
• Secret Cinema has announced plans to establish a long-term flagship venue at Greenwich Peninsula near the O2.
• Nikita Kuzmin announced his “Supernova” tour which begins in June at Shrewsbury. The choreography is by Jason Gilkinson.
• Casting has been announced for the return of Sir Matt Bourne’s “The Car Man”. It will star Ashley Shaw, Cordelia Braithwaite and Serena McCall. The UK tour begins on the 15th of June.
• “Grease” will be embarking on a new UK tour which opens in Plymouth on April the 23rd. The show has choreography by Arlene Phillips.
• The Rambert has announced the early development of a new stage work inspired by the Channel 4 series “It’s A Sin”. The choreography will be by Benoit Swan Pouffer.
• Casting has been announced for the open air production of “Cats” opening this summer at Regent’s Park. The show has choreography by Drew McOnie and the dance captains are Carla Bertran and Taela Yeomans-Brown. It will run from the 25th of July until the 12th of September.
• “The Karate Kid – The Musical” announced that it will star Gina Ochello and Abigail Amin. The show has choreography by Keone and Mari Madrid and will open in Wimbledon on the 28th of April.
• The upcoming production of “High School Musical” will star Tobias Turley as Troy and Leonor Correia as Gabriella, with Caitlin Tipping as Sharpay. The choreography is by Aaron Renfree and the show will run at the Lowry in Salford from the 21st of August until the 19th of September.
• “Jesus Christ Superstar” will run at the London Palladium from the 20th of June until the 5th of September. The show will star Sam Ryder and Desmonda Cathebel and have choreography by Drew McOnie.
• New York City Centre has announced that its 2026 gala production will be “In The Heights”. The show will run from the 28th of October until the 8th of November.

Future Dance Events News

• The English National Ballet has announced its season for 2026/7 titled “A Season To Feel More”.
• “Everybody’s Talking About Jamie” will return to the UK on a 10th anniversary tour. The show will open in Leeds on the 15th of January 2027. It has choreography by Kate Prince.
• A musical stage adaptation of the film “Coyote Ugly” will come to the West End in 2027. It will be directed and choreographed by Jerry Mitchell.
• “Just For One Day; The Live Aid Musical” is to embark on a UK tour in 2027. The show has choreography by Ebony Molina.
• “Heathers the Musical” will return to the UK from Summer 2026 for a new tour. The show will have choreography by Gary Lloyd.
• A new production of “Fame” will run from the 28th of July until the 15th of August 2026 at the Theatre Royal Plymouth. It will have choreography by Tom Jackson Greaves.
• “Dirty Dancing” will be touring the UK from the summer of 2026. The show will have choreography by Austin Wilkes and open in Milton Keynes on the 27th of August 2026.
• A new revival of “Sweeny Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street” has been confirmed for this year as part of the new season from the Birmingham Rep.
• A musical version of “10 Things I Hate About You” is officially in the works. It will have choreography by Christopher Wheeldon.

Dance Auditions & Vacancies

• The London Cabaret is looking for dancers. See the company website for details.
• Princess Cruises is looking for dancers. Visit: http://www.princesscruiseentertainment.com/auditions
• The Moulin Rouge in Paris is looking for dancers. Visit the company website for more information.
• KMA is looking for dancers for the Cannes Film Festival. Contact: casting@kma-agency.com
• “Moulin Rouge! The Musical” is casting for dancers for its West End run. Applications close on the 7th of April. See the company website for details.
• London City Ballet is having an audition for its new professional development course. The audition is on the 17th of May. See the company website for further details.
• ATA is looking for Manchester / Stockport based models for a job on the 21st of April. Contact: info@artistictalentagency.com
• “The Phantom of the Opera” is looking for dancers. Visit the website for details.
• The Rambert school is looking for a full time ballet teacher. See the company website for further details.
• Thursford will hold its auditions this year on the 7 – 9 th of June at the Pineapple Dance Studios in London. For more information contact: http://www.thursfordjobs.com
• Burn The Floor is looking for dancers. Contact: casting@burnthefloor.com
• Live Entertainment UK is looking for dancers for an event in London on the 16th of April. See the company website for details.
• Crazy Horse in Paris is looking for dancers. Contact: casting@lecrazyhorseparis.com

Dance Classes

• Ashley Shaw, principle dancer with Sir Matt Bourne’s New Adventures Company, is teaching in Brighton on the 19th of April. Contact Ballet Night Masterclasses for more details.
• Jowita & Pasquale from Strictly have some dance workshops on the 12th of April at the Du Boisson Dance Studio in London.
• Ian Waite & Fitsteps have 2 masterclasses coming up. The first is on the 18th of April at Kings College in Guildford and the second is in Hemel Hempstead on the 2nd of May. You can book the classes via: http://www.fitsteps.co.uk
• Monique Jonas has a Movement and Choreography Spring Residency from the 4th – 8th of May.
• Natalie Twist has a 2 hour commercial latin workshop on the 5th of April at XY Studios in London from 12.00 – 2.00 pm. You can book via: Home | Natalie Twist
• Tracey Iliffe has a Parisian Showgirl technique class on the 16th of April from 4.30 – 6.00 pm at the Pineapple dance studios.
• Lucy Jane Adcock has a workshop in Nottingham on the 2nd of April from 10.00 am – 2.00 pm at the Dance Studio.
• Alina Cojocaru has a masterclass at the Royal Opera House on the 4th of April from 2.30 – 6.00 pm. You can book via the Vanessa Felton Masterclasses page on Instagram.
• Constance Devernay-Lawrence has a masterclass on the 12th of April at Sadler’s Wells from 1.45 – 5.00 pm. You can book via the International Ballet Intensives Instagram bio.
• The annual TGS Summer Intensive will take place on the 20th – 24th of July at the Hemingford Pavilion from 10.00 am – 3.00 pm daily. Collette Guitart and Michael Naylor will be among those teaching. You can book spaces on: jordiguitart1962@gmail.com
• Poppy Radford has a commercial class at Pineapple on Wednesdays from 3.45 – 4.45 pm and 7.00 – 8.00 pm.
• Christina Andrea has classes on Tuesday from 5.00 – 6.00 pm at Pineapple, Wednesday from 7.30 – 8.30 pm at Pineapple and Thursday from 5.00 – 6.00 pm at the Manor.
• Amy Ireland has a Tap Technique class for beginners on Fridays from 12.00 – 1.00 pm at Pineapple.
• Danielle Barton has classes on Wednesdays and Fridays at Pineapple and on Saturday at the Base Dance Studio.

Film & TV

• We spotted Abigail Choon performing at the What’s On Stage Awards at the London Palladium. The choreography was by Jo Goodwin.
• We spotted Summer Villiers and Rosalina Holmgaard performing with Zara Larsson on her US tour. The contract was with AMCK.
• We spotted Honor Roche dancing in “The Other Bennett Sister” on BBC1. The choreography was by Lucie Pankhurst and Bex Leung.
• We spotted Laura Dougan performing with Flo at the MOBO Awards.

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3 Weeks To 26/5/25

 

Birmingham Royal Ballet names new chief executive.

Paul James has been named chief executive of Birmingham Royal Ballet. He replaces Caroline Miller, who died last year.

James has been acting chief executive since December last year and was previously the company’s chief commercial officer. He will work alongside BRB director Carlos Acosta.

Birmingham Royal Ballet chair David Normington said: “I am absolutely delighted with the appointment of Paul James as chief executive. I know he combines a passion for our mission to take great ballet everywhere, with the leadership and management skills to help us meet financial and other challenges that lie ahead.”

He added: “He and Carlos Acosta will be a great team and I am looking forward to working with them both to bring exciting and ambitious programming to the widest possible audiences.”

Acosta said he was “deeply grateful” to James for his “steadfast commitment in stabilising the company following the untimely death of our much-missed CEO Caroline Miller”.

“Paul’s contribution over the past seven years has been instrumental in laying the strong foundations we have already achieved as a company, and I welcome with enthusiasm the opportunity to build on these with Paul to achieve even greater things for the company in the future,” he said.

James described it as an “honour to be asked to stand alongside Carlos Acosta and lead this extraordinary company forward”.
“These are not easy days for the arts and cultural sector, but I know just what the team here can do, and together we will continue to transform the business of ballet,” he said.

Stereophonic starts performances in the West End.

   

David Adjmi’s Tony-winning Broadway drama Stereophonic has arrived at the Duke of York’s Theatre.

Set in a music studio in California, the drama follows a Fleetwood Mac-style rock band as they record their latest album, with romantic foibles and professional tensions leading the group to the brink of breaking up, right as they’re about to blow up. The three-act, three-hour drama features songs by Will Butler of Arcade Fire.

Making up the West End company are three of the show’s longtime cast members: Eli Gelb as Grover, Andrew R Butler as Charlie, and Chris Stack as Simon. They are joined by newcomers Zachary Hart as Reg, Lucy Karczewski as Diana, Jack Riddiford as Peter and Nia Towle as Holly.

Stereophonic’s understudies are Sam Denia, Rima Georges, Lucy Gray and Steve Shirley.

The West End production of Stereophonic will be produced by Sonia Friedman Productions, Sue Wagner, John Johnson, Seaview, Linden Productions and Ashley Melone and Nick Mills.

The show is currently booking until 11 October 2025.

After making its world premiere at Playwrights Horizons in 2023, Stereophonic made history by earning 13 Tony Award nominations in June 2024, the most of any play ever.

It went on to win five Tonys, including Best Play, Best Director (Aukin), Best Featured Actor (Will Brill), Best Scenic Design (David Zinn) and Best Sound Design (Ryan Rumery).

General News & Sighting

• Performers are “routinely” earning less than they need to live on because of commissioning fees taken by agents, Equity UK members have claimed. (The Stage)
• The Scottish Institute of Theatre, Dance, Film and Television has gone into liquidation amid reports of a fraud investigation. Bath Spa University has confirmed that final year students at the Institute will be able to graduate this summer.
• Dianne Buswell and her Strictly partner Chris won the BAFTA award for the most “Memorable Moment” on TV.
• Paul James has been named as the new Chief Executive of the Birmingham Royal Ballet.
• “Little Dancer” will make its UK premiere at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane on the 27th of July. It will star Tiler Peck who is a Principle dancer with the New York City Ballet and have choreography by Susan Stroman.
• Lead casting for the upcoming tour of “The Bodyguard” has been revealed. Adam Garcia will star as Frank Farmer and Sidonie Smith as Rachel Marron. The tour will launch in Birmingham on the 20th of September.
• Birmingham Royal Ballet announced the return of “Black Sabbath – The Ballet”. The new tour will begin in Birmingham on the 18th of September.
• Lead casting has been revealed for the stage adaptation of “50 First Dates”. The show will be choreographed by Casey Nicholaw and star Georgina Castle and Josh St Clair. It will open at the Other Palace theatre on the 14th of September.
• The Curve theatre in Leicester announced the cast for its new production of “The Sound of Music”. The show will star Molly Lynch and David Seadon-Young and have choreography by Ebony Molina. It will run from the 22nd of November until the 11th of January 2026.

Future Dance Events News

• The cast for the new Steps musical “Here and Now” has been announced. It has choreography by Matt Cole and will tour the UK from August until May 2026.
• A musical version of “10 Things I Hate About You” is officially in the works. It will have choreography by Christopher Wheeldon.
• “Burlesque” will play in the West End this summer. It will open at the Savoy Theatre on the 10th of July.
• The National Theatre’s “Ballet Shoes” will return over Christmas. The choreography is by Ellen Kane.
• “Prescilla Queen of the Desert” will embark on an International tour from February 2026, opening at the Palace Theatre in Manchester. The choreography is by Matt Cole.
• “Young Frankenstein” will receive its regional premiere at the Hope Mill theatre in Manchester from the 10th of October until the 30th of November. It will be directed and choreographed by Nick Winston.
• “Hercules” will open at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane on the 6th of June 2025. It will star Luke Brady and have choreography by Casey Nicholaw and Tanisha Scott.
• The world premiere of the new musical “Alfred Hitchcock Presents” will be staged in Bath in the Spring of 2025.
• “Moulin Rouge! The Musical” is set to embark on a world tour in 2025. The new production will launch in the UK while its West End staging will continue its run at the Piccadilly theatre.
• A stage musical based on Prince’s film and album “Purple Rain” is in the works with producer Orin Wolf.
• “Some Like It Hot” is coming to the West End in 2025. It will be directed and choreographed by Casey Nicholaw.

Auditions & Vacancies

• Megan Rolinson at D2 Studios is looking for a Contemporary dance teacher. Contact: d2studios.enquiries@gmail.com
• New English Ballet Theatre has an audition on the 2nd of July at the Royal Opera House in London. It is by invitation only. You can apply to: audition@nebt.co.uk
• Skin London has an agency audition on the 10th of June. Apply to: agency@skinlondon.com by the 30th of May.
• ATA has an agency audition on the 28th of May in London. Contact: info@artistictalentagency.com
• Headliners Theatre Company is holding open auditions from the 2nd until the 5th of June at the Pineapple Studios looking for dancers for P&O and Cunard. Visit the company’s Instagram page for further details.
• Crystal Hantig is looking for male dancers over 6 ft tall for a contract in Cannes this summer. You can DM Crystal on her Instagram.
• Variations Academy in Gloucestershire is looking for an Acro teacher. You can DM the academy on its Instagram account.
• ATA is looking for male dancers for cruise ship contracts. Contact: info@artistictalent.com
• Industry Warehouse is looking for a Musical Theatre teacher in SE London for Saturday mornings from 10.00am – 1.00 pm. Contact: info@theindustrywarehouse.com
• Dolce Riviera Parties are looking for dancers for 2/3 month contracts in St Tropez. Contact: casting.drparties@gmail.com

Dance Classes

• Josie Lee has an Intensive training day on the 29th of August at the Base Dance Studios from 12.00 – 5.00 pm. You can DM Josie to book.
• Monique Jonas has a 1 1/2 hour Contemporary technique class on the 5th and 6th of June from 10.00 – 11.30 am at Dance Works in London.
• Dollie Henry MBE has her BOP Jazz classes every Friday from the 9th of May from 12.30 – 3.30 pm. Contact Dollie on: info@bop.org.uk
• The Lukas McFarlane Intensive will take place from the 16th of September until the 25th of September. For more information visit: Lukas McFarlane | Choreographer & Creative
• Kira Malou, star of “Dirty Dancing” in the West End, has an adult ballet class at St Marks School in Southampton on Mondays from 8.15 – 9.15 pm. You can direct message Kira on her Instagram account to book.
• Gaz Davis is running his annual “The Programme” on the 4th, 5th & 6th of August. You can apply via Gaz’s Instagram account.
• Laura Jane Fenney has a Jazz class at Pineapple every Saturday at 6.00 pm.
• Cora Jay has new dance classes at Dance City in Newcastle on Mondays and Thursdays. You can contact Cora on her Instagram account.
• The TGS Summer Intensive will take place this year from the 28th of July until the 1st of August. Christina Andrea and Jordi Guitart are 2 of this years teachers.
• Lizzie McConachie has a Commercial class at Pineapple Dance Studios every Monday at 7.30 pm.
• Wallis Pipe has a Heels class at Pineapple on Mondays from 7.00 – 8.00 pm.
• Natalie Twist has a Sexy R n B class at Pineapple every Wednesday from 8.00 – 9.00 pm.
• Jenny Thomas is holding 2 workshops (Charleston and Salsa) at the Berkshire Ballroom on the 9th of July. You can book places via: http://www.berkshireballroom.co.uk
• David Anderson is teaching at the Base Dance Studios on Tuesdays from 5.30 – 6.55 pm.
• Lucy Jane Adcock is doing regular classes at the Manor in London at 11.00 am on Wednesdays and at the Base Studios on Sundays at 11.30 am.
• Amy Ireland has a Beginners Tap class at Pineapple Dance Studios on Fridays from 10.00 am – 12.00pm.
• Christina Andrea has Commercial classes at Pineapple on Tuesdays from 5.00 – 6.00 pm and on Wednesdays from 7.30 – 8.30 pm. Christina also has a class at Base Studios on Thursdays from 2.30 – 4.00 pm.

Film & TV

• A recording of the theatre show “Frozen” will be released on Disney Plus on the 20th of June. The show was recorded at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane last year.
• We spotted Nicole Alphonce, Charlotte Bazeley and Hannah Veerapen performing on the Inter Stellar Song Contest on BBC1’s “Doctor Who”.
• We spotted Lizzie McConachie and Victoria Mudima performing with Alexandra Burke at Birmingham Pride.
• We spotted the following dancers performing at the VE Day celebrations on BBC1: Ruby Hood, Louise Eagles, Danny Coburn, Emily Grimsey, Hannah Cowan, Mason Boyce, Hannah Levitt-Collins & Jo Dyce. The choreography was by Mark Jennings and Majella Fitzgerald. The contract was with Mass Movement.
• We spotted Jess Khan in the new “Mission Impossible” movie.
• We spotted the following dancers performing with Olly Murs at the Women’s FA Cup Final at Wembley: Renae Hughes, Ruby Hood, Oluwatosin, Austyn Farrell, Danny Coburn, Jorgie Vaughan & Martha Gimson. The choreography was by Mark Jennings and the contract was with Mass Movement.
• We spotted Ruby Rose Wilkinson performing on “Britain’s Got Talent” with Diversity.
• We spotted Emma Rowbotham-Hunt performing with Steps on “Britain’s Got Talent”.
• We spotted Grace Stevens performing with the resident dancers on Eurovision 2025. The contract was with AMCK.

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Our Pro Dancer News reflects on the major dance events of the last month.

Strictly Come Dancing return date confirmed – and there’s not long to wait!

    

The BBC has confirmed the return date of Strictly Come Dancing and fans can already start applying for tickets for the live shows.

BBC Strictly’s hotly anticipated return date has been announced, and fans are already buzzing with the chance to snap up tickets.

After a whirlwind of drama surrounding the beloved dance show, including Amanda Abbington, 50, labelling pro dancer Giovanni Pernice, 33, as “cruel” and “abusive” during their training – a claim he firmly rejects – the future of Strictly seemed uncertain.

Devoted viewers expressed fears that it might face the chop amidst the turmoil, but now all worries can be laid to rest as the air date is locked in, and ticket applications are open. Straight from the BBC’s ‘Be in the audience’ page comes the thrilling announcement: “Strictly Come Dancing is back! The stunning 22nd series returns, bringing glamour and show-stopping dancing back to Saturday nights on BBC One.”

The dazzling line-up includes the chic Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman taking the helm as hosts, while the discerning panel comprised of Shirley Ballas, Anton Du Beke, Craig Revel Horwood, and Motsi Mabuse pass their judgement.

The series will be broadcasting live from Elstree Studios, sprinkled with a special episode from Blackpool’s iconic Tower Ballroom.

The Launch Show kicks off on the 14th September , and for fans eager to join the glittering audience, here are the dates you could get tickets for at Elstree Studios: September 21 and 28; October 5, 12, 19, 26; November 2, 9, 23, 30; and December 7 and 14. For those hoping to catch the magic at Blackpool, mark your calendars for Saturday, November 16.

Tickets for the shows will be allocated via a random draw, with applications open until 10pm on September 2. Fans can apply for up to one pair of tickets per recording, and successful applicants will receive tickets for only one show.

People are encouraged to apply only if they intend to use the tickets themselves. Strictly enthusiasts have been on edge about the possibility of next year’s live tours being cancelled, but this latest update is sure to lift spirits.

Amidst rumours and concerns over Giovanni’s conduct on Strictly, fans are eagerly awaiting a verdict that could shake the future of the beloved dance series.

The annual tradition sees stars from the show join the professional dancers on a UK tour, thrilling audiences with their live performances. Additionally, there’s a separate tour showcasing the incredible talent of the Strictly professionals.

With scant details about the anticipated tours, one concerned fan took to Reddit to express their uncertainty: “I’m curious if there’s going to be a Strictly The Professionals or a Strictly live tour next year. Usually they would have announced it and probably had tickets on sale before now. A lot of the pros also seem to be doing their own solo shows next year.”

Yet another viewer suggested patience, noting that such announcements typically come in October, as they responded: “They normally aren’t announced until October.”

The Strictly Come Dancing tour website, a joint venture between Stage Entertainment UK and Phil McIntyre Live in association with the BBC, teases: “Announcement on 2025 tour coming soon!”

Derby dance company Déda announces liquidation.

Derby-based dance company Déda has announced it is entering voluntary insolvency because of “significant financial pressures”.

The Arts Council England-funded charity – which runs a dance and movement venue as well as co-producing the annual Derby Festé festival – said it had become “impossible” to continue operations, with rising costs outpacing a slow recovery in audience numbers since the pandemic.

The liquidation is a “severe blow to our town’s cultural landscape” said one Derby resident who is campaigning for government and local council intervention to save the venue.

Former Déda chief executive and artistic director of Derby Festé, Steve Slater, described a “battle to make ends meet” back in May, when the organisation was forced to cancel the 2024 festival due to the “biting” cost-of-living crisis.

Despite this, Déda’s team called the dance company’s voluntary insolvency “news we never thought we would have to share”.

“The pandemic posed extraordinary challenges for cultural organisations worldwide, and Déda has not been immune,” a statement on the company’s website says.

“Audience numbers have not rebounded at the pace needed to offset the rising operational costs. This has placed an unsustainable strain on our resources, making it impossible to continue our operations in the current form.”

While trustees remain hopeful that a solution will be found to avoid closure of the venue by working with stakeholders and partners, Déda acknowledged that the livelihoods of its employees and artists had been jeopardised by the decision.

“It is our sincere hope that another cultural organisation in Derby will step forward to continue our dance programme and the good work we have started,” its statement concludes.

Déda’s chair, Corey Mwamba, has promised to help Derby’s arts community “move forward together”, while an Arts Council England spokesperson said the funding body would work with Derby City Council to “help to ensure the best outcome in this difficult situation”.

Déda’s most recent filing to Companies House last December maintained that the organisation was in a “strong cash position” despite an “astronomical” hike in energy bills, but noted that financial woes had proved stressful and damaged staff morale.

A petition to “save Derby’s main dance centre” in the wake of the liquidation has already gained more than 2,800 signatures.

The petition’s creator, Camille Mauduit, wrote: “The need of the hour is for the government and local council to intervene and establish a maintainable financial plan that would preserve Déda.

“We are not merely advocating for a dance centre; we are rallying for a cornerstone of our community that enriches the life and soul of Derby.”

I Wish You Well: The Gwyneth Paltrow Ski-Trial Musical announces West End transfer.

(Diana Vickers as Gwyneth Paltrow,)

I Wish You Well: The Gwyneth Paltrow Ski-Trial Musical is heading to the West End.

The Edinburgh Fringe hit, which received a positive review from WhatsOnStage, will run at the Criterion Theatre from 11 September to 12 October 2024. It plays its final performance at Underbelly in Edinburgh this Monday, 26 August.

Penned by Roger Dipper and Rick Pearson, I Wish You Well is a four-hander parody that revolves around the infamous celebrity trial of Gwyneth Paltrow vs Terry Sanderson, following a ski slope collision.

The full Edinburgh cast is set to return for the West End run, including Diana Vickers (Dial M for Murder) as Gwyneth, Marc Antolin (Quiz) as Terry, Tori Allen-Martin (Wild About You) as Kristin and Idriss Kargbo (Wicked) as Judge Jude.

The production is directed by Shiv Rabheru and choreographed by Arlene Phillips, with musical direction by Debbi Clarke. It is produced by Paul Taylor-Mills.

BBC Strictly Come Dancing’s Kai Widdrington ‘pleased to announce’ as he reveals move after co-star ‘split’

Strictly Come Dancing star Kai Widdrington has revealed he’s own solo move after reports of a ‘split’ with co-star Nadiya Bychkova. The dancer is currently preparing for his return to the ballroom after he was announced back in June in the line-up of professional dancers returning for the 2024 series.

Last year, Kai was partnered with broadcasting legend Angela Rippon with the pair making it through to the iconic Blackpool week. The pair later headed on the Strictly Come Dancing Live 2024 tour which took place in arenas up and down the country earlier this year.

But it has now been a few weeks since the Strictly dancer began work on the upcoming series. Last month, they joined creative director Jason Gilkinson in rehearsals as they prepared the string of pro numbers that will feature throughout the series and set to be pre-recorded later this month.

But amid the hard work ahead of Strictly’s return next month (September), Kai wanted to share some news with his fans and so he took to Instagram to confirm his new show.

The 28-year-old revealed she will be hitting the road on a solo tour next year, titled EVOLUTION, which will be stopping at venues in Swansea, Doncaster, Leicester, Dublin, Belfast and Dublin in May and June 2025.

Alongside a post for the show, Kai wrote on Instagram: “Are you ready… I’m so pleased to announce I’m back for my own solo headline tour next year, it’s going to be bigger and better than ever! EVOLUTION…

“I’m looking forward to seeing old friends and new faces for more fun, laughter and dancing. I’m also pleased to say – Ireland I’m coming back to see you!! See you in 2025.”

General News & Sighting

• Enrolment in arts GCSE’s has “collapsed” by almost half since 2010, with performing arts and dance subjects suffering the biggest decline in uptake this year. (The Stage)
• Derby based dance company DEDA has announced that it is entering voluntary insolvency because of “significant financial pressures”.
• Janette Manrara will be discussing her new book “Tiny Dancer, Big World” on the 13th of September at Pilrig St Paul’s Church in Edinburgh at 7.00 pm.
• Amy Dowden announced the publishing of her book “Dancing In The Rain”.
• Kai Widdrington announced his “Evolution” tour will open in May 2025.
• The Royal Ballet has appointed Stuart Cassidy as Repetiteur to the Principle artists.
• New musical “Lizzie” has revealed its full company. It will star Kayleigh McKnight, Katie Tonkinson and Jennifer Caldwell. The choreography is by William Whelton and Yandass Ndlovu.The production will run from the 17th of October until the 17th of November at the Hope Mill theatre.
• The new Steps musical “Here and Now” announced its complete cast. It will star Rebecca Lock and Hiba Elchikhe and has choreography by Matt Cole and Jane McMurtrie. The show will run at Birmingham’s Alexandre theatre from the 9th of November until the 30th of November.
• “I Wish You Well” the Gwyneth Paltrow Ski Trial musical is moving from Edinburgh to the West End. It will run at the Criterion Theatre from the 11th of September until the 12th of October. The show stars Diana Vickers as Gwyneth and has choreography by Dame Arlene Phillips.
• Full casting has been announced for “Cake” which is set to run at The Other Palace from the 13th of September until the 10th of November. The show will star Zizi Strallen and Renee Lamb and have choreography by Drew McOnie and Christopher Tendai.
• Complete casting has been revealed for the UK premiere of “SuperYou” which will open at the Curve theatre in Leicester on the 22nd of October. The show will star Vicki Manser and Will Bozier and have choreography by JoAnn M Hunter and Will Bozier.

Future Dance Events News

• “Clueless” is coming to the West End. The show will have choreography by Kelly Devine and will open at the Trafalgar theatre on the 15th of February 2025.
• The world premiere of the new musical “Alfred Hitchcock Presents” will be staged in Bath in the Spring of 2025.
• “The Lightening Thief” is set to open at The Other Palace in London from the 23rd of November until the 2nd of February 2025. It will be directed and choreographed by Lizzie Gee.
• “Bat Out of Hell” has revealed tour dates and venues for its 2025 tour. The show will star Glenn Adamson and Katie Tonkinson and has choreography by Xenia Gusthart. The show will open in Edinburgh on the 6th of January 2025.
• Disney’s animated classic “Hercules” is headed for the Theatre Royal Drury Lane in the Summer of 2025. It will have choreography by Casey Nicholaw and Tanisha Scott.
• The UK premiere of “Natasha, Pierre and the Great Comet of 1812” will take place at the Donmar Warehouse on the 7th of December. The show has choreography by Ellen Kane.
• The Curve Theatre in Leicester has announced the UK premiere of “Muriel’s Wedding The Musical”. The show will be choreographed by Andrew Hallsworth and will run from the 10th of April until the 10th of May 2025.
• The world premiere of “Wild Rose” will run from the 6th of March until the 5th of April 2025 at the Lyceum theatre in Scotland. It has choreography by Steven Hoggett.
• “Calamity Jane” will tour the UK and Ireland before a West End run in 2025. It has choreography by Nick Winston.
• The Leeds Playhouse will host the world premiere of “Coraline – A Musical” from the 11th of April to the 11th of May 2025 before the show embarks on a UK tour. The choreography is by EJ Boyle.
• “Moulin Rouge! The Musical” is set to embark on a world tour in 2025. The new production will launch in the UK while its West End staging will continue its run at the Piccadilly theatre.
• The musical “Lizzie” will return to the Hope Mill theatre in Manchester from the 17th of October until the 11th of November. It is directed and choreographed by William Whelton with associate choreography by Yandass Ndlovu.
• “Mary Poppins” announced a new UK tour. It will star Stefanie Jones and Jack Chambers and have choreography by Sir Matt Bourne and Stephen Mear. The show will open on the 4th of November at the Bristol Hippodrome.
• “Magic at the Musicals” will return to the Royal Albert Hall on the 22nd of September. Participating in the event so far are: “Hadestown”, “Mamma Mia”, “Six” & “Tina – The Tina Turner Musical”.
• “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat” is set to return for a new tour starring Donny Osmond. It will open at the Edinburgh Playhouse on the 3rd of December. The choreography is by JoAnn M Hunter.
• A stage musical based on Prince’s film and album “Purple Rain” is in the works with producer Orin Wolf.
• “The Wizard of Oz” has confirmed the full cast for its tour of the UK and Ireland. The choreography is by Shay Barclay. The show will open in Liverpool on the 13th of December 2024.
• “Some Like It Hot” is coming to the West End in 2025. It will be directed and choreographed by Casey Nicholaw.
• Full casting has been revealed for the first UK and Ireland tour of “Aladdin”. Gavin Adams will star with Desmonda Cathabel as Jasmine. Sarah Benbelaid is the Assistant Dance Captain. The show will open in Edinburgh in October.

Auditions & Vacancies

• House of Pyramid is looking for freestyle dancers for an event in London on the 15th of September. For more information email: info@houseofpyramid.co.uk
• Unlimited, in partnership with Sadlers Wells, is offering 2 UK Partner Awards of £15,000 and £60,000 to disabled artists based in England. The application deadline is the 30th of September.
• Addict Dance Academy is looking for dance teachers in Jazz, Ballet and Contemporary. Send you CV to: gareth@addictdanceacademy.co.uk
• Lauren Gore is looking for tap dancers who also dance commercial for a celebrity cruise contract. You can send your CV and any footage to Lauren via her Instagram link.
• AJK is looking for dance couples (male & female) for a commercial shoot in Europe on the 10 – 12th of September. Contact: info@ajkagency.com
• BPA Camden is looking for a Contemporary and Street dance teacher to join the team on Saturdays. For more information, email: bpacamden@gmail.com
• CAPA College is looking for a Commercial / Jazz dance teacher and a Classical dance teacher. Look at the website for more details.
• Scottish Ballet is looking for 2 female and 2 male dancers. Look at the website for details.
• ZooNation is looking for dancers for the period of October until December. Visit the website for details.

Dance Classes

• Mica Bradbury, Soloist with the Royal Ballet, has an “Alice’s Adventures In Wonderland” workshop at the Royal Opera House on the 6th of October. You can email Mica for more details on: micabeau@gmail.com
• Christina Mittelmaier has started Ballet classes at Pineapple Studios in London every Thursday.
• Victoria Martin and Vincent Simone have a weekend of Argentine Tango and Latin Dance at the Dunadry Hotel in Templepatrick from the 24th to the 27th of January. You can book on: Home | NI Dancesport | Northern Ireland UK
• Danielle Cato has a workshop on the 26th of October from 1.30 – 5.00 pm at the Landport Community Centre in Portsmouth. For more information, you can contact: meghannbuckley@aol.co.uk
• Chelsie Fitzharris has a Dance Fit class every Tuesday from 6.30 – 7.15 pm at the Measham Leisure Centre.
• Emily Rose has a Commercial class on the 8th of December at 2.30 pm at the Manor studios in London.
• Aimee Worth has a pop-up Jazz class at the Manor in London on the 6th of October at 12.30 pm.
• Serena McCall is doing a Contemporary Fusion workshop in Krakow, Poland, on the 7th & 8th of December.
• Erin Boag and Vincent Simone will do a Tango masterclass at the Kingston Workmen’s Club on the 19th of September. You can book tickets on: http://www.erinboag.com/tango
• Tyra Roberts is doing a Commercial Choreography dance class at John Reed Fitness in London every Tuesday at 6.30 pm.
• Amy Ireland has weekly classes on Fridays at 10.00 am at the Pineapple Dance Studios in London.
• Keith and Judy Clifton have a new beginners class on Thursdays at the Grimsby Town Hall from 7.30 – 8.30 pm. Contact: keith.clifton@icloud.com
• Lizzie McConachie has a commercial class on Mondays at Pineapple Studios from 7.30 – 8.30 pm.
• Aimee Casey has an Adult Ballet class at Flame Studios in Cardiff on Fridays from 6.30 – 7.30 pm.
• Lucy Jane Adcock has 2 weekly classes at the Base dance studios in London on Sundays at 11.30 am and on Wednesdays at 10.00 am.
• Christina Andrea has a Commercial Edge class at Base Studios on Thursdays from 2.30 – 4.00 pm.
• Beth Ackroyd is doing an Adult Ballet class at the Fresh Ground in Battersea on Thursdays from 11.00 am – 12.00 pm. You can contact Beth on: beth.lauren@live.com
• Veronika Wiktoria is starting a Street Jazz class every Monday at 5.30 pm at the Base dance studios with Ralitsa Chepisheva.
• Lil J is offering a sassy Commercial class at the Pineapple Dance Studios on Tuesdays at 4.15 pm. You can book on the Pineapple app.
• Dominique Marinho is teaching a Beginners Heels class on Tuesdays at Pineapple Studios from 3.45 – 4.45 pm.

Film & TV

• “Wicked” released a brand new trailer for the first movie.
• The hit 2021 film “In The Heights” has been added to the BBC iplayer.
• We spotted the following dancers in the new “Beetlejuice” movie: Nicole Alphonce, Ebony Clarke, Saffron Fisher, Yasmin Harrison, MacKenzie Hunt and Andrew Lyle.
• We spotted the following dancers performing with Zara Larsson at The Hundred Final: Zhane Samuels, Alex Novelli, Summer Villiers, Broghan Woods & Mari Macleod. The choreography was by Jay Revell.
• We spotted the following dancers performing with Rita Ora at the Lovestream Festival in Slovakia: Zadie Amelia, Lashay Harvey, Elise Clinton, Emma Nielsenn, Kenzie Hunt & Pippa Atkinson.
• We spotted the following dancers performing on “The Voice”: Mari Macleod, Angel Grace Wharmby, Toni Paise & Harrison Creech. The choreography was by Jerry Reeve and Lukas McFarlane and the agency was Kutes.
• We spotted Anjula Kelly performing with Carrie Underwood in Las Vegas.

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All the latest news from Dincwear Pro Dancewear.

BBC Strictly’s Shirley Ballas supports ‘gentleman’ Giovanni Pernice amid Amanda Abbington ‘feud’.

 

Strictly Come Dancing judge Shirley Ballas has addressed the reported feud between pro dancer Giovanni Pernice and his latest show partner Amanda Abbington.

The Head Judge on the BBC series threw support behind Giovanni, calling him a “gentlemen” and a “splendid teacher” as she was quizzed about an apparent falling out between the pairing. Amid reports actress Amanda was left “broken and saddened” by her time on the show, Shirley had her say on the reports.

Sherlock star Amanda left the BBC dance competition in week five due to “medical reasons” in October 2023. In recent weeks it was reported that she sought professional help due to the “behaviour she was exposed to” while part of the series.

The actress reportedly sought legal advice to obtain backstage footage of their rehearsals after being diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder following her exit from the show. Giovanni recently took to social media to thank fans and loved ones for their support amid a new venture away from the BBC show.

The BBC are supporting Giovanni after the claims, with the allegations deemed “excessive”. The BBC did respond to claims regarding Amanda and the request for footage, remarking that duty of care is taken “incredibly seriously”.

Now, Strictly judge and Giovanni’s co-star Shirley has addressed the matter, and she threw support behind the pro dancer. Speaking on Lorraine on Monday, host Lorraine said: “We had all this stuff about Giovanni and clearly, there were some problems with his partner last year.

“Of course it’s very well documented, there’s been an investigation. It’s fine, but the pros do want to win don’t they, and they want to get the best out of their partner?” Shirley replied: “I have known Giovanni for many, many years and he is an absolutely splendid teacher.

“My only ever experience with him is that of an absolute gentleman. He serves the show well and gives 100 percent, but you know…” Lorraine added: “Sometimes partnerships just don’t work, we see that everywhere, on TV, everywhere.”

Shirley then interjected: “But you know all these shows, Strictly, they’re tough shows. So when you sign up for a show like that you kinda know what you are getting into, it’s been on the screen for 20 odd years, it’s quite difficult to do the show.”

A source recently told The Press Media on the story: “The feeling is he is a tough taskmaster, but hasn’t bullied or abused anyone. The BBC see him as a key face of Strictly and will do all they can to support him.”

}—–{

Strictly’s Ellie Leach and Vito Coppola signed up for This Morning by ITV.

Strictly Come Dancing champions Ellie Leach and Vito Coppola have been ‘snapped up’ by ITV for high profile roles on This Morning.

It’s now been close to a month since ex Coronation Street actress Ellie and 2022 finalist Vito won the Glitterball trophy, having gone into December’s Strictly final as the red hot favourites to win. After an unfortunate error with a lift in their Show Dance, Ellie and Vito actually finished bottom of the leaderboard on the night, but with the judges’ scores just a guide in the final, emerged victorious after topping the public vote.

The couple spent Christmas and New Year apart, as Ellie headed back to Manchester to celebrate with family and friends and Vito jetted back to Italy for the festive period but, they will now be spending a lot of time together, as they and many of the Strictly co-stars hit the road for the show’s annual live tour. The dates kick off in Birmingham in just over a week’s time, before wrapping up at London’s famous O2 Arena.

And, aside from that, ITV viewers will also be seeing a lot more of Ellie and Vito as, they announced on Wednesday’s This Morning, that they’d signed up to Be dance teachers to three couples who wanted to learn how to dance. Right at the start of their interview with hosts Craig Doyle and Josie Gibson, Ellie remarked: “I’m apparently, going to be turning into a teacher. We are going to give three couples some dancing lessons.”

She continued: “You know when couples go to an event, a wedding, a birthday and you’re always trying to get one of them up to dance. My mum always does it to my dad. We’re going to show them some moves,” as Vito added: “Everyone can dance.”

}—–{

The Masked Singer’s Rat leaves panel ‘gobsmacked’ Strictly icon axed.

Rat caused quite a stir as they were voted off The Masked Singer on Saturday night, with none of the panel guessing that they were none other than Strictly Come Dancing judge Shirley Ballas.

One of the most fun acts in the new series of the ITV show, Rat was back in action in this weekend’s third episode, performing an entertaining rendition of childhood favourite Nellie The Elephant, as regular stars Davina McCall, Jonathan Ross and Mo Gilligan and guest star Olly Murs were very divided on who could be the celeb inside the eye-catching costume. Olly guessed at Kerry Katona, while Davina went for Killing Eve actress Jodie Comer and Jonathan eventually went for another Josie, Doctor Who and Time star Jodie Whittaker.

Strictly head judge Shirley’s name never once came into contention, so when the panel sent Rat packing from The Masked Singer, in favour of Dippy Egg, there were gasps as the mask came off to reveal the dance champion underneath. Every one of them looked in total shock as they saw Shirley standing in front of them, with her quickly out on the spot about how some of the clues linked her to Rat.

She explained that the clue about being in ‘danger’ was about her climbing Kilimanjaro, while the appearance of a tattoo gun in Rat’s second VT was in reference to her having a number of hidden tattoos on her bottom. Just like the panel, plenty of viewers at home were blown away by Rat being Shirley, despite Rat’s very obvious Scouse accent being a clear nod to Shirley’s Merseyside roots.

Talking about managing to evade detection from the panel and what she thought of their guesses, Shirley said: “I thought the guesses from the panel were actually rather spectacular. They compared me to actors and singers, all sorts, and never got any of the clues! I was very surprised about Jonathan. I mean, Jonathan’s a friend of mine.

}—–{

Shucked musical to be adapted into a film.

The Broadway hit Shucked will be adapted for the big screen.

Announced on stage during the show’s final performance in New York, the comedy will be made into a film by Mandalay Pictures, who have worked on the likes of Air, The Voices and Enemy at the Gates.

With a book by 2023 Tony Award nominee and Tony Award winner Robert Horn (who will now pen the screenplay), music and lyrics by 2023 Tony Award nominees and Drama Desk Award winners Brandy Clark and Shane McAnally, and direction by 2023 Tony Award nominee and three-time Tony Award winner Jack O’Brien, the piece opened on Broadway last March. It will be hosted at a Cameron Mackintosh venue in London in the next year or so, according to reports in 2023.

Set in a rural community isolated from the world by a wall of economy-driving corn stalks, Shucked follows what happens when the crop begins to fail, and a young woman leaves behind Cob County to try and find someone who can save her town. The show has received rave reviews in New York, being described by our sibling site as “a shucking good time.”

Choreography is by Sarah O’Gleby, and music supervision, music direction, orchestrations, and arrangements by 2023 Tony Award nominee Jason Howland, the design team for Shucked includes 2023 Tony Award nominee and Tony Award winner Scott Pask (scenic design), 2023 Drama Desk Award nominee Tilly Grimes (costume design), Tony Award nominee Japhy Weideman (lighting design), Tony Award winner and 2023 Drama Desk Award nominee John Shivers (sound design), Academy Award-winner and Emmy Award winner Mia Neal (wig design), and Stephen Kopel, C12 Casting (casting director).

Casting, dates and more details about the film are to be revealed.

}—–{

General News & Sighting

• Sir Matt Bourne’s “Swan Lake” will return for its 30th Anniversary with a tour in 2024/5. The tour will begin at the Theatre Royal in Plymouth on the 11th of November.
• The Strictly Live Tour opens today in Birmingham. It will visit Liverpool, Manchester, Glasgow and London. The Tour features Ellie & Vito, Bobby & Dianne, Layton & Nikita, Annabel & Graziano, Angela Rippon & Kai and Angela Scanlon & Carlos.
• “MJ The Musical” announced its complete cast. Myles Frost will star as Michael Jackson.The show will open at the Prince Edward theatre on the 6th of March. The choreography is by Christopher Wheeldon and the dance captain is Travis Kerry.
• The Economist reported that Broadway is struggling with rising costs and smaller audiences. Attendance is down 17% from the pre-pandemic figures and the box office takings are down 27% in 2023 compared with 2019 (adjusted for inflation). It also mentions that the average price of a ticket on Broadway is $160!.
• The Royal Ballet has announced details about its forthcoming festival of New Choreography, opening in February.
• The “Burlesque” stage musical announced new dates plus a Glasgow run. It will open at the Glasgow Theatre Royal from the 11th until the 28th of September and then play at the Manchester Opera House from the 3rd of October until the 2nd of November. It is then planning to transfer to the West End. The show is directed and choreographed by Nick Winston.
• Luba and Vito from Strictly headline a Charity Dance Show at Dudley Town Hall on the 9th of April at 7.30 pm. You can get tickets at: http://www.mpvtickets.com
• Choreographer Russell Maliphant has described broadcasts of dance productions as a “vital” way to boost access to people who would not normally be able to watch shows in a theatre. (The Stage)
• Gorka Marquez has announced that he will be one of the judges on the Spanish version of Strictly.
• Jessica Daley stepped in to save a performance of “Evita” at the Curve theatre in Leicester with just 2 hours rehearsal!
• West End Live 2024 will take place on the 22nd & 23rd of June at Trafalgar Square in Central London.
• The “Little Shop of Horrors” revealed the full cast for its UK tour. It will star Laura Jane Matthewson and Oliver Mawdsley. The movement direction is by Sundeep Sani. The show will open at the New Wolsey theatre on the 1st of March.
• The cast has been confirmed for the “Clueless” musical ahead of its developmental UK run at the Churchill theatre in Bromley from the 12th until the 24th of February. Emma Flynn Bespolka will star as Cher.
• Ernst Meisner has been appointed Deputy Director of Talent Development at the Dutch National Ballet.

Future Dance Events News

• A stage musical based on Prince’s film and album “Purple Rain” is in the works with producer Orin Wolf.
• “Kiss Me, Kate” will run at the Barbican theatre in London from the 4th of June until the 14th of September. It will star Adrian Dunbar and Stephanie J Block and be choreographed by Anthony Van Laast.
• Luba and Vito from Strictly headline a Charity Dance Show at Dudley Town Hall on the 9th of April at 7.30 pm. You can get tickets at: http://www.mpvtickets.com
• Casting for the UK premiere of “Bhangra Nation” has been announced. It will star Zaynah Ahmed and Gregory Armand. The choreography is by Rujuta Vaidya and Rebecca Howell. The show will run at the Birmingham Rep from the 17th of February to the 16th of March 2024.
• The European premiere of “Your Lie in April” will take place at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane on the 8th & 9th of April 2024. It will be directed and choreographed by Nick Winston. The casting director is Harry Blumenau.
• Nick Winston will be directing the world premiere of the new musical “Wild About You” at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane on the 25th & 26th of March 2024. It will star Eric McCormack.
• “The Wizard of Oz” has confirmed the full cast for its tour of the UK and Ireland. The choreography is by Shay Barclay. The show will open in Liverpool on the 13th of December 2024.
• “Standing at the Sky’s Edge” has confirmed the initial casting for its 2024 West End transfer. It has choreography by Lynne Page and will run at the Gillian Lynne theatre from the 8th of February 2024.
• Nick Winston and Ryan Lee Seager will be directing and choreographing the world premiere of “Burlesque The Musical” – which has Christina Aguilera as an Executive Director. The show will open at the Manchester Opera House on the 13th of June 2024.
• “Clueless The Musical” will have a developmental run at the Churchill theatre in Bromley from the 12th – 24th of February 2024.
• “Mean Girls” is coming to the Savoy Theatre in June 2024.
• A touring musical version of “101 Dalmations” will open in Wimbledon on the 22nd of June 2024.
• “& Juliet” will embark on a UK tour from the 8th of July 2024. The choreographer is Jennifer Weber.
• “The Devil Wears Prada” has confirmed its West End run and UK premiere. It will be directed and choreographed by Jerry Mitchell and be cast by Jill Green. The show will open in Plymouth on the 9th of July 2024.
• “Bonnie and Clyde The Musical” has announced the initial cast and tour dates for 2024. Katie Tonkinson will star as Bonnie Parker.
• “Starlight Express” is to return to London in the Summer of 2024. It will be choreographed by Ashley Nottingham.
• The world premiere of the new British musical “Cable Street” is to open at the Southwark Playhouse on the 16th of February 2024. The choreography is by Melody Sinclair.
• “Some Like It Hot” is coming to the West End in 2025. It will be directed and choreographed by Casey Nicholaw.
• Full casting has been revealed for the first UK and Ireland tour of “Aladdin”. Gavin Adams will star with Desmonda Cathabel as Jasmine. Sarah Benbelaid is the Assistant Dance Captain. The show will open in Edinburgh in October.
• The 2024 Mighty Hoopla Big Weekender has announced its line up led by: Natalie Imbruglia, Cascada and Gabrielle.
• “Shucked” will open in the West End in 2024. The choreographer is Sarah O’Gleby.
• “Come From Away” announced a UK and Ireland tour beginning in Leicester on the 1st of March 2024. The production is being cast by Pippa Ailion and Natalie Gallacher. The choreography is by Tara Wilkinson and Kirsty Malpas with Richard Hinds. The Dance Captain is Angeline Bell.
• “Hadestown” will open at the Lyric Theatre in the West End on the 10th of February 2024. The choreographer is David Neumann.
• The new musical “Starter for Ten” will premiere in Bristol next year at the Old Vic theatre from the 29th of February until the 30th of March 2024.
• “The King And I” will return to the West End in early 2024 starring Helen George and Darren Lee.
• “Sister Act – The Musical” will return to the Dominion theatre in the West End on the 15th of March 2024. It will star Beverley Knight and Alexandra Burke. The choreography is by Alistair David.
• The lead cast has been unveiled for “We Will Rock You” opening in the West End. It will star Lee Mead and Brenda Edwards.
• “Jesus Christ Superstar” will tour the UK in 2023/4 opening in Manchester this September. The choreography is by Drew McOnie.

Auditions & Vacancies

• Grayboy / P&O have auditions for dancers in London on February the 19th until the 22nd. You can email auditions@grayboy.com to receive the brief and application form.
• Auditions for the Thursford Christmas Spectacular 2024 will be held at Pineapple Studios in London on the 17th & 18th of June.
• “Tina The Musical” is holding an open audition at Pineapple for the role of Tina Turner on the 22nd of January.
• The London Cabaret Club is holding an open audition for dancers on the 4th of February at 11.00 am.
• Rouge in Las Vegas is looking for dancers. Contact: sheer@shows-pro.com
• P&O Cruises has an open audition for dancers on the 16th of January at Danceworks in London. Registration is from 9.00 am
• Auditions are now open for the London Studio Centre Teneisha Bonner Scholarship. See the LSC website for more details.
• Thrive Dance is auditioning for female dancers on the 7th of February at the Chisenhale Dance Space in London. For more details visit: http://www.thrivedance.co.uk
• Whitechapel Gallery is auditioning for Tango dancers to accompany the exhibition “Dreams Have No Titles”. Visit the website for more details.
• Ballet Cymru is holding auditions in Newport in January and February 2024. The deadline for applications is January 2024. For more details, contact: dariusjames@welshballet.co.uk

Dance Classes

• Strictly star Luba has a dance class on the 21st of January at the Arthur Murray Dance Studio in London from 1.00 – 2.00 pm. You can get your ticket on: http://www.bookwhen.com
• Sophie Ferrero and Christabelle Huddleston have an Intermediate/Advanced workshop on the 10th of February from 3.00 – 7.00 pm at the Manor in London.
• Bethany Kingsley-Garner has a day of dance workshops with Danscentre on the 28th of January. You can find further details at: http://www.danscentre.com/workshop
• Lizzie McConachie has a commercial class on Mondays at Pineapple Studios from 7.30 – 8.30 pm.
• Aimee Casey has an Adult Ballet class at Flame Studios in Cardiff on Fridays from 6.30 – 7.30 pm.
• Dollie Henry has her Sunday Jazz Congregation at the Place in London on the 28th of January from 4.30 – 6.00 pm.
• Robin Windsor, Luke Miller, Grace Cinque-White and Alan Burkitt are raising funds for the Strictly Foundation with a dance workshop in London on the 25th of February from 11.00 am – 4.00 pm at the Dance Attic. You can book your place at: http://www.thestrictlyfoundation.com
• Lowri Beth Evans is teaching a Beginners Heels course at the Glow Up Studios in Cardiff for 4 weeks starting on the 9th of January from 7.00 – 8.00 pm.
• Nafisah Baba has a Choreo and Creation workshop at Danceworks in London on the 21st of January from 1.00 – 4.00 pm.
• Lukas McFarlane and Julia Spiesser have a Partnering workshop at the Manor in London on the 20th and 21st of January from 10.00 am – 6.00 pm each day.
• Hannah Cleeve has a new dance intensive for dancers aspiring to work professionally on the 21st – 23rd of February from 11.00 am – 5.00 pm at Flow Dance in Oval. For more information contact: hannahcleeve@outlook.com
• Lucy Jane Adcock has 2 weekly classes at the Base dance studios in London on Sundays at 11.30 am and on Wednesdays at 10.00 am.
• Christina Andrea has a Commercial Edge class at Base Studios on Thursdays from 2.30 – 4.00 pm.
• Graziano di Prima has The Big Salsa Dance to raise funds for Child Bereavement UK on the 16th of February at the AO Arena in Manchester.
• Beth Ackroyd is doing an Adult Ballet class at the Fresh Ground in Battersea on Thursdays from 11.00 am – 12.00 pm. You can contact Beth on: beth.lauren@live.com
• Daniela Fabbricatore is teaching an Advanced Lyrical class at Move It on the 17th of March at 2.15 pm.
• Jordi Guitart will be teaching at Move It on the 16th of March at 3.30 pm.
• Weronika Wiktoria is starting a Street Jazz class every Monday at 5.30 pm at the Base dance studios with Ralitsa Chepisheva.
• Lil J is offering a sassy Commercial class at the Pineapple Dance Studios on Tuesdays at 4.15 pm. You can book on the Pineapple app.
• Amy Ireland is offering a Beginners Tap class at Pineapple Dance Studios on Fridays at 10.15 am and a Commercial Tap class on Mondays at 8.30 pm.
• Dominique Marinho is teaching a Beginners Heels class on Tuesdays at Pineapple Studios from 3.45 – 4.45 pm.

Film & TV

• The “Mean Girls” movie has been released in the UK.
• We spotted Georgia Gannon in the new George Clooney movie “Boys In The Boat”.
• Rat caused quite a stir as they were voted off The Masked Singer on Saturday night, with none of the panel guessing that they were none other than Strictly Come Dancing judge Shirley Ballas.
• Strictly Come Dancing champions Ellie Leach and Vito Coppola have been ‘snapped up’ by ITV for high profile roles on This Morning, they announced on Wednesday’s This Morning, that they’d signed up to Be dance teachers to three couples who wanted to learn how to dance.
  

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This post has been created by the Dincwear Dancewear Team.

 

Janette Manrara, Nadia Bychkova and Dianne Buswell have praised Dincwear, who make leggings and leotards, on their social media channels

Strictly Come Dancing stars have quick-stepped into a row over whether they have plugged a dance clothes brand against the rules.

Janette Manrara, Nadia Bychkova and Dianne Buswell have praised Dincwear, who make leggings and leotards, on their social media channels.

A source at the Beeb said they would “look into it and react accordingly” if its stars have crossed BBC lines by receiving “free or reduced cost products” in return for mentions.

Third parties are also not allowed to cash in on BBC programmes.

But the company boasts on its website how “12 of the pro-stars are seen rehearsing in Dincwear” – with several pictures of Strictly stars in their outfits, some while filming BBC rehearsals.

BBC sources said they would ask the company to remove Strictly references. It is not known if the dancers knew Strictly was referred to on the website.

In one of her posts Dianne, in a Dincwear hoodie, uses the firm’s Instagram handle and adds a love-heart.

Nadiya says in a separate post ­“absolutely love my dincwear leggings”, with a link to the brand.

Janette, now hosting Strictly spin-off It Takes Two, posted an Instagram story of her in a Dincwear outfit, saying: “My newest leotard! Love it,” with a brand plug.

Dincwear has other links to Strictly too.

Dancer Karen Hauer this year struck up a commercial deal with Dincwear, creating her own branded KH leotard.

BBC insiders say no rules were broken in this instance. Others who feature in “Strictly stars in Dincwear” on the firm’s website include Katya Jones, Amy Dowden, Giovanni Pernici and Graziano Di Prima.

Post by By Tom Bryant Head of Showbiz Mirror

This post is shared by the Dincwear Dancewear Team.

Burn the Floor – “The Reunion”
At The G Live, Guildford, 14th July 2022

Burn the Floor are simply the best ballroom dancers in the world. To get in to the Company, you don’t have to be a National, International, or even a World Champion – but it certainly helps! Many of these dancers have gone on to become stars with “Strictly Come Dancing”, the UK’s most popular TV show. It is these stars who are performing in the current Burn the Floor 25 Year “Reunion” tour. They truly are the “Harlem Globetrotters” of the ballroom world and “Reunion” goes far beyond the traditional boundaries of ballroom dancing.

“Reunion” has two excellent singers plus a drummer and a percussionist, but it is really all about the dancers and the choreography. The dancers are: Aljaz, Dianne, Janette, Joanne, Kai, Karen, Kevin, Luba, Robin, Gordana, Trent, Ash-Leigh, Anya, Robbie, Arduino and Pasquale. The choreographer is Jason Gilkison, who is also the choreographer for “Strictly”. At Guildford, Jason gave a brief introduction to the show. He set up Burn the Floor 25 years ago with his dance partner, Peta Roby, (Jason didn’t mention this but the pair were also World Dance Champions!) so they had 25 years of Burn the Floor’s greatest dance numbers to choose from. The “Reunion” show is the Burn the Floor greatest hits album playing in front of your eyes!

The dancers perform these greatest hits to the fullest. There are no pauses – each number leads into the next with some remarkably quick costume changes. I have been to dance shows where the dancers perform well within themselves as they are often on long and exhausting tours. But not this time. The dancers are tested to their limits and even the girls are ‘glowing’ by the interval. As Jason says in the programme, the dancers leave “their soul on the stage” – or did he mean sole?

All the dance stars are phenomenal and it is impossible to pick out any particular highlights, as the whole show, like any of the best greatest hits albums, is the highlight. For the ballroom purist you have Aljaz dancing with Ash-Leigh and Janette with Robbie. (Janette explained at her own show, “Remembering the Oscars”, that it is the height difference between her and Aljaz that explains their respective partnerships). Karen Hauer performed in a blindfold for an astonishing expression of faith in her dance partners, the Cliftons know how to wow an audience, Dianne is so expressive and Luba is just perfect.

The last two or three numbers were performed to a standing ovation that was incredibly well deserved. The rest of the “Reunion” tour has rightly sold out. “Reunion” should, somehow, become a permanent fixture in a West End Theatre – using whichever Burn the Floor stars are available from their formidable stable of dancers. I would certainly buy a season ticket.

***** 5/5

Rob
Dincwear Dancewear Team

 

When Oti Mabuse was paired with Bill Bailey in 2020, I remember thinking that it would be quite an achievement for her to win Strictly for the second year running. Of course, Oti and Bill did win the series! Now Oti has produced another remarkable achievement with her new show “I Am Here”. The show traces Oti’s story in dance from the present day back to her childhood in South Africa. It features ten superb dancers (I was delighted to recognize Sasha Woodward, who has been a remarkable junior dancer with the Dane Bates Collective), four musicians and two excellent singers in Nic Vani and Natalia Brown. As expected, the dancing, choreography and costumes were all first class. The show is also punctuated with insights from Oti who believes, correctly in my view, that the best dancers are to be found in Britain.
(A strength that should be recognized and acted upon by the powers that be). After an explosive and colourful opening number, the remaining first half of the show depicts Oti’s time with Strictly, through dancing in Germany, to
leaving South Africa at the age of 21.

Oti began to feel that “life was really changing for her in 2016” when she was partnered with Danny Mac. Although they didn’t win, there were some incredible performances and Oti recreates the electrifying samba routine with
Stephen Woods stepping in for Danny. We are then taken across to Germany where Oti was a professional dancer on
its equivalent of Strictly and met a fellow dancer called Marius. (I was confused for a moment when Oti said that she was about to bring on stage “the man who takes half of my money”. Why would you invite the tax man on
stage? But of course Oti was referring to Marius who is now her husband). The pair of them, who were sensational together throughout the evening proceeded to dance a romantic tango to Nina’s classic “Red Balloons”.
Oti is passionate about musicals and hopes one day to produce her own. (She has indeed taken the first step by recently choreographing “The Cher Show”). This fact introduced a high-powered dance medley to classic songs from
“Hairspray”, “West Side Story”, “Singing in the Rain” and some “Fosse”. It was great to see the girls dancing to so many numbers throughout the show free of crippling heels.

The second part of “I Am Here” is even more personal and centred around South Africa. It combines traditional African song and dance with some familiar western pieces. The dark history of apartheid is illuminated by Oti and Marius trying, but not being allowed, to dance together. Traditional African dances such as the Pantsula and hope-giving Gumboot song are performed joyously by the dancers.

There is a strong feminist theme running throughout the show, or as Oti referred to it “a celebration of women”. One of the most striking dances of the evening, to Alicia Key’s anthem “Girl is on Fire”, is dedicated to Oti’s mother
and two sisters. All three made tremendous sacrifices to allow Oti to pursue her dream of dancing.

The finale is purely a celebration of dance and of life itself, with Oti performing in a multi-layered gold costume and crown, to songs like “Conga” and “Lets get Loud”. “I Am Here” is both a fantastic show and also Oti’s name in Setswana. Hopefully Oti will remain here, producing wonderful entertainment like this, for many years to come.

Reviewed by Rob @ Dincwear Dancewear
(and yes, I have managed to write this entire review without using
the word “journey”)

Sadler’s Well’s theatre, home to dance in London and for one week late September it is also home to Hofesh Shechter Company as they showcase a trilogy exposing different takes on intimacy, passion and the banality of love.

The opening piece ‘The Barbicans in Love’ reveals the six dancers in their most vulnerable and innocent form. Dressed all in white, they move simultaneously to an eclectic score of classic music and an electronic voice over interview between Hofesh himself and an intimidating interviewer. The conversation questions Hofesh’s take on love and its simplicity. The dancers are a unit of accuracy; they glide through the space as one moving in Shechter’s signature hunched shoulder posture and grounded movements.

However innocence is soon forgotten as the second piece begins, ‘tHE bAD’. Splattered with violent outpours of frustration from the dancers to dubstep music, this piece creates a very chaotic environment. The five dancers dressed in gold cat suits seem awkward and obstructive by the notions of love.  The sporadic structure connotes that of a confused mind. Which coincidently ties in nicely with the title ‘tHE bAD’ (read the capitals!).

The third and final piece is called ‘Two Completely Different Angles of the Same F***ing Thing’. A duet between Bruno Guillore and Winifred Burnet-Smith, this piece seems very personal and intimate. The two dancers share passionate embraces and mimic each other’s movements showing empathy for one another.

The work comes to an end as Hofesh’s voice is heard once again and all the dancers come on stage to join the duet. They form a chorus of unity, a reminder of the frustration, innocence, and passion bought by love.

For more information visit www.hofesh.co.uk

Thursday 1st October 2015 – Author – I.P. Dincwear Dancewear Team.