Pro Dancers News from Dincwear Dancewear.

June 2026 Edition

 

Strictly Come Dancing’s Karen Hauer to star in new revival of Stepping Out.

Former Strictly Come Dancing professional Karen Hauer is headlining a major UK tour of Richard Harris’s heart-warming comedy Stepping Out.
She plays Mavis, the instructor guiding a group of enthusiastic amateur tap dancers, making this her first major stage role since leaving the BBC show.

Tour Dates & Locations
The production, directed by Chris Jordan, will tour the UK throughout late summer and autumn. Confirmed venues include:
Eastbourne: Devonshire Park Theatre (August 13–29, 2026)
Southend: Palace Theatre (September 1–5, 2026)
Fareham: Fareham Live (September 2026)
Bromley: Churchill Theatre (September 22–26, 2026)

The Production
Stepping Out is a feel-good comedy about a diverse group of seemingly mismatched people finding connection and achieving extraordinary things through dance.
The role of Mavis is a highly coveted part previously played on stage by Tamzin Outhwaite and on film by Liza Minnelli.

West End Live sets 2026 line-up and musicals.

West End LIVE 2026 will return to Trafalgar Square on Saturday 20 June (11am – 5pm) and Sunday 21 June (12pm – 4pm). The initial line-up features over 50 performances from London’s top long-running blockbusters, newly opened hits, and highly anticipated upcoming shows.

The event is entirely free to attend on a first-come, first-served basis, and performances will also be streamed live on Official London Theatre’s YouTube Channel.

Daily Openers
As a West End LIVE tradition, Disney productions will officially open the stage on both mornings:

Saturday 20 June Opener: Disney’s Hercules
Sunday 21 June Opener: Disney’s The Lion King

The announced line-up includes a mix of West End royalty, brand-new productions, and premiering previews

Balletboyz, Jess and Morgs and Dickson Mbi in Sadler’s Wells new season line-up.

Sadler’s Wells has unveiled its upcoming performance season running through late 2026 into 2027, positioning major world premieres from BalletBoyz, Jess and Morgs, and Dickson Mbi at the center of its new programming.

The new slate focuses on themes of media manipulation, mental health recovery, and human connection across the organization’s London venues.

General News & Sighting

• The recent “Theatre In The UK 2026” report shows that over 37 million attended UK theatres last year. The West End drew 17.64 million attendances and generated £1.08 billion in revenue. The average West End ticket price rose by 1% last year – below the inflation rate of 3.4%. Most West End tickets were purchased at £56 or less and 25% cost under £35. Less than 4% of tickets cost more than £150. The UK median price ticket was £41 with 41% costing £35 or less.
• Almost every West End worker who voted in the recent Equity union ballot has indicated they would strike this summer over pay and working conditions.
• Equity’s legal challenge to Spotlight has cost the union more than £250,000, with further costs to be incurred if its appeal is unsuccessful.
• Strictly announced a new hosting trio of: Johannes Radebe, Emma Willis and Josh Widdicombe.
• The ongoing tour of “Six” has announced a new cast for its 2026 UK and China tour. The new cast will take over from the 15th of July. The show’s choreography is by Carrie-Anne Ingrouille and the resident choreographer is Nicole Bondzie.
• West End Live will return to Trafalgar Square in London on the 21st and 22nd of June.
• “Rent” will celebrate its 30th anniversary with a new revival in the West End. The show has choreography by Tom Jackson Greaves and will star Gaten Matarazzo.
• A new production of “9 to 5 The Musical” will open in Peterborough on the 4th of July and star Kayla Carter and Karla Tracey. Ashley St John is the dance captain.
• “Ride The Cyclone” has announced the cast for its return to London. The show will star Kayna Montecillo and Josh Butler and have choreography by Lizzi Gee. It will play at the Southwark Playhouse Elephant from the 19th of June until the 22nd of August.
• “Starlight Express” has announced initial tour dates for 2027. It will have choreography by Ashley Nottingham. Dame Arlene Phillips is the creative dramaturg.
• “Singin’ in the Rain” will return for a new tour and London season in 2027. The show will have choreography by Andrew Wright, Jayne Elster and Kelly Ewins.

Future Dance Events News

• The musical adaptation of “Pretty Woman” will return for a new tour next year. The show will have choreography by Jerry Mitchell and open in Wimbledon on the 10th of March 2027.
• London City Ballet has announced the full touring details for its 2026 season, marking the company’s third year under artistic director Christopher Marney.
• 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.
• The musical adaptation of “Pretty Woman” will return for a new tour next year. The show will have choreography by Jerry Mitchell and open in Wimbledon on the 10th of March 2027.
• London City Ballet has announced the full touring details for its 2026 season, marking the company’s third year under artistic director Christopher Marney.
• 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

• MSC Cruises has an audition for dancers on the 10th of June at the Pineapple studios in London at 9.00 am.
• New English Ballet is auditioning for exceptional dancers on the 28th of June at the Royal Opera House, by invitation only. For more information visit: audition@nebt.co.uk
• The show “Notre Dame de Paris” is auditioning for dancers in Paris in June. For more information contact: ndpauditionsdance@outlook.com
• Stage Fever Productions are looking for dancers. For more information: stagefevercastings@gmail.com
• 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.
• 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 .

Dance Classes

• New Adventures have some classes for pro dancers on the 10th, 11th and 12th of June at the Royal Academy of Dance. See its website for details.
• Charlotte Tonkinson of The Royal Ballet has a ballet masterclass on the 29th of August at the Royal Ballet studios in Birmingham.
• Steven McRae and Anna Rose O’Sullivan have a masterclass at the Royal Opera House on the 6th of June from 2.30 – 6.00 pm. You can book on the Instagram page for Vanessa Fenton Masterclasses.
• 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 the following dancers in the “Kylie” documentary on Netflix: Jenny Griffin, Belen Leroux, Chase Vollenweider, David Cottle, Shaun Niles, Theo Maddix and Yves Cueni.
• Rachel Zegler will star in “Last Dance”, a new film by Karim Ainouz.
• Bobby Farrelly is working to adapt “There’s Something About Mary” into a Broadway musical.
• We spotted Hetty Moss performing with the UK team at the Eurovision Song Contest and Alana Rixon dancing with the German team.
• We spotted the following dancers in the new Take That show: Frankie Wright, Lizzie Gough, Charlotte Bazeley, Ruby Hood, Lewis Mitchell, Crystal Hantig, Emily Haygarth & Yasmin Harrison. The choreographer is Adrian Gas.
• We spotted Demi Rox Mensah, Joy Duckrell & Mette Birdy in the latest Becky Hill music video: “More More More”. The contract was with AMCK.
• We spotted Summer Villiers and Rosalina Holmguard performing with Zara Larsson at The Big Weekend. The contract was with AMCK.

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Pro Dancers News from Dincwear Dancewear.

May 2026 Edition

 

TV & Competition Dance News.

Strictly Come Dancing 2026 Shake-up: Gorka Marquez has become the latest professional to leave the show, joining a series of departures behind the scenes as producers plan a reinvention of the series. Karen Hauer, the longest-serving female dancer, also confirmed her exit after 14 years.

Strictly Pros on Tour: Despite departures, many pro dancers are on the road for the Strictly: The Professionals tour, which kicked off with emotional reunions.

Dancing with the Stars Update: Judge Shirley Ballas is set to join a new spin-off, Dancing with the Stars: The Next Pro, in the US, mentoring a new generation of dancers.

India’s Best Dancer: Season 5 is set to premiere in 2026 on Sony Entertainment Television, with a judging panel including Geeta Kapoor, Terence Lewis, Karishma Kapoor, and Javed Jaffrey.

Stage & Ballet News.

Candoco Dance Company: The company has launched a new initiative to support disabled choreographers, with a Commissioning Readiness Programme starting in Autumn 2026 and a tour planned for Spring 2028.

Matthew Bourne: The full cast for the 2026 tour of The Car Man has been announced, returning to UK stages this summer.

London City Ballet: A new Trainee Programme has been announced, aiming to scout talent across the UK.

Royal Ballet & Opera: The Sadler’s Wells Rose International Dance Prize nominees have been revealed, while Birmingham Royal Ballet prepares a special Gala for Sir Peter Wright’s Centenary.

Upcoming Shows & Tours (UK)

Stories – The Tap Dance Sensation: Following a successful 2024 run, the RB Dance Company returns with their hit show for a three-week UK run this autumn.

Rhythm of the Dance: A 2026 Summer Tour is bringing Irish dancing and live music to venues like the Floral Pavilion in July.

Dirty Dancing in Blackpool: The reimagined show is scheduled to perform at the Blackpool Opera House from September 8th to 11th, 2026.

Burn the Floor: Supernova: Featuring Nikita Kuzmin, this high-energy show is coming to the Blackpool Opera House in June 2026.

Strictly’s Shirley Ballas says ‘news is out’ as she teams up with famous son for new show.

The BBC One dance contest’s head judge is joining a brand new spin-off series of Dancing with the Stars

Strictly Come Dancing star Shirley Ballas has told fans the ‘news is out’ as she’s set to team up with her son for a new show across the pond.
The BBC One dance contest’s head judge is joining a brand new spin-off series of Dancing with the Stars, the American version of Strictly, called Dancing with the Stars: The Next Pro.

The series will feature 12 up-and-coming dancers who move into a house together and compete through the audition process, all vying for a spot as a professional dancer on the upcoming season of Dancing with the Stars.

Shirley and her son Mark, a professional dancer known for his role on Dancing with the Stars, will both serve as judges on the reality show hosted by reigning champion Robert Irwin. Throughout the series, the dancers will be joined by a line-up of returning pros who will serve as rotating mentors and guest judges.

Sharing the news on social media alongside her and Mark’s snaps from a photoshoot for the new show, Shirley said: “The news finally is out, we’re finding The Next Pro for @dancingwiththestars … and a dream of mine to judge alongside my son @markballas has finally come true.

General News & Sighting

• Strictly has announced its line-up of returning pro dancers ahead of the new series. They are: Dianne, Amy, Katya, Neil, Johannes, Aljaz, Nikita, Jowita, Lauren, Vito, Carlos, Julian and Alexis. The BBC also revealed that some new pro dancers will be joining the existing cast.
• Equity has warned of a “summer of turbulence” in the West End due to possible industrial action. Equity and SOLT (the Society of London Theatre) have disagreements over new pay and condition contracts. Equity will ballot its members about taking strike action on Saturdays and implementing an overtime ban.
• The world’s biggest hip hop festival “Breakin’ Convention” returns to Sadler’s Wells on the 4th of May.
• Ellipsis Entertainment has gone bankrupt, leading to the closure of two shows in London – “The War of the Worlds” and “Elvis Evolution”.
• Music and Hollywood stars like Taylor Swift are trying to trademark their voice and image to prevent Ai generated imitations.
• Francesca Velicu is leaving The Royal Ballet to join London City Ballet.
• Wireless Festival, a big music and dance event in London due to happen in July, was cancelled after the UK government denied entry to its headline act Ye.
• Inclusive dance company Stopgap is among seven nominees for the second Rose International Dance Prize at Sadler’s Wells.
• Graham Watts announced the nominations for the 2025 National Dance Awards. The winners will be announced on the 15th of June.
• Fabian Aloise won the Olivier Award for Best Choreography for his work on “Evita”.
• Karen Hauer will perform in the comedy “Stepping Out” as dance teacher Mavis. The show will play at the Devonshire Park theatre in Eastbourne from the 13th to the 29th of August.
• “Sinatra The Musical” has announced its full West End cast. The choreography is by Kathleen Marshall and Lee Meadows, with dance arrangements by David Chase. The dance captain is Alexander Day with Christina Shand as assistant dance captain. The show opens on the 3rd of June.
• The complete cast has been revealed for “High Society”. The show stars Helen George, Felicity Kendall and Freddie Fox and has choreography by Anthony Van Laast. It will open on the 19th of May.
• The full cast for “Jesus Christ Superstar” at the London Palladium has been announced. The show has choreography by Drew McOnie and will run from the 20th of June until the 5th of September.

Future Dance Events News

• London City Ballet has announced the full touring details for its 2026 season, marking the company’s third year under artistic director Christopher Marney.
• 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 show “Notre Dame de Paris” is auditioning for dancers in Paris in June. For more information contact: ndpauditionsdance@outlook.com
• Stage Fever Productions are looking for dancers. For more information: stagefevercastings@gmail.com
• 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.
• 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.
• 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

Dance Classes

• Lowri Beth Evans has a commercial / latin class at the J1 Studios in Cardiff on the 19th of May from 6.30 – 7.30 pm.
• Tracey Iliffe has a Parisian Showgirl class on the 19th of May at Pineapple Dance Studios in London. You can book on the Pineapple app.
• Steven McRae and Anna Rose O’Sullivan have a masterclass at the Royal Opera House on the 6th of June from 2.30 – 6.00 pm. You can book on the Instagram page for Vanessa Fenton Masterclasses.
• Monique Jonas has a Movement and Choreography Spring Residency from the 4th – 8th of May.
• 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

• Lin-Manual Miranda’s next project will be a film adaptation of Dave Malloy’s musical “Octet”.
• We spotted Eva Francis in the new movie “Fuze”.
• We spotted Tommy Franzen dancing on “The Masked Singer” in Sweden.

Pro Dancer News Published by the Dincwear Pro Dancewear Team.

Who’s Wearing Dincwear Dancewear?

From all the news team at Dincwear Dancewear, See you all in the Next Edition!

This post has been created by the Dincwear Dancewear Team.

 

Happy New Year from Dincwear Pro Dancewear.

January 2026 Edition

We hope that all our friends had a great Christmas and wish you a fantastic New Year!!

Upcoming 2026 News Highlights.

Recent dance production news highlight.

Major UK tours like Birmingham Royal Ballet’s Don Quixote, Sadler’s Wells launching a new Dance Digital festival, and ongoing international showcases via Dance Consortium and One Dance UK. Key themes include celebrating anniversaries (BalletBoyz), fostering new talent (Breakin’ Convention’s Emerge+See), digital innovation (Sadler’s Wells’ Dance Digital), and evolving industry challenges with new leadership appointments in major companies.

Major Productions & Tours.

• Birmingham Royal Ballet is touring Carlos Acosta’s Don Quixote across the UK in 2026 after a successful run with Black Sabbath – The Ballet.

• BalletBoyz is celebrating 25 years with a new production, Still Pointless, marking their return to the stage.
• Breakin’ Convention, the hip hop dance festival, announced a major UK tour for 2026.

Festivals & Digital Initiatives.

• Sadler’s Wells launched Dance Digital, a new dance film festival, and offers free classes to kick off 2026.
• Eliot Smith Dance presented MERGING, a digital fusion of dance, music, and art.

Industry Developments.

• Dance Consortium expanded its network with four new UK venues (Aberdeen, Blackpool, Buxton, Wycombe Swan) to bring international dance to more audiences.
• National Dance Company Wales (NDCWales) appointed Amanda Roberts as Executive Director and Joint CEO.
• The Place appointed Professor Roni Brown as its new Chair of the Board of Governors.

Dance Consortium Brings Michael Keegan-Dolan’s Acclaimed ‘MÁM’ on Debut UK Tour.

   

Dance Consortium is making history with its latest tour, marking two significant firsts: the organisation’s inaugural presentation of an Irish company and the long-awaited UK debut of Michael Keegan-Dolan’s Olivier Award-nominated masterpiece MÁM, performed by Teaċ Daṁsa.

This nine-venue tour runs from 3 February to 4 March 2026, opening at The Lowry in Salford Quays and visiting major theatres across the UK, including Birmingham Hippodrome, Brighton Dome, and Mayflower Theatre Southampton.

MÁM, which premiered to sell-out crowds at Sadler’s Wells in 2020, represents a deeply personal milestone for Keegan-Dolan. It is the first work fully conceived and created after he relocated his company Teaċ Daṁsa to West Kerry in 2019, drawing profound inspiration from the region’s native language, rugged landscape, musical traditions, and community.

Legally Blonde musical tour sets full cast joining Amber Davies.

The much-loved musical, which follows a misjudged young woman who overcomes social expectations and becomes a successful Harvard Law School graduate, is heading out on a new tour this year.

With music and lyrics by Laurence O’Keefe and Nell Benjamin, and a book by Heather Hach, the musical is based on the novel by Amanda Brown and the Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer motion picture of the same name.

It was first seen on Broadway in 2007, with a West End production opening in 2010, where it won three Olivier Awards.

Curve artistic director Nikolai Foster will direct the new production, produced by Curve and ROYO, who also collaborated on the tour of Kinky Boots set to arrive in the West End. Legally Blonde will open at the Leicester venue in 2026 and tour across the UK into 2027.

As already revealed, Amber Davies will lead the company as Elle. Joining her will be Hannah Lowther as Margot and the alternate Elle Woods. Lowther and Davies will star alongside George Crawford as Emmett, Karen Mavundukure as Paulette, Adam Cooper as Callahan, Jamie Chatterton as Warner, Annabelle Terry as Vivienne, Jocasta Almgill as Brooke, Rosanna Harris as Serena and Remi Ferdinand as Pilar. Ty-Reece Stewart will play Kyle and Bradley Delarosbel will play Carlos.

The cast is completed by Keanna Bloomfield, James Lim, Aaron Shales, Jaime Tait, Daisy Twells, Louie Wood, Raiaz Fisher, Dylan Gordon-Jones, Lauren Hampton and Ollie Hart-Bradford.

Joining Foster on the creative team are choreographer Leah Hill, musical supervisor and additional arrangements Matt Spencer-Smith, set designer Colin Richmond, costume designer Tom Rogers, wigs, hair and make-up designer Sam Cox, lighting designer Ben Cracknell and sound designer Adam Fisher.

General News & Sighting

• Former Lioness Karen Carney and pro dancer Carlos Gu won the 2025 series of Strictly. The evening also marked the final time presenters Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman co-hosted the live weekend show together.
• Equity UK is balloting members working in film and television to gauge their support for taking industrial action short of a strike over the use of AI on screen projects. (The Stage 4/12/25)
• Corey Baker won the Best Choreography award at the 2025 Astra Creative Arts Awards for his work on the Netflix series “Wednesday”. At the ceremony, his “Dead Dance” was performed by Evie Templeton and Emma Myers.
• Graham Watts, the leading dance critic, listed his 12 top dance shows of 2025.
• Base Dance studios in London unveiled plans for a major upgrade to its facilities, aiming to become the UK’s largest open dance studio.
• TV star Scarlett Moffat was crowned the winner of the 2025 Strictly Christmas special with her partner Vito.
• Strictly stars Amy and Carlos announced their “Reborn” tour which will begin in May.
• The Olivier Awards will take place at the Royal Albert Hall on the 12th of April. This year marks its 50th anniversary.
• Musical Con will take place at the Excel Centre in London on the 17th & 18th of October.
• The “William Wallace” hip hop musical will tour Scotland next year. It will begin at the Beacon Arts Centre in Greenock on the 23rd of September.
• The full cast has been revealed for the upcoming UK tour of “Legally Blonde”. The show will star Amber Davies, Hannah Lowther, Adam Cooper and Remi Ferdinand and have choreography by Leah Hill. It opens in Leicester on the 7th of February.
• “High Society” is to be revived at the Barbican theatre in London on the 19th of May before touring the UK. The show has choreography by Anthony Van Laast.
• “Barnum” announced the full cast for its UK tour. The show will open in Windsor on the 3rd of February and have choreography by Oti Mabuse and Matt Nicholson.

Future Dance Events News

• 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.
• The cast has been revealed for the revival of “Singin’ in the Rain”, at the Royal Exchange theatre in Manchester. It will star Louis Gaunt, Laura Baldwin and Danny Collins and have choreography by Alistair David. The show will run from the 29th of November until the 18th of January 2026.
• “Barnum” will be touring the UK from February 2026. The show has choreography by Oti Mabuse and Matt Nicholson and will star Lee Mead.
• “Mean Girls The Musical” will open on tour in Manchester on the 23rd of February 2026. The show has choreography by Casey Nicholaw.
• A musical version of “10 Things I Hate About You” is officially in the works. It will have choreography by Christopher Wheeldon.
• “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

Auditions & Vacancies

• Pearson Casting has an open audition for unrepresented dancers in London on the 17th of January. See the website for details.
• Peel Talent has an audition for dancers wanting to work on cruise ships on the 8th of January in London. For more details: auditions@peeltalent.com
• Royal Caribbean has an audition for dancers in Manchester on the 24th of January. Visit: royalcarribeanproductions.com
• GG Staffing are auditioning dancers for jobs in Cyprus at Pineapple on the 9th of January. To apply for a space contact: info@ggstaffing.co.uk
• RWS Global Talent has auditions for dancers looking to work on cruise ships on the 13th & 14th of January in London. Contact: casting@rwsglobal.com
• Cunard is holding auditions for dancers in London at Danceworks from the 13th to the16th of January. Check the website for details.
• Slick Casting is looking for street dancers aged between 16 – 21 for a major new TV series. Email: castingteam@slickcasting.co.uk

Dance Classes

• Sir Matt Bourne’s New Adventures company has open dance classes for pro dancers on the 15th & 16th of January in London. Book your place via the company website.
• 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.
• Darcey Bussell has a masterclass at the Royal Ballet Studios on the 8th of February. For more info contact: @vanessafeltonmasterclasses
• Danielle Barton has classes on Wednesdays and Fridays at Pineapple and on Saturday at the Base Dance Studio.
• London City Ballet has a series of masterclasses with Alina Cojocaru on the 22nd of February and with Lynne Charles on the 29th of March.
• Branwen Marie Owen has a Commercial class at the Arts Bar in Liverpool on the 14th of January from 8.00 – 9.15 pm. Message Branwen to book.
• Lauren Gore will be teaching a Tap class at Move It on the 20th of March at 11.15 am

Film & TV

• “Wicked: For Good” has been shortlisted for 7 catagories at the 2026 Oscars. The film has just been released on digital platforms for streaming in the UK.
• We spotted Holly Skiggs performing with Olly Murs on the BBC One Show Live.
• We spotted Rachel Muldoon, Hannah Veerapen and Jo Dyce performing at the Honorable Artillery Company Christmas Ball.
• We spotted Erin Scarfe in the latest advert for Puma.
• We spotted Nadiya Bychkova in “10 Dance” out on Netflix.
• We spotted Devon Young, Carmelle Rudder & Jo Dyce performing with Sister Sledge at the Royal Festival Hall in London.
• We spotted Hannah Veerapen in the Christmas campaign for Greene King pubs.
• We spotted the following dancers in “Whats In The Box” on Netflix: Josie Pocock, Rachel Muldoon, Hannah Veerapen & Kelly Chow. The choreography was by Matt Flint and Stephanie Powell Baxter.
• We spotted Alana Rixon in the new movie “The Running Man”.
• We spotted Ruby Hood, Darcey Simmons & Tom Fryearson on “The Masked Singer” Christmas special.#We spotted Zadie Amelia, Lashay Harvey, Renae Hughes & Elise Clinton performing with Rita Ora in Austria.  The choreography was by Kieran D-W.

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November 2025

 

Strictly Come Dancing: Lewis Cope lands 40 as La Voix is forced to pull out.

Strictly Come Dancing’s Lewis Cope has wowed fans and judges alike on the Blackpool special with a perfect score of 40/40. The actor from Hartlepool opened Saturday’s BBC show with an incredible Charleston to Arctic Monkeys ‘I Bet You Look Good on the Dancefloor’.

The dance, full of energy and incredible moves, saw the North East star bring his very best to the ballroom alongside partner Katya Jones. There was fast footwork and awe-inpsiring tumbling, with the extra pro-dancers providing an even bigger atmosphere.

Dirty Dancing at the new Capital Theatre announces rescheduled London opening date.

   

The refreshed plans for Dirty Dancing at the new Capital Theatre in west London have been confirmed.

The theatre, which has pushed back its opening from this autumn to next year, will feature a purpose-built, 620-seat auditorium, designed by the same team responsible for notable London venues including the Bridge Theatre and the transformed Kit Kat Club, home of Cabaret.

The theatre will host Dirty Dancing – The Classic Story on Stage in a new production. The piece has enjoyed a decade of sold-out runs across the UK.

Performances will now begin on Friday 16 October 2026, with tickets going on sale next Monday, 1 December 2025.

The statement:

“The producers of Dirty Dancing – The Classic Story on Stage announce today that performances will begin on Friday 16 October 2026 at the brand-new Capital Theatre at Westfield London. Tickets will be on public sale from Monday 1 December 2025.

“Further details about both the theatre and new production will be announced in due course. The producers would again like to thank audiences for their patience during the construction of the theatre and can’t wait to welcome them to this thrilling new theatrical space to have the ‘Time Of Their Lives’.”

Wicked: For Good breaks box office records in its opening weekend.

Wicked: For Good‘s box office numbers have soared faster than a green witch on an enchanted broomstick!

Managing to best the records set by last year’s predecessor, the film bagged a worldwide box office total of $226 million ($150 million on US shores, with $76 million across the globe).

Opening in 78 markets, it has set worldwide, international, and North American records for the biggest stage-to-screen adaptation.

It hasn’t managed to claim the top spot for 2025’s biggest opening weekend global box office tally (that honour goes to The Minecraft Movie), but it is putting in numbers that will keep Universal executives very, very happy.

It’s great news on UK shores too, where the film opened to an estimated $24.4 million, which is around 62 per cent higher than the $15 million that the first film bagged in its opening weekend. That might also fall into second place behind The Minecraft Movie.

It’s interesting to note how the strongest performances come from markets where the musical continues to play to live audiences – notably with long-running West End and Broadway productions, as well as tours.

Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, Jonathan Bailey and more all return for the new film, while famous numbers from act two include “For Good”, “As Long As You’re Mine” and “No Good Deed”.

Heathers the Musical announces initial 2026 tour dates.

Heathers the Musical will return to the UK from summer 2026 for a brand-new tour – and dates have now been confirmed.

Based on the 1989 film starring Winona Ryder and Christian Slater, the show, penned by Kevin Murphy and Laurence O’Keefe, first premiered in Los Angeles in 2013 before transferring to New York’s New World Stages in 2014. A revised version opened in London in 2018, featuring new material that has since been incorporated into the current New York production.

The musical has played three West End runs and three UK and Ireland tours to date, winning Best New Musical at the WhatsOnStage Awards in 2019. It was also filmed for streaming on the Roku Channel in 2022.

Tour stops include Theatre Royal Windsor (26 to 29 August), Leeds Grand Theatre (1 to 5 September), Nottingham Theatre Royal (8 to 12 September), Darlington Hippodrome (22 to 26 September), Poole Lighthouse (29 September to 3 October), Peterborough New Theatre (13 to 17 October) and Blackpool Grand (27 to 31 October).

London dates for the show are also due to be revealed.

General News & Sighting

• At this years World Choreography Awards, Jenny Griffin and Ashley Wallen won the award for Choreography in a Motion Picture for their work on “Betterman”. Jay Revell won the award for Choreography for a TV Show for his work on “League of Legends”.
• Ingrid MacKinnon won the award for Best Choreographer at the Black British Theatre Awards.
• Creatives impacted by the collapse of Manchester Pride have launched a fundraiser that aims to raise £50,000 for those left out of pocket. (The Stage 5/11)
• Salome Leverashvili has been promoted to principle dancer with the Dutch National Ballet.
• It has been announced that performances of “Dirty Dancing” at the new Capital theatre in West London will begin on the 16th of October 2026.
• Sir Matt Bourne’s “The Car Man” will return for a UK tour in 2026, opening at the Curve in Leicester on the 15th of June.
• The London Palladium announced the dancers for this Christmas’ performances of “Sleeping Beauty”. The choreography is by Karen Bruce.
• “Wicked” has become the 9th longest running production in West End history.
• “Jersey Boys” will return for a UK tour opening in Wimbledon in June 2026. The show will have choreography by Sergio Trujillo.
• Lead casting for the new tour of “Annie” has been revealed. It will star Strictly contestant La Voix and Alex Bourne and have choreography by Nick Winston. The show will open in Wimbledon on the 23rd of May 2026.
• A new touring production of “9 To 5 The Musical” is set to open at the Peterborough New theatre on the 4th of July 2026. The cast and creatives have yet to be announced.

Future Dance Events News

• “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 next year as part of the new season from the Birmingham Rep.
• The cast has been revealed for the revival of “Singin’ in the Rain”, at the Royal Exchange theatre in Manchester. It will star Louis Gaunt, Laura Baldwin and Danny Collins and have choreography by Alistair David. The show will run from the 29th of November until the 18th of January 2026.
• “Barnum” will be touring the UK from February 2026. The show has choreography by Oti Mabuse and Matt Nicholson and will star Lee Mead.
• “Mean Girls The Musical” will open on tour in Manchester on the 23rd of February 2026. The show has choreography by Casey Nicholaw.
• A musical version of “10 Things I Hate About You” is officially in the works. It will have choreography by Christopher Wheeldon.
• “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.

Auditions & Vacancies

• Sir Matt Bourne’s New Adventures Company is holding auditions in London on the 6th – 8th of February 2026. The deadline to apply is the 5th of December. See the website for more details.
• Nathan Clarke is looking for an acrobatic salsa couple for a contract in February 2026. You can contact Nathan via his Instagram.
• JJ Dance Studios in Beckenham is looking for dance teachers. Contact: info@jjdancestudios.co.uk
• Katie Ross is looking for dance teachers for her dance school in Luton. Email: katierossdance@outlook.com
• Stagecoach Performing Arts is looking for an experienced dance teacher for Saturdays. Email: richmond@stagecoach.co.uk
• The FiSteps Dance Company is looking for a performing arts teacher in Crawley for Tuesdays. For more details you can email: fiona@fisteps.com

Dance Classes

• Ashley Shaw has a masterclass with International Ballet Intensives on the 25th of January 2026 at Danceworks in London.
• Crystal Hantig has a Christmas Intensive at the Manor in London on the 15th of December from 11.30 am – 2.30 pm. You can DM Crystal on her Instagram account to book.
• Danielle Barton has a commercial class on the 2nd of December from 7.30 – 9.00 pm at the Connect Studio in Bristol.
• Arduino Bertoncello and Alberto Faccio have a Christmas dance class on the 14th of December at the Du Boisson Dance Foundation. You can book on: aadanceo2@gmail.com
• London City Ballet has open Ballet classes on Tuesdays and Fridays from 11.00 am – 12.30 pm until the 19th of December.
• Lauren Gore has a commercial Tap class at Pineapple on Fridays from 4.30 – 5.30 pm.
• Lizzie McConachie has a commercial class at Pineapple Studios on Mondays at 7.30 pm.
• Dollie Henry has her weekly BOP Jazz class every Friday from 12.30 – 3.30 pm. Sign up at: info@bop.org.uk
• 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.
• 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.
• 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

• “Wicked: For Good” has broken box office records in its opening weekend.
• We spotted the following dancers in “Wicked: For Good”: Charlotte Wildrianne, Ed Munro, Emily Haygarth, Grace Hooper, Kamira Samuel, Kane Horn, Nicole Hastings, Olivia Beckford, Sam Salter & Zhane Samuels. The contract was with AMCK.
• We spotted Louise Eagles, Crystal Hantig and Fiona McDonald performing at the Rolling Stone UK Awards 2025. The choreography was by Johnny White Irish and Ciaran Connolly.
• We spotted Jaih Betote, Joel Gooding and Lara Renaud performing with the Strictly pro dancers at Blackpool.
• We spotted Ruby Hood in Kun’s new music video for “What A Day”.

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October to November 2025

 

Diversity opens new studio in Birmingham.

Diversity, known as the UK’s most successful dance group, will open the doors to a new dance studio in Birmingham city centre.

Expanding beyond their original base in Essex, this new location aims to connect with local dance communities and support the next generation of talent.

It is set to offer word-class facilities with a space open to everyone.

Diversity’s Ashley Banjo said: “What I love about Diversity is that we’ve never held an audition. It’s always been about the community and everyone who comes to learn and train with us.

The new bespoke venue is based on Icknield Street in the city’s Jewellery Quarter, which will mark Diversity studio’s second location. They also have a studio in Southend, Essex.

There will be in-person dance classes from beginners aged four up to adult professionals.

A range of styles will be taught including street dance, commercial and contemporary, with weekly lessons taught by core Diversity members themselves.

Students in the Diversity community are also offered creative performance opportunities through yearly productions, and early access to special masterclasses.

Peaky Blinders Dance Show to Tour China in 2026.

   

The hit dance show Peaky Blinders: The Redemption of Thomas Shelby is heading to China in spring 2026, as world-famous dance company Rambert celebrates its 100th anniversary.

Produced by ROYO and its international arm RTS Entertainment, the show will mark Rambert’s return to China – and the latest in a string of British stage hits to reach Asian audiences, following Life of Pi and Murder on the Orient Express.
Peaky Blinders, but make it dance

Inspired by the smash hit TV series, Peaky Blinders: The Redemption of Thomas Shelby is a spectacular dramatisation told through breath-taking dance, written by the show’s creator Steven Knight and choreographed and directed by Benoit Swan Pouffer,.

Accompanied by a live on-stage band performing specially commissioned music by Roman GianArthur, the production also features iconic Peaky tracks from Nick Cave and The Bad Seeds, Radiohead, Anna Calvi, The Last Shadow Puppets, Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes, and Black Rebel Motorcycle Club.

This high-energy dance/theatre event digs deeper into the story of Thomas Shelby and the Peaky Blinders crew, taking you into the criminal underbelly of British society as Tommy, Arthur, Polly and the rest of the Shelby family gang are brought vividly to life on stage.

Rambert CEO Helen Shute said touring internationally is “part of Rambert’s DNA,” adding that the company is “honoured to return in our centenary year and meet audiences in China again.”

ROYO Group CEO Tom De Keyser, currently in Shanghai for Murder on the Orient Express, said the company is committed to expanding in Asia.

Amber Davies to Lead UK & Ireland Tour of Legally Blonde The Musical as Elle Woods.

Amber Davies is set to dazzle audiences across the UK and Ireland as she takes on the iconic role of Elle Woods in the upcoming 2026 tour of Legally Blonde The Musical. The production, co-produced by ROYO and Curve, will launch on 7 February 2026 at Leicester’s Curve Theatre and run until 7 January 2027, visiting major cities including Manchester, Glasgow, Birmingham, and Dublin.

Best known for winning Love Island in 2017, Davies has since carved out a successful career in musical theatre. Her stage credits include Vivian Ward in Pretty Woman, Jordan Baker in The Great Gatsby, and Lorraine Baines in Back to the Future The Musical. Her casting as Elle Woods marks another milestone in her transition from reality TV star to respected West End performer.
Legally Blonde The Musical, based on the beloved 2001 film starring Reese Witherspoon, follows Elle Woods’ journey from fashion-obsessed sorority queen to Harvard Law School standout. The show is celebrated for its empowering message, catchy songs, and high-energy choreography.

Davies expressed her excitement about the role, calling Elle Woods “a dream character” and promising to bring “heart, humour, and plenty of pink” to the stage. The tour’s creative team has hinted at a fresh, vibrant take on the production, with updated choreography and bold visuals designed to captivate a new generation of theatre-goers.

Tickets for the tour are expected to go on sale soon, with early demand already high. Fans of the musical and Davies alike can look forward to a feel-good theatrical experience that blends comedy, confidence, and charm.
For more information and tour dates, visit legallyblondeshow.com

General News & Sighting

• International actors, dancers, choreographers and writers are being protected from a crackdown in UK working visas after being identified by Labour as occupations suffering from “critical skills shortages”. (The Stage 10/10/25)
• Longtime Strictly hosts Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly have announced their departure from the show after the end of the current series.
• Ashley Wallen and Jenny Griffin have been nominated for the World Choreography Award for their work on “Better Man”.
• Rachel Zegler led the winners at the Stage Debut Awards 2025, claiming the prize for Best West End Debut Performer for her role in “Evita”.
• Choreographer Oona Doherty has become the second associate artist at Sadler’s Wells in less than 2 weeks to step down over the venue’s tie with Barclays.
• Amy Dowden and Carlos announced their “Reborn” tour for 2026.
• Nikita from Strictly announced that his new show “Supernova”, in conjunction with Burn The Floor, will tour the UK in June and July 2026. It will have choreography by Jason Gilkinson.
• The Super Weekender dance convention will take place at the Birmingham NEC on the 15th & 16th of November.
• Adam Garcia will star in the New York performances of “Quadrophenia” in November.
• Amber Davies will star in the new tour of “Legally Blonde” which will open in Leicester in 2026.
• “Britain’s Got Talent” winners Diversity plan to open a new dance studio in Birmingham.
• A new production of “Cats”, directed and choreographed by Drew McOnie, will play at the Open Air Theatre from the 25th of July until the 12th of September 2026. It will then embark on a UK tour.
• Todrick Hall’s new musical “Midnight” has revealed its cast. The dance captain is Jenni Thomasson and the assistant dance captains are India Thornton and Kamilla Fernandes. The show will play at Sadler’s Wells from the 11th to the 15th of November.
• “Sylvia” is to return for a new tour and a short run at the Royal Albert Hall from the 13th to the 15th of November 2026. It will star Beverley Knight and Sharon Rose and have choreography by Kate Prince.
• “Mean Girls The Musical” has revealed the lead casting for its upcoming UK tour. It will star Emily Lane, Vivian Parika, Sophie Pourret and Georgie Buckland and have choreography by Casey Nicholau. The tour will open in Manchester on the 23rd of February 2026.
• “The Karate Kid – The Musical” will have its UK premiere at Wimbledon on the 28th of April 2026. The show has choreography by Keone and Mari Madrid.
• Jodie Steele is joining “Heathers The Musical” in New York.

Future Dance Events News

• 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 next year as part of the new season from the Birmingham Rep.
• “Heathers The Musical” will tour the UK in the summer of 2026. It will have choreography by Gary Lloyd.
• The cast has been revealed for the revival of “Singin’ in the Rain”, at the Royal Exchange theatre in Manchester. It will star Louis Gaunt, Laura Baldwin and Danny Collins and have choreography by Alistair David. The show will run from the 29th of November until the 18th of January 2026.
• “Barnum” will be touring the UK from February 2026. The show has choreography by Oti Mabuse and Matt Nicholson and will star Lee Mead.
• “Mean Girls The Musical” will open on tour in Manchester on the 23rd of February 2026. The show has choreography by Casey Nicholaw.
• A musical version of “10 Things I Hate About You” is officially in the works. It will have choreography by Christopher Wheeldon.
• 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

Auditions & Vacancies

• Nathan Clarke is looking for an acrobatic salsa couple for a contract in February 2026. You can contact Nathan via his Instagram.
• JJ Dance Studios in Beckenham is looking for dance teachers. Contact: info@jjdancestudios.co.uk
• The LBC Gainsbury Award is a £10,000 choreographic award from the London Ballet Circle Charity to support classical ballet initiatives in the UK. The deadline for applications is the 30th of November. For more information visit: http://www.tlbc.org.uk
• Katie Ross is looking for dance teachers for her dance school in Luton. Email: katierossdance@outlook.com
• Stagecoach Performing Arts is looking for an experienced dance teacher for Saturdays. Email: richmond@stagecoach.co.uk
• The FiSteps Dance Company is looking for a performing arts teacher in Crawley for Tuesdays. For more details you can email: fiona@fisteps.com

Dance Classes

• Christopher Marney of the London City Ballet will lead a one-day workshop designed for pro dancers and current dance students who want to expand their experience of learning neo-classical choreography. See the LCB website for more details.
• Olivia Lock has an int/adv Theatre Jazz class at the Manor in London on the 9th of November at 3.30 pm. You can book via the website.
• London City Ballet has open Ballet classes on Tuesdays and Fridays from 11.00 am – 12.30 pm from the 25th of November until the 19th of December.
• Josie Lee has an Intensive Training Day at the Base dance studios in London on the 31st of October from 12.00 – 5.00 pm.
• Lauren Gore has a commercial Tap class at Pineapple on Fridays from 4.30 – 5.30 pm.
• Lizzie McConachie has a commercial class at Pineapple Studios on Mondays at 7.30 pm.
• Dollie Henry has her weekly BOP Jazz class every Friday from 12.30 – 3.30 pm. Sign up at: info@bop.org.uk
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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

• “Wicked – For Good” has unveiled its final trailer.
• We spotted Emma Leigh Rose in the new Raye video for her single “Where The Hell Is My Husband”.
• We spotted Danielle Barker performing with Antigone at the O2.
• We spotted the following dancers performing with Dua Lipa in America: Alexandre Novelli, Ben Hukin, Ed Munro, Joy Duckrell, James Mulford, Remi Black, Robyn Rae Laud & Li Li Hodge. The dance captain was Sammi Lee Jayne and the choreography was by Charm La’Donna & Sharon June.

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4 Weeks To 2/8/25

 

Strictly Come Dancing announces two new Professional Dancers.

The BBC has announced the two brand-new Professional Dancers who will be joining Strictly Come Dancing when the hit series, made by BBC Studios Entertainment, returns to BBC One and BBC iPlayer this autumn.

American-born Alexis Warr is best known for winning US dance series So You Think You Can Dance in 2022 and was crowned as ‘America’s Favourite Dancer’, becoming the first female Ballroom and Latin dancer to claim the title. She has performed as a guest Professional Dancer and in the dance troupe on the US version of Strictly, Dancing With The Stars, and has been part of the series’ accompanying US tour for the past three years. Alexis has also danced on America’s Got Talent, World of Dance, and on national tours across the States – including three with Dancing With The Stars judge Derek Hough, in addition to his Las Vegas residency.

Australian-born Julian Caillon has been dancing since the age of 10, specialising in Ballroom and Latin American, and going on to represent Australia on the international stage. He appeared as a Professional Dancer on three seasons of Australia’s Dancing With The Stars, has toured the globe with hit dance show Burn The Floor, and also competed on So You Think You Can Dance in Australia. Julian has a degree in Exercise Physiology from UNSW Sydney and, alongside his dance career, has worked as a Personal Trainer and Exercise Physiologist. Julian is a keen athlete, and 2025 has so far seen him complete two triathlons.

Both Alexis and Julian have also previously danced at the World-famous Blackpool Tower Ballroom, where Strictly will return later this series for its much-anticipated Blackpool special.

On joining Strictly Come Dancing, Alexis Warr says: “I’ve admired Strictly for years, so joining this incredible family is such an honour. I can’t wait to step into the ballroom, pour my heart into every moment, and share my love of dance with the UK.”

Julian Caillon says: “Joining the cast of Strictly really is a dream come true. I’ve watched it for years, especially cheering on all the amazing dancers I know and work with who’ve been part of it. I can’t wait to get stuck in, have some fun, and be part of something special! “

Sarah James, Executive Producer, BBC Studios says: “We’ve been big fans of Alexis and Julian for some time so it’s with great excitement that we now welcome them both to the Strictly family. They’re two incredible dancers with bright futures ahead of them, and we know viewers are going to love getting to know them both.”

Kalpna Patel-Knight, Head of Entertainment at the BBC says: “Alexis and Julian are the perfect additions to Strictly, and we can’t wait for you to see them light up the ballroom this autumn. With our fantastic Professional Dancers plus everything else we love about Strictly, the new series promises to be bigger, better and even more glitter-packed than ever before.”

Alexis and Julian join Strictly’s hugely popular returning Professional Dancers: Dianne Buswell, Nadiya Bychkova, Amy Dowden, Karen Hauer, Katya Jones, Neil Jones, Nikita Kuzmin, Gorka Marquez, Luba Mushtuk, Jowita Przystal, Johannes Radebe, Aljaž Škorjanec, Kai Widdrington, Nancy Xu, Carlos Gu, Lauren Oakley, Michelle Tsiakkas and Vito Coppola.

Alongside Alexis and Julian they’ll take to the floor each week in unforgettable group routines, which alongside world class music acts, theme weeks and Strictly’s annual trip to Blackpool, promises viewers another spectacular series of the nation’s favourite dance show.

Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Anton Du Beke and Head Judge Shirley Ballas all return to the judging panel, with recent MBE recipients Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman back on hosting duties.

Strictly legends returning to Glasgow with hit dance show in September.

   

Following the success of the Legends of the Dance Floor last year, Vincent Simone, Pasha Kovalev, James Jordan, Ian Waite and Brendan Cole are reuniting for a new tour that’s twice as big for 2025, with the 35-dates including a show a Glasgow’s Royal Concert Hall on 9th September.

And no one could be more pleased than the happy hoofers themselves.

Says Vincent Simone: “We knew we had a hit on our hands last year when most of the tickets for the tour were sold within 48 hours. That’s why we’re doing double the dates this time round.”

So, how does he explain this success? “I think some of it has to do with when the five of us were on Strictly. The show is still hugely popular but in its first 10 years or so, it was getting TV audiences of around 15 million. We were the first: for instance, I danced the first Argentine tango on British television, a truly emotional moment.”

But it’s not just that. “In a two-hour show in the theatre, we can demonstrate so much more variety. We bring dances from around the world: the tango from Argentina, the rumba from Cuba, the samba from Brazil, the Viennese waltz and so on.”

And then there’s the humour. “Audiences love to hear the stories behind Strictly and they really seem to enjoy the banter between us. We’re five big characters with five big egos and we all tease each other. It’s so nice to be working with such good friends.”

He’s 46 now; this is going to be a demanding tour. How’s his stamina? “I’m sure I’ll feel some aches and pains during the first few days of rehearsal. But I’ve been dancing since I was a child – it’s my passion – so a combination of muscle memory and experience will see me through. I can’t wait!”

Pasha Kovalev is also raring to go. He believes that last year’s tour went down so well because five popular professional dancers had never toured together in one show.

“It was such fun – for the audience but also for us. If I wasn’t performing, I’d watch the others from the wings and I was blown away not only by the standard on stage but by the laughs, too.”

It’s more than that. “Because it’s a live show, no two performances are ever the same. And that’s what keeps it so fresh. There’s a lot of energy from the dancers but then there’s a huge amount from the auditorium. We all feed off each other.

‘I particularly enjoyed the opening number of the second act when we were all dressed as cowboys in a Wild West saloon. And I loved the dance-off with James Jordan with me as Patrick Swayze and him as John Travolta.”

Pasha, 45, was paired with Countdown maths whizz Rachel Riley in 2013’s Strictly. They fell in love and married six years later. Will she be bringing daughters Maven, five, and three-year-old Noa to see daddy dance on the 2025 Legends tour? “Of course,” he says.

“Last year, Ola brought Ella, her daughter with James Jordan, to see the show in St Alban’s and Rachel came along to the same matinee performance with our two. It was so incredible to look out into the audience and see them there. Something I’ll never forget.”

James Jordan never doubted the 2024 Legends tour would be a great success. “I just thought the nostalgia attached to five older guys, famous from Strictly, on the same stage at the same time, couldn’t miss. Even so, I didn’t think it was going to sell out quite so quickly.

“Most of us left Strictly over 10 years ago and yet, people wanted to come and watch us old boys doing our stuff. We’re all either knocking on the door of 50 or past it. Amazing. The reaction exceeded all our expectations.

“And, of course, we could indulge in a level of banter not possible on TV. In the woke world in which we all live now, it’s genuinely refreshing to go to a show and have a good laugh, sometimes at each other’s expense. We’re all at an age now when we don’t care what we say although it’s still child-friendly family entertainment.”

At 47, he thinks he’s mentally and physically better prepared this time round. “For rehearsals last year, I had to take in four t-shirts every day because I was sweating so much. There were occasions when I thought I was going to pass out.

“Unlike the other four, I hadn’t toured for a long time. But now, I’ve got a real thirst to get back on the road especially as there seems to be such an appetite for it. I hadn’t appeared before a live audience for some years until the first Legends tour. I must admit, the reaction made me quite emotional.”

Veteran dancer Ian Waite agrees. “What amazed me,” he says, “was that, some 20 years after we all started on Strictly, give or take, we can still fill a theatre and very often with exactly the same audience that enjoyed us on TV in the noughties.”

This time round, the Legends will be visiting many venues that weren’t on the 2024 tour. “We’ll be performing a number of new routines under Scott Coldwell’s excellent choreography along with some of the most popular dances from last year. But it’s going to feel like a whole new show.” His personal highlight? “A classic Viennese waltz, such a beautiful dance.”

How’s his level of fitness? “Well, the three weeks of rehearsal from nine in the morning until six at night will be crucial. But I’ve recently done another three months of Dancing With The Stars in Australia. My partner and I won it last year, two decades after I first appeared on Strictly. I never dreamt I’d still be performing as a pro dancer at 54.”

He’s currently on tour with his fitness brand, Fitsteps, dreamt up with former Strictly professional Natalie Lowe in 2013. “We’ve developed it as a way for people to learn the dance styles they love from Strictly, in a fun fitness class. So, put it this way: I’m going to be pretty much match-fit for the Legends 2025 tour.”

At 49, Brendan Cole is no stranger to touring. “As an artist, there’s nothing I like better than performing in front of a live audience. I think I was born to be on a stage. But would people want to come and see five old fellers from Strictly with five gorgeous girls in the same show?”

The answer, of course, was yes. “We were quite overwhelmed by the reaction. But then, I think we created a bit of magic together and part of that was down to the obvious camaraderie on-stage.” His favourite moment? “The rumba, such an intense experience, so full of raw emotion. And I loved the tribute from all of us to the late Robin Windsor.”

Another bonus for the pro dancers is the crowd waiting outside each stage door. “I’m old school. If someone can take the time to ask for a selfie or an autograph, I’m happy to oblige. We couldn’t do what we get to do if there was no audience.”

So, no doubting, then, the commitment to this new tour from all five Legends. At this rate, there’s no reason why they shouldn’t be embarking on a third tour in 2026 – and every year afterwards. “Absolutely,” laughs Ian Waite. “We’ll carry on for as long as we enjoy it as much as UK audiences seem to.”

Adds James Jordan: “And how nice, in these sometimes difficult times, to offer people two hours of unashamed, unabashed escapism.”

For tickets to Vincent Simone, Pasha Kovalev, James Jordan, Ian Waite and Brendan Cole star in The Return Of The Legends at The Royal Concert Hall in Glasgow on 9th September go to www.legendsofthedancefloor.com .

MJ the Musical announces final West End extension.

MJ the Musical will extend its run at the Prince Edward Theatre in London one final time.

The musical, which features more than 25 Michael Jackson hits, won the WhatsOnStage and Olivier Awards for Best Choreography and was nominated for Best New Musical at both ceremonies.

Jamaal Fields-Green continues in the title role, joined by Matt Mills, Mitchell Zhangazha, Philippa Stefani, KoKo Alexandra, Joshua C Jackson, Rohan Pinnock-Hamilton, Matt Gonsalves, Michael Conley, Kieran Alleyne, Johnny Bishop and André Phipps.

The wider company includes Milan Cacacie, Filippo Coffano, Tevin Daniel, Gabrielle de Souza, Hanna Dimtsu, Aden Dzuda, Ike Fallon, Christopher Gopaul, Kalisha Johnson, Wilson Kiiru, Darnell Mathew-James, Buna McCreery-Njie, Jenay Naima, Nay-Nay, Rishard-Kyro Nelson, George Ross, Lydia Sterling, Fraser Stewart, Charlotte-Kate Warren, Tavio Wright, Ari Adebiyi, Zane Chaba, Cristiano Cuino, Zayne Tayabali, Miles Jabbie, Kristiano Ricardo, Ashton Robertson and Asher Swaray-Gray.

MJ is written by Lynn Nottage and directed and choreographed by Christopher Wheeldon. Scenic design is by Derek McLane, lighting design by Natasha Katz, costume design by Paul Tazewell, sound design by Gareth Owen, projection design by Peter Nigrini and wig and hair design by Charles G. LaPointe. Musical supervision is by David Holcenberg, with orchestrations and arrangements by David Holcenberg and Jason Michael Webb.

UK casting is by Pippa Ailion and Natalie Gallacher, with young performer casting by Amy Beadel.

The show has confirmed it will run until 28 February 2026 – with tour plans now revealed

Arlene Phillips joins celebration for Pineapple Dance Studios founder.

Westminster’s latest People’s Plaque has honoured the work of Pineapple Dance Studios founder Debbie Moore, with choreographer Arlene Phillips helping to lead its unveiling ceremony.

The Olivier award-winning Phillips and singer and actor Bonnie Langford were the first to uncover the plaque to a crowd of well-wishers outside the world-famous home for dance, located in Covent Garden.

Organised by the Seven Dials Trust, the plaque now stands outside the entrance to the studio on London’s Langley Street, and becomes one of the city’s markers commemorating individuals and institutions who have contributed to London and further afield.

General News & Sighting

• Liverpool Performing Arts Academy LIPA school has “hit the bottom” financially, leaving staff fearing for money owed to them the National Education Union has claimed.
• Sylvia Young, the founder and principle of the Sylvia Young Theatre School in London, has passed away at the age of 86.
• Almost half of all freelancers in theatre earn less than the UK National Living Wage and would be working at rates of pay that would be illegal in salaried positions, a new report concludes. (The Stage 24/7/25)
• Master Dance have cancelled their event in Birmingham that was due to take place in September.
• A dancer displayed a Palestinian flag during a curtain call at the Royal Opera House.
• Two new pro dancers will join Strictly for the new season. Alexis Warr is an American who won the US dance series “So You Think You Can Dance” and Julian Caillon worked on the Australian version of Strictly.
• It was reported that the producers of the West End production of “Burlesque” have taken out a loan as the most recent accounts filed reveal debts of more than £6 million to creditors.
• Strictly pro dancer Nadiya Bychkova won the Best Female Personality Award at the National Reality TV Awards on the 31st of July.
• Westminster’s latest People’s Plaque has honoured the work of Pineapple Dance Studios founder Debbie Moore, with choreographer Arlene Phillips helping to lead its unveiling ceremony.
• Strictly winner Oti Mabuse has received the Freedom of the City of London for her “significant achievements in contemporary dance and her charitable work”.
• The West End production of “Diamonds and Dust” has cancelled performances through to September.
• Faith Newport’s dance company Streedcred has its showcase “Purpose” on the 12th of October at the Trinity Academy in Bristol – there is a 2.00 pm and a 4.00 pm show.
• Sadler’s Wells has appointed dancer and choreographer Aakash Odedra as an Associate Artist.
• After a sold out tour in France, Sadeck Berrabah is to present “Murmuration Level 2” at Sadler’s Wells from the 10th to the 20th of September.
• A revival of “The Sound of Music” at the Curve in Leicester has announced its full cast. The choreography is by Ebony Molina and Becky Anderson is the dance captain. The show will run from the 22nd of November until the 11th of January 2026.
• The Kiln theatre has announced the cast and creative team for its production “Coven”. It will star Diana Vickers and Gabrielle Brook and have choreography by Shelley Maxwell. The show will run from the 31st of October until the 20th of December.

Future Dance Events News

• “Barnum” will be touring the UK from February 2026. The show has choreography by Oti Mabuse and Matt Nicholson and will star Lee Mead.
• “Mean Girls The Musical” will open on tour in Manchester on the 23rd of February 2026. The show has choreography by Casey Nicholaw.
• A musical version of “10 Things I Hate About You” is officially in the works. It will have choreography by Christopher Wheeldon.
• 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.

Auditions & Vacancies

• The cruise ship company Royal Caribbean has an audition for dancers in London on the 23rd of August. For more information visit: http://www.royalcaribbeanproductions.com
• The FiSteps Dance Company is looking for a performing arts teacher in Crawley for Tuesdays. For more details you can email: fiona@fisteps.com
• Jerry Reeve of Kutes is looking for contemporary dancers with “unique movement”. You can DM Jerry on his Instagram account for more details.
• Josie Pocock is looking for 9 ballerinas for a job on the 4th – 6th of September. You can contact Josie on her Instagram account.

Dance Classes

• David Anderson has a commercial workshop at the BOH Studios in Bournemouth on the 30th of August from 12.00 – 1.30 pm. To book email: vbartsacademy@gmail.com
• Ekleido (Faye Stoesser & Hannah Ekholm) have a Voguing class at the Place in London from the 4th to the 8th of August at 6.00 – 7.30 pm.
• Graziano Di Prima has 2 classes at Dance Attic in London on the 24th of August: at 3.30 pm the Paso Doble and at 4.45 pm the Rumba. You can book via Graziano’s Instagram.
• On the 14th of September London City Ballet is holding a backstage class and repertoire workshop for professional dancers and students who are interested in finding out more about the company. For more information visit: londoncityballet.com/engage/classes
• Synergy has a Summer Intensive with Gaz Davis and Sam Stanley at the Base dance studios in London on the 8th of August from 1.00 – 5.00 pm. You can book your place on: synergydancechampionships@outlook.com
• Dollie Henry MBE and her BOP present a 2 day convention called “Jazz Art ReWired” at the Place in London on the 13th and the 20th of September.
• Lizzie McConachie has a commercial class at Pineapple Studios on Mondays at 7.30 pm.
• Dollie Henry has her weekly BOP Jazz class every Friday from 12.30 – 3.30 pm. Sign up at: info@bop.org.uk
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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

• “Bat Out of Hell” and “Love Never Dies” will be shown at UK cinemas this autumn. “Bat Out of Hell” will be screened from the 30th of October and “Love Never Dies” from the 21st of September at more than 150 cinemas across the UK.
• We spotted Ruby Hood performing with Post Malone at the Esports World Cup opening ceremony.
• We spotted Chelsea Jasmine Wright and Matthew Miller in the new Peggy Gou video for “DANCE”. The choreography was by Jordan Melch and the contract was with AMCK.
• We spotted Crystal Hantig and Hannah Spry performing with Nicole Scherzinger at DreamFest.

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3 Weeks To 6/7/25

 

Wicked to be added to Amazon Prime Video.

Part one of the Jon M Chu-directed screen adaptation starring Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande set box office records over its opening weekend.

Based on the hit novel Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West by Gregory Maguire, Wicked tells the story of two unlikely university friends in the land of Oz, one destined to become Glinda the Good and the other, the Wicked Witch of the West. Wicked writers Winnie Holzman (book) and Stephen Schwartz (score) collaborated on the screenplay with Dana Fox.

Erivo and Grande were both nominated for Academy Awards for their performances as Elphaba and Glinda, while the film was nominated for Best Picture. It picked up two Academy Awards at the 2025 ceremony in the following categories: Best Costume Design (for Paul Tazewell) and Production Design (for Nathan Crowley).

The film will be added to the streaming service worldwide on 25 July 2025.

Looking ahead, Wicked: For Good will be released on 21 November 2025.

Welsh dance sector in ‘urgent’ need of investment.

   

Dance in Wales is in urgent need of “reimagining, rebuilding and reinvestment”, according to a review of the sector.

The results of the long-awaited analysis of the country’s dance provisions have now been published by the Arts Council of Wales, which has also revealed a plan of action to tackle funding inequities and infrastructure gaps.

As well as an additional £350,000 for dance development, the funding body has promised innovations, including a group of dance experts to advise artistic directors about programming at significant venues.

Drawing on conversations with dance artists, companies, educators and audiences, the Wales Dance Review highlights areas of the country that are “critically” behind in terms of access to the art form, as well as particular difficulties for the community dance sector.

Funding is concentrated in South East Wales, according to the report, which warns that opportunities are limited in other regions as a result.

Rural areas such as Pembrokeshire and Powys are facing particularly acute challenges”, it adds.

The review further claims that scarcity and uneven distribution of resources have led to a competitive atmosphere and a “protectionist” working environment.

New Dorian Gray musical in development – with first track released.

Funding for 10 dance centres across England has been confirmed for another year, following campaigning by the likes of Alistair Spalding and Matthew Bourne.

The National Centres for Advanced Training in Dance, present in cities including Birmingham, Newcastle, and Nottingham, will receive core funding to cover student bursaries for another 12 months.

The funding had been championed ahead of the government’s spending review by top choreographers and dance sector leaders.

Figures including Arlene Phillips and Anthony Van Laast had previously called upon the Department for Education to safeguard funding, after a £300,000 grant for outreach work was cut in December 2024.

There were fears the 10 National Dance CATs were at risk following the cut. While the outreach funding has not be reinstated, the core funding means student bursaries can be offered for 2025/26.

The National Dance CATS, as the scheme is also known, celebrated its 20th anniversary last year.

It trains approximately 900 students each year, with 68% of those training in the 2023/24 academic year receiving bursaries.

But despite relief that funding for student bursaries would continue for 2025/26, concerns persist about the future of the dance centres, without a guarantee of its long-term future.

The pre-vocational training is available for dancers aged 10-18 and is offered alongside mainstream education.

Bourne had called the national network of dance centres “the envy of international dance companies around the globe”, and said that without support for its work we faced “a world in which there can be no more Billy – or Betty – Elliots”.

Spalding, artistic director and chief executive of Sadler’s Wells, previously said: “The small investment required to fund this programme annually has a substantial impact in terms of the opportunities it provides to young people and the economic return.

“The future artistic director of Sadler’s Wells is very likely among the current cohort.”

Alumni from the scheme have gone on to perform with high-profile professional dance companies including Akram Khan Dance Company, Northern Ballet, and Matthew Bourne’s New Adventures.

General News & Sighting

• Tiffany Theatre College will be closing at the end of the academic year. It only raised £30,000 of the targeted £200,000 needed to continue.
• 530 dancers auditioned this year for the Thursford Christmas Spectacular and 23 were selected.
• Strictly star Johannes Radebe will make his West End debut in “Kinky Boots” at the London Coliseum in 2026.
• Chris Marney of the London City Ballet will become Artist in Residence at the Baryshnikov Arts Centre in New York.
• Sir Matt Bourne has released the cast for the upcoming tour of “The Red Shoes”. It will star Ashley Shaw, Cordelia Braithwaite, Hannah Kremer and Holly Saw.
  The tour will open in Plymouth.
• The full cast has been revealed for the show of “The Little Dancer” that will premiere at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane on the 27th of July. It will star Tiler Peck and Imogen Bailey and has choreography by Susan Stroman.
• Casting has been revealed for the UK premiere of “Saving Mozart”. The show will star Aimee Atkinson and Jack Chambers and have choreography by Taylor Walker. It will open at The Other Palace in London this summer.
• The cast has been revealed for “Miss Saigon” which will tour the UK later this year. It will star Julianne Pundan and have choreography by Carrie-Anne Ingrouille and Chrissie Cartwright. Jasmin Colangelo will be the resident choreographer. The show will open in Newcastle on the 25th of October.
• The tour cast of “Fiddler on the Roof” has been announced. The show will have choreography by Julia Cheng and will star Jodie Jacobs. The tour will begin on the 24th of July in Bromley.
• STOP PRESS – Hope Mill Theatre is set to stage a production of “High School Musical”. It will run at the Lowry in Salford from the 21st of August until the 13th of September 2026.

Future Dance Events News

• “Barnum” will be touring the UK from February 2026. The show has choreography by Oti Mabuse and Matt Nicholson and will star Lee Mead.
• “Mean Girls The Musical” will open on tour in Manchester on the 23rd of February 2026. The show has choreography by Casey Nicholaw.
• 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.
• 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.

Auditions & Vacancies

• Jerry Reeve of Kutes is looking for contemporary dancers with “unique movement”. You can DM Jerry on his Instagram account for more details.
• Josie Pocock is looking for 9 ballerinas for a job on the 4th – 6th of September. You can contact Josie on her Instagram account.

Dance Classes

• Synergy has a Summer Intensive with Gaz Davis and Sam Stanley at the Base dance studios in London on the 8th of August from 1.00 – 5.00 pm. You can book your place on: synergydancechampionships@outlook.com
• Crystal Hantig and Hannah Levitt-Collins have an intermediate / advanced Heels class on the 9th of July at the Manor in London at 12.00.
• Adrian Gas has a Jazz class at the Manor on the 10th of July from 6.30 – 8.30 pm.
• Strictly star’s Jowita and Pasquale have a dance workshop on the 27th of July at the Du Boisson dance studios from 1.00 – 5.00 pm.
• Dollie Henry MBE and her BOP present a 2 day convention called “Jazz Art ReWired” at the Place in London on the 13th and the 20th of September.
• Abbie Brown has a Summer Intensive in Glasgow on the 31st of July. You can book your place on: abbiebrownworkshops@gmail.com
• Lizzie McConachie has a commercial class at Pineapple Studios on Mondays at 7.30 pm.
• Dollie Henry has her weekly BOP Jazz class every Friday from 12.30 – 3.30 pm. Sign up at: info@bop.org.uk
• 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.
• 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.
• 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

• We spotted the following dancers performing with Dua Lipa at Wembley: Alexandre Novelli, Ben Hukin, James Mulford, Joy Duckrell, Remi Black, Robyn Rae Laud & Li Li Hodge. The choreography was by Charm La’Donna and Sharon June. The dance captain was Sammi Lee Jayne and the contract was with AMCK.
• We spotted the following dancers performing with Busta Rhymes at Glastonbury: Darcey Simmons, Joel Gooding, Kamira Samuel, Lewis Mitchell, Renette Wesley & Tia Gribben. The contract was with AMCK.
• We spotted Honey Makwana, Rosalina Holmgaard & Summer Villiers performing with Zara Larsson at the Summertime Ball. The contract was with AMCK.
• We spotted Katie Priest dancing on the TV show “Outrageous”.
• We spotted Kiera Brunton teaching the public to Cha Cha for Lipton’s Ice Tea.

Pro Dancer News Published by the Dincwear Pro Dancewear Team.

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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.

Pro Dancer News Published by the Dincwear Pro Dancewear Team.

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