All the latest news from Dincwear Pro Dancewear.

Strictly Come Dancing’s Giovanni Pernice confirms he will miss group dances.

Strictly Come Dancing star Giovanni Pernice has confirmed he will miss some of the group dances for the upcoming series of the show.

Preparations for the 21st series of the BBC show are firmly underway, with the group routines often being filmed before the live episodes in order to give the professionals more time with their celebrity partners.

Pernice, however, will not be a part of all the group dances following an ankle injury, which he sustained during a performance on his current tour with Strictly judge Anton Du Beke.

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Strictly Come Dancing’s Janette Manrara gives birth to first child.

Strictly Come Dancing stars Janette Manrara and Aljaz Skorjanec have welcomed their first child together.

The married couple announced the news by sharing a photo on Instagram of Manrara, 39, in a hospital bed cradling the newborn baby while Skorjanec, 33, leaned over them with a beaming smile.

They said the baby had been born on Friday (29 July) and had been named Lyra Rose Skorjanec.
Friends and famous faces congratulated the couple, including Strictly Come Dancing professional Gorka Marquez who wrote: “So gorgeous!!!”

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‘New York, New York’ Will End Its Abbreviated Run on Broadway.

The big-budget musical that tried to position itself as a nostalgic love letter to the city will close after a summer of dropping sales.

“New York, New York,” a big-budget musical that tried to position itself as a nostalgic love letter to the city, will close on July 30 after underwhelming critics and failing to find a sufficient audience to sustain a Broadway run.

The musical was the costliest swing of the last theater season, with a $25 million capitalization, according to a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission; that money has not been recouped. The show’s budget was bigger than that of other musicals currently arriving Broadway, although costs have been rising, and the musicals with the largest companies and the most stage spectacle are increasingly costing more than $20 million.

“New York, New York” started off respectably at the box office, with weekly grosses initially hovering around $1 million. But the musical has been expensive to run, with a large cast and a sizable orchestra, and its sales have been dropping problematically this summer. During the week that ended July 16, “New York, New York” grossed $692,051 and played to houses that were only 68 percent full, according to the most recent figures released by the Broadway League.

At the time of its closing, “New York, New York” will have played 33 preview and 110 regular performances.

The musical, directed and choreographed by Susan Stroman, opened on April 26 and faced mixed to negative reviews. In The New York Times, the critic Elisabeth Vincentelli called it “sprawling, unwieldy, surprisingly dull.”

The show was nominated for nine Tony Awards, and it won one, for Beowulf Boritt’s scenic design.

Sonia Friedman and Tom Kirdahy are the musical’s lead producers. In May they announced plans for a national tour of the musical starting in January 2025, but on Sunday evening, when they announced the closing date, they said only that “discussions are underway for a North American tour.”

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Ain’t Too Proud: The Life and Times of The Temptations to end West End run early.

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Producers of the West End premiere of Ain’t Too Proud have today confirmed that the show will end its run at the Prince Edward Theatre on Sunday, 17 September 2023. It was previously scheduled to close on 7 January 2024.

The musical tells the story of legendary Motown group, The Temptations, tracing their extraordinary journey from the streets of Detroit to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Numbers include “My Girl,” “Just My Imagination,” “Papa Was a Rollin’ Stone,” “Get Ready,” and “Ain’t Too Proud to Beg,” among many others.

It received a glowing review from WhatsOnStage, being described as “a couple of hours of unalloyed pleasure, and that deserves to be a great big fat popular hit.”

The West End cast is led by Cameron Bernard Jones as Melvin Franklin, Kyle Cox as Paul Williams, Sifiso Mazibuko as Otis Williams, Mitchell Zhangazha as Eddie Kendricks, and Tosh Wanogho-Maud as David Ruffin.

The ensemble includes Evonnee Bentley-Holder, Natalia Brown, Ryan Carter, Hannah Fairclough, Christopher Gopaul, Daniel Haswell, Naomi Katiyo, Akmed Junior Khemalai, Holly Liburd, Darnell Mathew-James, Simeon Montague, Posi Morakinyo, Sadie-Jean Shirley, Michael James Stewart, Toyan Thomas-Browne, Dylan Turner and Kevin Yates.

Ain’t Too Proud is written by Dominique Morisseau, a recipient of the prestigious Kennedy Prize. The musical reunites director Des McAnuff, a two-time Tony Award winner, with Sergio Trujilio, the Tony and Olivier Award-winning choreographer, known for their work on the hit show Jersey Boys.

The production features scenic design by Tony Award nominee Robert Brill, costume design by Tony Award winner Paul Tazewell, lighting design by Tony Award winner Howell Binkley, sound design by Tony Award winner Steve Canyon Kennedy, and projection design by Drama Desk Award winner Peter Nigrini. Charles G LaPointe handles hair and wig design, while music supervision and arrangements are by Kenny Seymour, orchestrations by Drama Desk Award winner Harold Wheeler, and music direction by Matt Smith. Pippa Ailion CDG and Natalie Gallacher CDG are responsible for casting.

The show is now set to play its final performance this September.

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General News & Sighting

• Lizzo and her production company is being sued by 3 former dancers over allegations of sexual harassment and the creation of a hostile work environment. The complaint was filed in L.A.
• Amy Dowden will not compete in Strictly this year due to undergoing chemotherapy. We wish Amy the very best of luck.
• Janette & Aljaz announced the birth of baby Lyra Rose. Many congratulations.
• Carlos Acosta is to open a dance centre in South East London in September. This will offer dance classes, courses and performances.
• Ash-Leigh Hunter and partner Phil Burton won “Dancing With The Stars” in Australia.
• The Ballet Icons Gala will take place at the London Coliseum on the 17th of March 2024.
• Complete casting has been revealed for “Flowers For Mrs Harris”. Jenna Russell will star as Ada Harris. Anjali Mehra is the movement director and the assistant director is Teenie Macleod. Casting was by Jane Deitch.
• The final cast has been announced for “Death Note – The Musical”. We spotted the following dancers in the ensemble: Charlotte Coggin, Jade Copas and Janine Somcio. The production is directed and choreographed by Nick Winston and takes place at the London Palladium on the 21st & 22nd of August and the Lyric Theatre from the 7th to the 10th of September.
• Frankie Bridge will join the cast of “2.22 A Ghost Story” in August until the 17th of September.
• New cast members have been announced for the UK & Ireland tour of “The Lion King”. They will join the production on the 5th of September.
• The producers of the West End show “Ain’t Too Proud” have confirmed that it will close on the 17th of September.
• In America, Jeremy Jordan and Eva Noblezada will star in the “Great Gatsby” musical at the Paper Mill Playhouse in New Jersey opening on the 12th of October. It has choreography by Dominique Kelley.

Future Dance Events News

• “Treason The Musical” confirms its initial touring cast. It will star Nicole Raquel Dennis, Joe McFadden and Emilie Louise Israel and open at the Edinburgh Festival theatre on the 25th of October.
• New British musical “Kin” is to have a staged concert at Theatro Technis in London from the 1st to the 4th of November. It will star Joseph Peacock.
• The full company has been confirmed for the new International tour of “Hamilton” which will commence in Manila on the 17th of September. The cast is led by Jason Arrow as Alexander Hamilton.
• “An Officer and a Gentleman” is set to embark on a new tour in February 2024 starting in Birmingham. The choreographer is Joanna Goodwin.
• Leeds Playhouse will stage “Oliver” in the round from the 27th of November until the 27th of January 2024.
• “Diana the Musical” will open at the Eventim Apollo in Hammersmith, London, on the 4th of December. It will star Kerry Ellis and Maiya Quansah-Breed.
• “Standing at the Sky’s Edge” will run at the Gillian Lynne theatre from the 8th of February 2024. The choreography is by Lynne Page.
• New musical “Lizzie” has confirmed its tour dates plus a London run. It will open at the Hope Mill theatre in Manchester on the 30th of September with Lauren Drewvill playing Lizzie Borden. The associate choreographer is Yandass Ndlovu.
• “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang” will embark on a UK tour from April 2024, opening in Southampton on the 30th of April 2024. The choreography is by Karen Bruce.
• “Shucked” will open in the West End in 2024. The choreographer is Sarah O’Gleby.
• The musical “Bonnie & Clyde” will be heading off on a tour of UK and Ireland in 2024, opening in Manchester on the 19th of March. It is directed and choreographed by Nick Winston.
• “Come From Away” announced a UK and Ireland tour beginning in Leicester on the 1st of March 2024. The production is being cast by Pippa Ailion and Natalie Gallacher. The choreography is by Tara Wilkinson and Kirsty Malpas with Richard Hinds.
• Manchester’s Hope Mill theatre will stage the world premiere of “To Wong Foo – The Musical”, based on the 1995 film, on the 21st of October. The cast and creative team is to be announced. The casting is by Sarah Leung.
• “Hadestown” will open at the Lyric Theatre in the West End on the 10th of February 2024. The choreographer is David Neumann.
• The Chaka Khan musical “I’m Every Woman” announced plans to open in London. It will workshop in the West End in November. The director will be Racky Plews.
• The new musical “Starter for Ten” will premiere in Bristol next year at the Old Vic theatre from the 29th of February until the 30th of March 2024.
• “The King And I” will return to the West End in early 2024 starring Helen George and Darren Lee.
• “Sister Act – The Musical” will return to the Dominion theatre in the West End on the 15th of March 2024. It will star Beverley Knight and Alexandra Burke. The choreography is by Alistair David.
• The lead cast has been unveiled for “We Will Rock You” opening in the West End. It will star Lee Mead and Brenda Edwards.
• The upcoming “Wicked” tour has announced its lead casting. Laura Pick will play Elphaba. The show will open in Edinburgh on the 7th of December. The choreography is by Wayne Cilento.
• “Jesus Christ Superstar” will tour the UK in 2023/4 opening in Manchester this September. The choreography is by Drew McOnie.
• “The Wizard of Oz” will embark on a UK tour at Liverpool Empire on the 13th of December. The choreography is by Shay Barclay.

Auditions & Vacancies

• Addict Dance Academy is hiring an Acting teacher. For more information, contact: gareth@addictdanceacademy.co.uk
• Nathan Clarke is looking for strong commercial dancers for a project in Madrid. You can DM Nathan on his Instagram account.
• LaDuca Shoes is looking for a Manager based at its store in Covent Garden. For more information, contact: siobhan@laduca.co.uk by the 25th of August.
• Aerowaves and The Place, London, is looking for 20 emerging choreographers based in Europe. Apply by the 10th of August.
• Rouge in Las Vegas is looking for male dancers. Contact: castofstrat@gmail.com
• Birmingham Royal Ballet is looking for a repetiteur. Have a look at the company website for details.
• Ballet Black is auditioning in America for new dancers for the 2023/4 season. For more information, contact: admin@balletblack.co.uk with “US Audition” in the heading.
• Bird College is looking for a Tap tutor, with a focus on Musical Theatre, to begin in September. Have a look at the website for more details.
• Emil Dale Academy is looking for freelance Ballet teachers. There is more information at: info@emildale.co.uk

Dance Classes

• Ryan Lee Seager and Sam Fleet are holding a “Finesse Your Craft” workshop on the 9th of August from 12.00 – 3.30 pm at the Hub Studios in London. Contact: ryanleeseager@hotmail.com
• Royal Ballet dancer Sophie Allnatt is doing a ballet workshop on the 24th of September at the Thorpe Hall School in Essex. Contact Sophie on: sophie.allnatt@hotmail.co.uk
• Amy Ireland is offering a Beginners Tap class at Pineapple Dance Studios on Fridays at 10.15 am and a Commercial Tap class on Mondays at 8.30 pm.
• Sophie Ferrero has a workshop series on the 2nd of September at the Hub Studios in London from 11.30 am – 3.30 pm.
• Dominique Marinho is teaching a Beginners Heels class on Tuesdays at Pineapple Studios from 3.45 – 4.45 pm from the 1st of August.
• Jaye Richard Noel is starting a Commercial Hip Hop class from 8.00 – 9.30 pm on Wednesdays at Gymbox in Holborn. You can book via: heelsandfeels.com
• Natalie Twist has a “Sexy R n B” class every Wednesday from 8.00 – 9.00 pm at the Pineapple Dance Studios.
• Olivia Rose Shouler is doing a beginners choreography class on Wednesday from 7.00 – 8.25 pm at the Base Studios in London.
• Daniela Fabbricatore is teaching at the CYD Super Convention on the Sunday: 9.00 am Jazz Fusion Advanced, 11.00 am Tap Intermediate & 2.00pm Jazz.
• Lowri Amelia Jackson has a Commercial workshop on the 13th of August at Pas De Deux Studios. Contact Freedom Dance to book.
• Anna Maria Barber is doing a Choreography class at Flow Dance in Oval every Tuesday from 7.00 – 8.30 pm.
• Hannah O’Brian is giving a Heels class on Wednesdays from 7.00 – 8.00 pm in Chelmsford. DM Hannah on her Instagram for details.
• Gemma Hoddy is giving a class at Base Studios on Thursdays from 5.30 – 6.55 pm.
• Nicolette Whitley is offering a dance class on Thursdays from 6.15 – 7.15 pm at the Inner Space in Nelwyn for £7. Reserve your space on: nicolettewhitley@outlook.com
• Anita Mannings has a Contemporary Jazz Class (Int) on Wednesdays from 8.30 – 9.55 pm at the Flow Dance Studios in Oval.
• Emma Levene is offering a General Ballet Core and Stretch Contemporary class at Forest Gate Community School on Thursdays from 7.00 – 8.00 pm. Email to book: doubletwistdance@gmail.com
• Michael Naylor is teaching a class on Thursdays at the Base Dance Studios from 2.30 – 4.00 pm. Book via the Base app.
• Alexandre Novelli is offering a Beginners Commercial for Adults class every Tuesday at her Novelli Studios from 6.00 – 7.00 pm.
• Nafisah Baba is teaching a weekly Lyrical Contemporary Intermediate / Advanced class at Danceworks in London every Tuesday from 8.00 – 9.30 pm.
• Lucy Jane Adcock is teaching a Show Tap class at Base Dance Studios on Wednesdays at 11.30 am.
• Poppy Tremlett is offering an Improvers Choreography class at Base Dance Studios on Tuesdays from 8.30 – 10.00 pm.
• Rachel Bolsworth is teaching an Absolute Beginners Heels class from 7.00 – 8.00 pm on Tuesdays and an Improvers Beginners Heels class on Monday from 8.30 – 9.30 pm at Pineapple Dance Studios.
• Hannah Cleeve is giving a Heels Technique class on Wednesdays from 1.00 – 2.30 pm each week at the Base Dance Studios.
• Kamila Zalewska is teaching at the Base Studios in London on Mondays from 4.00 – 5.25 pm for intermediate/advanced level. Book on the Base app.

Film & TV

• We spotted Shakira Robinson in “Heartstopper” on Netflix.
• We spotted the following dancers performing with Big Wiz at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London: Mari Macleod, Zhane Samuels, Nadia Robinson, Mina Neighbour & Becky Wong. The choreography was by Gina Eigbe and the contract was with Kutes.
• We spotted Hannah Nazareth performing at the BBC Proms tribute to Lata Mangeshkar at the Royal Albert Hall.
• We spotted Summer Villiers, Julia Zytko, Ines Galnares & Alice Dickens performing at the Kallis Moet & Chandon Pink and White party in Sweden. The contract was with Mass Movement and the choreography was by Kamila Zalewska.
• We spotted the following dancers in Disney’s “The Little Mermaid”: Erica Stubbs, Busola Peters, Charlotte Bazeley, Austyn Farrell, Demi Mensah & Chanel Mian. The contract was with Mass Talent.
• We spotted Cassidy Cannonier in the music video for “The Weekend” by Stormzy & Raye.
• We spotted Emma Nielsen, Becky Wong, Yves Cueni & Michele Zan performing with Rita Ora on BBC1’s “The One Show”. The choreography was by Becky Hicks and the contract was with Kutes.

During August 2023, Dincwear Pro Dancewear will be publishing the Pro Dancer News every second week.

View All The Strictly Stars Wearing Dincwear Dancewear

From all the news team at Dincwear Dancewear, See you all in 2 weeks time!

This post has been created by the Dincwear Dancewear Team.

 

All the latest news from Dincwear Pro Dancewear.

Take That film Greatest Days shines spotlight on fans.

While Gary Barlow has joked it was a “blunder” by producers not to test out his acting chops in Take That’s new film, in all seriousness the singer hopes Greatest Days’ cinematic success will be in “turning a mirror” on their fans.

Speaking to Media News, with faux upset, he joked that not casting himself as a leading man was “a huge blunder, in my opinion, but there you go – we go on, we go on!”

“We’ve got this brilliant audience and, you know, the one thing for us that was so important with [first] the musical, and the movie, was to turn a mirror on the audience and make it about them and how important they are within what we do.”

 

Directed by Coky Giedroyc with Tim Firth adapting his own stage show, comedian Aisling Bea leads the cast with the story focusing on a die-hard Take That fan who – 25 years on from her teenage crush – has to round up her old school friends after winning the chance to see the band in concert in Athens.

While the cast clearly had a blast breaking into song, Bea maintains it was a gruelling shoot.

“On Never Forget we did the conga 30 times down the road,” she explains. “That scene took two or three days of rehearsals… We hope it looks easy, but it never actually is behind the scenes.

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Tina – The Tina Turner Musical announces new West End cast.

(photo Karis Anderson (centre) and Okezie Morro in rehearsals)

New casting has been announced for Tina – The Tina Turner Musical as it continues its West End run in the wake of the death of Tina Turner.

From 8 June, Karis Anderson, currently in the ensemble, will share the role of Tina with Elesha Paul Moses who continues in the role. Okezie Morro (Moon on a Rainbow Shawl) will join the show to play Ike Turner.

Mark Anderson joins to play record producer Phil Spector and lyricist Terry Britten, Jonathan Carlton will play record company marketing manager Erwin Bach, current ensemble member Vanessa Dumatey will play Tina’s sister Alline Bullock, Irene Myrtle Forrester continues as Tina’s Grandmother, Earl Gregory joins to play Tina’s father Richard Bullock, Harry Harrington joins as Tina’s manager Roger Davies, Emma Hatton joins to play Ike and Tina’s manager Rhonda Graam, Jarius McClanahan joins as Tina’s first love Raymond Hill and Carole Stennett joins to play Tina’s mother Zelma.

Ensemble members are Lauren Allan as Toni, Turrell Barrett-Wallace who continues to play Tina’s son Ronnie, Joey James who continues to play Tina’s son Craig and Thomas Sutcliffe who continues to play Carpenter.

The Ikettes are played by new cast members Morgan Broome, Amara Campbell and Abiola Efunshile, while the swings are Richard Appiah-Sarpong, Jenna Bonner, Ana Cardoso, Junior Delius, Livvy Evans, Ewan Grant, Imogen Rose Hart, Llewellyn Jamal, Amy Punter, Ellie Seaton and Samuel J Weir.

The children’s casting includes Shaniyah Abrahams, Seikemi Okotore and Shyanne Ononiwu as Young Anna Mae Bullock, Eden Butcher, Adisa Richards and Ezmai Robinson as Young Alline Bullock and AJ Aboiralor, Ayden Beale and Philip Kamau as Young Craig.

Phyllida Lloyd’s production of Katori Hall, Frank Ketelaar and Kees Prins’ play is choreographed by Anthony van Laast, with set and costume designs by Mark Thompson, musical supervision by Nicholas Skilbeck, lighting by Bruno Poet, sound by Nevin Steinberg, projection design by Jeff Sugg, orchestrations by Ethan Popp, wigs, hair and makeup design by Campbell Young Associates, casting by Pippa Ailion CDG and Natalie Gallacher CDG and fight direction by Kate Waters.

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The Mackintosh Foundation announces Regional Theatre Technical Apprenticeship Programme.

Details have been revealed for the Mackintosh Foundation’s inaugural Regional Theatre Technical Apprenticeship Programme.

The new scheme, launched in association with 13 venues across the United Kingdom, aims to offer young people a stepping-stone into a career as a technical theatre professional and minimise the current industry-wide shortage of practitioners.

Cameron Mackintosh commented: “I started my career sweeping the stage of the Theatre Royal Drury Lane and have worked in nearly every department in the Theatre from backstage to marketing – except the wardrobe, as my sewing wasn’t good enough! Learning how all the elements of a show are put together has been key to my long career as a producer.”

Applicants wishing to apply for an apprenticeship can do so via their relevant venue’s website. They must be over the age of 18 and ideally possess some basic theatrical awareness and computer skills. Those from marginalised groups and those with protected characteristics are also encouraged to apply.

The full-time placements will commence in autumn of this year and will range from 18 to 24 months, depending on the discipline.

13 venues across the UK are participating in the new scheme.

The theatrical institutions taking part and the respective roles on offer include Birmingham Hippodrome (creative venue apprentice), Bristol Old Vic Theatre (workshop theatre trainee), Chichester Festival Theatre (production management apprentice), Curve Leicester (creative venue apprentice), Edinburgh Lyceum Theatre (creative venue apprentice – lighting), Leeds Playhouse (costume making trainee), Lyric Theatre Belfast (production management apprentice), Northern Stage (creative venue apprentice – video and sound), Nottingham Playhouse (creative venue apprentice), Royal Shakespeare Company (wigs, hair and makeup trainee), Sheffield Theatres (creative venue apprentice), Theatr Clwyd (costume making trainee) and Theatre Royal Plymouth (production management apprentice).

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Major new musical development scheme launched.

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Burnt Lemon Theatre and The REcreate Agency have announced the launch of a brand-new musical theatre development scheme called Overture.

Presented in partnership with The Other Palace, Birmingham Hippodrome, Sheffield Theatres, MAST Mayflower Southampton, The Hope Mill, Warwick Arts Centre and China Plate, the scheme’s mission is to develop the skills of underrepresented musical theatre writing teams and nurture their relationships with both theatrical venues and talent.

Hannah Benson, artistic director at Burnt Lemon Theatre, commented: “As a company developing musicals, it can feel like an uphill battle figuring out what you need at every stage of a musical’s development to take the production from page to stage. So often we feel like we’re running without support, so I’m thrilled that we can attempt to mitigate this and provide an opportunity for artists to learn the foundations of making a musical, removing some of the hurdles that Burnt Lemon and many of our peers have faced along the way.”

Emily Beecher, co-creative director and producer at The REcreate Agency, added: “Developing a musical is a huge undertaking from start to finish, and it’s even harder for underrepresented creatives. Creating The Good Enough Mum’s Club with an all-female team has been a decade-long project for me, and so I’m delighted to help launch Overture – a new programme that will support musical theatre teams to better understand the intricacies of navigating musical theatre creation, whilst also allowing them to develop their unique voices, something that’s cutting missing from the UK musical scene.”

Applications for the scheme are now open, with a deadline of Sunday 18 June 2023, and teams from underrepresented backgrounds in the UK are encouraged to apply; including those from the Global Majority, working-class backgrounds, neurodiverse and disabled teams, trans and gender non-conforming and female-led teams. At least 50% of the places will be set aside for female and non-binary-led groups and an additional travel bursary is also available to ensure accessibility for those from all across the UK.

In total, six teams will be selected for the pilot programme, each receiving £1000 in seed funding, ten skill development workshops led by top practitioners (from September to November 2023), mentorship, peer-to-peer learning, and an industry showcase at The Other Palace. They will also be guided through next-step opportunities with the scheme’s partner venues.

The successful applicants will be announced at the end of July. For more information, visit www.overturemusicals.co.uk

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Andrew Lloyd Webber: ‘The lifeblood of musical theatre is getting rather squeezed out’

In a 40-minute podcast, Andrew Lloyd Webber reflected on the current state of the musical theatre world.

Lloyd Webber, who recently ended a mammoth 44-year unbroken spell on Broadway with the closure of new musical Bad Cinderella, offered thoughts on a changing landscape in a chat for a new podcast from charity Help Musicians.

Lloyd Webber also recollected the initial album success of Jesus Christ Superstar, which was famously a vinyl smash before it even made its way to the stage. With the advent of streaming, the composer suggests “I’m not sure people listen to music in the same way that people did then.” This, he says, makes it harder for talent to emerge: “It makes it very difficult for young independent songwriters to get off the ground with a fair crack at the whip.” He also agreed with podcast host Chris Difford’s suggestion that attention spans have been shortened over the last few decades.

He also commented on the financial aspects of theatre, saying “It’s getting very difficult now to make production ends meet unless you’re a huge, huge hit. The lifeblood of musical theatre is getting rather squeezed out”.

The thoughts echoed those of Sonia Friedman, who warned at the Tony Awards on Sunday that plays like Leopoldstadt, which she produced, were being created in precarious circumstances: “The model needs a bit of fixing. I don’t know when there’ll be a play like [Leopoldstadt] again. It’s very high risk – however brilliant it is, however great the reviews are, however many people come. It’s a tough landscape for most shows, even those without 38 cast members.”

The Evita composer offered some thoughts on possible solutions: “The best way to get one’s work out now is to do it through one of the regional theatres. Sometimes they’ve got subsidies and can afford to do things that commercial producers probably can’t now.”

Evita, as it happens, is set to be staged by Curve Leicester, a subsidised venue that previously presented Lloyd Webber’s Sunset Boulevard and The Wizard of Oz.

As for his next project, audiences might expect a departure from Lloyd Webber: “I’m beginning to think the next thing I do may go a different way. I think there is a huge future in immersive theatre… there’s going to be a time when it’s not done in all the conventional spaces in the same way”.

These spaces offer something new for producers, Lloyd Webber said those spaces don’t have the “old union restrictions, huge costs that the theatre owners take”.

Lloyd Webber has also previously called out the lack of funding in music education, particularly in schools.

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West End Star Lee Mead Announces October UK Concert Tour.

 

Award-winning stage and screen actor, singer and West End leading man, Lee Mead has announced an all-new October concert tour. The tour will see Mead, known for his powerful voice and magnetic stage presence, embark on a series of unforgettable performances, showcasing some of his favourite songs.

The show sees Mead taking centre stage alongside his live band to perform a repertoire that spans various genres from his musical influences, including musical theatre classics, contemporary hits, soulful ballads and a sneak peek at his brand-new EP.

Currently in rehearsals for the West End’s summer revival of We Will Rock You, his career started with a breakthrough win on the BBC talent show Any Dream Will Do, to his subsequent career in the West End, including Wicked, Legally Blonde, Chicago, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, along with regular TV roles.

“I am absolutely thrilled to announce my October concert tour,” said Mead. “I’m excited to journey back through some of my musical influences and it’s a chance for me to connect and share with my fans my passion for music and live entertainment. We have put together an exciting setlist that I hope will resonate with audiences and be a fun night out for all.”

Tour Dates:

10/17 – Bury St.Edmunds, The Apex
10/18 – Redhill, The Harlequin Theatre
10/19 – Watford, Palace Theatre
10/20 – Clacton, West Cliff Theatre
10/24 – Portsmouth, New Theatre Royal
10/25 – Newbury, Corn Exchange
10/26 – Taunton, Brewhouse Theatre
10/28 – Worcester, Swan Theatre

To purchase tickets and for more information about the tour dates and venues, please visit Lee Mead’s Official Website

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General News & Sighting

• The following people from the dance world were awarded honours in the King’s Birthday list:

        CBE – Richard Hampson of the Scottish Ballet.
        OBE – Richard Cooper of the Rambert and Janet Lewis of the English Youth Ballet.
        Russell Maliphant
        MBE – Nadine Judge and Tess Chaytor
        BEM – Jennifer Blackwell and Hilary Weedon

• Fleur East will join Janette Manrara as the new co-host of BBC’s Strictly “It Takes Two”.
• Bethany Kingsley-Garner is a new ambassador for the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland.
• Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre unveiled the complete cast of “La Cage aux Folles” to run from the 29th of July until the 16th of September. Lewis Easter is the dance captain. The choreography is by Stephen Mear and Ebony Molina.
• New casting has been announced for “Tina – The Tina Turner Musical”. Karis Anderson will share the role of Tina with Elesha Paul Moses from the 8th of June. The choreography is by Anthony van Laast.
• Complete casting has been revealed for the new production of “The Book Thief”. It will open at the Belgrade theatre in Coventry on the 11th of September. The choreography is by Tom Jackson Greaves.
• Casting has been announced for the UK premiere of “Next to Normal”. It will star Caissie Levy and Trevor Dion Nicholas with movement and choreography by Ann Yee.
• “Blood Brothers” has confirmed the cast for its summer tour.

Future Dance Events News

• “Diana the Musical” will open at the Eventim Apollo in Hammersmith, London, on the 4th of December. It will star Kerry Ellis and Maiya Quansah-Breed.
• “Standing at the Sky’s Edge” will run at the Gillian Lynne theatre from the 8th of February 2024. The choreography is by Lynne Page.
• New musical “Lizzie” has confirmed its tour dates plus a London run. It will open at the Hope Mill theatre in Manchester on the 30th of September with Lauren Drewvill playing Lizzie Borden. The associate choreographer is Yandass Ndlovu.
• “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang” will embark on a UK tour from April 2024, opening in Southampton on the 30th of April 2024. The choreography is by Karen Bruce.
• “Shucked” will open in the West End in 2024. The choreographer is Sarah O’Gleby.
• The musical “Bonnie & Clyde” will be heading off on a tour of UK and Ireland in 2024, opening in Manchester on the 19th of March. It is directed and choreographed by Nick Winston.
• “Come From Away” announced a UK and Ireland tour beginning in Leicester on the 1st of March 2024. The production is being cast by Pippa Ailion and Natalie Gallacher. The choreography is by Tara Wilkinson and Kirsty Malpas with Richard Hinds.
• Manchester’s Hope Mill theatre will stage the world premiere of “To Wong Foo – The Musical”, based on the 1995 film, on the 21st of October. The cast and creative team is to be announced. The casting is by Sarah Leung.
• “Hadestown” will open at the Lyric Theatre in the West End on the 10th of February 2024. The choreographer is David Neumann.
• The Chaka Khan musical “I’m Every Woman” announced plans to open in London. It will workshop in the West End in November. The director will be Racky Plews.
• The new musical “Starter for Ten” will premiere in Bristol next year at the Old Vic theatre from the 29th of February until the 30th of March 2024.
• “The King And I” will return to the West End in early 2024 starring Helen George and Darren Lee.
• “Sister Act – The Musical” will return to the Dominion theatre in the West End on the 15th of March 2024. It will star Beverley Knight and Alexandra Burke. The choreography is by Alistair David.
• A musical based on the songs produced by Stock, Aitken and Waterman called “I Should Be So Lucky” will open in Manchester on the 1st of November.
• A new musical based on the life and work of Frank Sinatra will open at the Birmingham Rep on the 23rd of September. The director and choreographer is Kathleen Marshall.
• The lead cast has been unveiled for “We Will Rock You” opening in the West End. It will star Lee Mead and Brenda Edwards.
• The upcoming “Wicked” tour has announced its lead casting. Laura Pick will play Elphaba. The show will open in Edinburgh on the 7th of December. The choreography is by Wayne Cilento.
• “Jesus Christ Superstar” will tour the UK in 2023/4 opening in Manchester this September. The choreography is by Drew McOnie.
• “The Wizard of Oz” will embark on a UK tour at Liverpool Empire on the 13th of December. The choreography is by Shay Barclay.
• The musical version of “Rebecca” will play at the Charing Cross theatre in London on the 4th of September.

Auditions & Vacancies

• Universal Studios is looking for dancers for Japan and Beijing. Applications close on the 8th of July. For more information, contact: www.universalstudiosauditions.com
• Park Chinois has an audition for dancers in London on the 29th of June. Contact: auditions@parkchinois.com
• The Crystal Girls, cheerleaders of Crystal Palace, have an audition on the 19th of July. For more information, contact: sgreenh1@hotmail.co.uk
• Birmingham Royal Ballet is looking for a repetiteur. Have a look at the company website for details.
• Ballet Black is auditioning in America for new dancers for the 2023/4 season. For more information, contact: admin@balletblack.co.uk with “US Audition” in the heading.
• Bird College is looking for a Tap tutor, with a focus on Musical Theatre, to begin in September. Have a look at the website for more details.
• Emil Dale Academy is looking for freelance Ballet teachers. There is more information at: info@emildale.co.uk
• Sonia Sabri is looking for Indian dancers for a touring production. For more information, contact: info@ssco.org.uk
• Bird College is looking for a Musical Theatre tutor to work 3 days a week in September. Contact the College for further details.

Dance Classes

• Olivia Rose Shouler is doing a beginners choreography class on Wednesday from 7.00 – 8.25pm at the Base Studios in London.
• Dane William Bates is doing a Summer Intensive on the 27th & 28th of July at Liverpool Central Studios from 9.00am – 3.00pm each day.
• Daniela Fabbricatore is teaching at the CYD Super Convention on the Sunday: 9.00am Jazz Fusion Advanced, 11.00am Tap Intermediate & 2.00pm Jazz.
• Lowri Amelia Jackson has a Commercial workshop on the 13th of August at Pas De Deux Studios. Contact Freedom Dance to book.
• Paige Golding & Tink McClay have a dance class at the Husky Dance Studios on the 30th of June from 8.00 – 10.00pm. You can book on Eventbrite.
• Anna Maria Barber is doing a Choreography class at Flow Dance in Oval every Tuesday from 7.00 – 8.30pm.
• Nicolette Whitley has an adult contemporary class for beginners and improvers on Mondays (from the 5th – 26th of June) at 11.30am – 12.30pm at Inner Space in Nelwyn. Contact Nicolette on: nicolettewhitley@outlook.com
• Hannah O’Brian is giving a Heels class on Wednesdays from 7.00 – 8.00pm in Chelmsford. DM Hannah on her Instagram for details.
• Gemma Hoddy is giving a class at Base Studios on Thursdays from 5.30 – 6.55pm.
• The TGS Summer Intensive 2023 will take place from the 24th until the 28th of July at Hemingford Pavilion. Guest teachers include: Ebony Clarke, Michael Naylor, Isaac Edwards, Travis Kerry & Jordi Guitart. You can book on: jordiguitart1962@gmail.com
• Leonie Sian is offering a Contemporary class on the 2nd of July from 1.00 – 2.30pm at the Base Dance Studios in London.
• Nicolette Whitley is offering a dance class on Thursdays from 6.15 – 7.15pm at the Inner Space in Nelwyn for £7. Reserve your space on: nicolettewhitley@outlook.com
• Anita Mannings has a Contemporary Jazz Class (Int) on Wednesdays from 8.30 – 9.55pm at the Flow Dance Studios in Oval.
• Emma Levene is offering a General Ballet Core and Stretch Contemporary class at Forest Gate Community School on Thursdays from 7.00 – 8.00pm. Email to book: doubletwistdance@gmail.com
• Michael Naylor is teaching a class on Thursdays at the Base Dance Studios from 2.30 – 4.00pm. Book via the Base app.
• Alexandre Novelli is offering a Beginners Commercial for Adults class every Tuesday at her Novelli Studios from 6.00 – 7.00pm.
• Amy Ireland has a Commercial Tap class at Pineapple Dance Studios in London on Thursdays at 12.15pm and a Contemporary Jazz class at 1.15pm. On Fridays Amy teaches Beginners Tap at 10.15am.
• Nafisah Baba is teaching a weekly Lyrical Contemporary Intermediate / Advanced class at Danceworks in London every Tuesday from 8.00 – 9.30pm.
• Lucy Jane Adcock is teaching a Show Tap class at Base Dance Studios on Wednesdays at 11.30am.
• Poppy Tremlett is offering an Improvers Choreography class at Base Dance Studios on Tuesdays from 8.30 – 10.00pm.
• Rachel Bolsworth is teaching an Absolute Beginners Heels class from 7.00 – 8.00pm on Tuesdays and an Improvers Beginners Heels class on Monday from 8.30 – 9.30pm at Pineapple Dance Studios.
• Hannah Cleeve is giving a Heels Technique class on Wednesdays from 1.00 – 2.30pm each week at the Base Dance Studios.
• Kamila Zalewska is teaching at the Base Studios in London on Mondays from 4.00 – 5.25pm for intermediate/advanced level. Book on the Base app.

 Film & TV

• You can watch Sir Matt Bourne’s “Sleeping Beauty”, starring Ashley Shaw, at cinemas on the 28th of June.
• The second “Wicked” movie will be released on the 26th of November 2025. The first movie is due out on the 27th of November 2024.
• The trailer of the film “Waitress Musical”, starring Sara Bareilles, was shown at the Tribeca Film Festival.
• We spotted Lizzie Gough and Patt Bauristhene working on the new BBC “Gladiators” TV show.
• We spotted Sophia Turner, Lashay Harvey & Kane Horn in the latest TV advert for Schuh. The contract was with AMCK.
• We spotted Katie Webb, Carrie Willis & Lindsay McAllister in the new Take That movie “Greatest Days” on Amazon Prime.
• We spotted Jenny Griffin & Lianne Lee May performing with Robbie Williams in Spain.
• We spotted James Mulford & Renee Hughes dancing with Kylie Minogue at the Summertime Ball. The contract was with Kutes.
• We spotted the following dancers performing with Zara Larson at the Summertime Ball: Alexandre Novelli, Cece Nama, Zhane Samuels & Lois Roberts. The contract was with AMCK.
• We spotted the following dancers performing with Flo at the Summertime Ball: Shawarah Battles, Amira, Pearl, Lilly Lumn, Cece Nama, Nicole Hastings & Amber Rae. The choreography was by Kash Powell.
• We spotted the following dancers performing at the Heavy Music Awards at Wembley: Mollie Stebbing, Freya Simpson, Kirsty Emslie, Georgina Hunt, Annie Winstanley & Holly Stubbings.

View All The Strictly Stars Wearing Dincwear Dancewear

From all the news team at Dincwear Dancewear, See you all next week!

This post has been created by the Dincwear Dancewear Team.

 

All the latest news from Dincwear Pro Dancewear.

Strictly’s Aljaž Škorjanec explains why he left BBC One dance show after nine years.

Ex Strictly Professional dancer Aljaž Škorjanec worked on the hit BBC show for nine years before hanging up his Strictly dancing shoes in 2021 – revealing that series 19 was his last.

After last appearing on Strictly Come Dancing back in 2021, pro dancer Aljaž Škorjanec has finally opened up about why he made the decision to leave.
Shortly after taking part in series 19 – his last ever season – the 33 year old confirmed he wouldn’t be returning the following year – which would have been his 10th time dancing on the show.

However, it seems that his reasons for calling it a day were completely unrelated to the programme. In reality, Aljaž just wanted to take a break from dancing and focus on other aspects of his career.
According to the 19-time Slovenian champion in Ballroom, Latin and Ten Dance, he was having a “midlife crisis” when he made the choice to quit.

When speaking to the Media Press, he said: “I found I fell in love with dancing again when I did theatre, people came to see me and I found an appreciation for someone clapping after I finished dancing. I fell in love with that concept.”
“I did theatre for three years and then Strictly came around and I did that for nine years,” he added.
“A year and a half ago I hit an early midlife crisis and now I don’t know what I want to do in my life. I love talking now, so I love doing Q&As, birthdays, calls – don’t make me dance but I can talk for ages.”

It seems Aljaž’s love for the spoken word hasn’t been lost on his wife, fellow Strictly star Janette Manrara, either, who teased that her husband would be a great presenter.

Chatting to the publication, the It Takes Two host revealed that she’d love for him to land a presenting role on the show’s spin-off series, following the recent news of her co-star, Rylan Clark’s departure. Of course, this is all just speculation, as a replacement for Rylan has not actually been confirmed yet.
When announcing his exit, Rylan shared with his fans that he was ready to “pass the baton on.” He wrote: “After 4 fantastic years it’s time for me to hang up my glittery jacket and say goodbye to It Takes Two.
“I’ve had the best time hosting the show alongside Janette and Zoe and I can’t thank the amazing team enough for always putting on a great show. I’ve been welcomed into the Strictly family and will firmly hold that title dear to me.”

Rylan added: “The time has come for me to pass on the baton to someone else and explore what else life has for me. Thank you Strictly, you will always have my heart… and dancing feet.”

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Line-up for West End Live revealed.

The initial line-up of shows for West End Live has been revealed.

Taking place on 17 and 18 June, the free event runs in Trafalgar Square and sees thousands of theatre enthusiasts flock to central London for a chance to watch their favourites for free.

Ain’t Too Proud, Aspects Of Love, Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Oklahoma!, and The Time Travellers Wife: The Musical are among the shows appearing for the first time. The event will be BSL interpreted by Omoyele Davey, Marco Nardi and Caroline Richardson.

Set to take part are:
42nd Street
Ain’t Too Proud – The Life And Times Of The Temptations
Aspects Of Love
Back To The Future The Musical
La Bamba!
The Barricade Boys
The Book Of Mormon
Cabaret
The Choir Of Man
Crazy For You
Death Note: The Musical
Disney’s Frozen
Glory Ride
Grease The Musical
Hamilton
Heathers The Musical
I Wish My Life Were Like A Musical
Jersey Boys
Disney’s The Lion King
Magic Mike Live
Mamma Mia!
RSC’s Matilda The Musical
Les Misérables
Moulin Rouge! The Musical
Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Oklahoma!
Operation Mincemeat
The Phantom Of The Opera
Queenz: The Show With Balls!
Roles We’ll Never Play
Six
Idiots Assemble: Spitting Image The Musical
The SpongeBob Musical
A Strange Loop
Tarantino Live
Then, Now & Next
The Time Traveller’s Wife: The Musical
Tina – The Tina Turner Musical
We Will Rock You
Wicked
The Wizard Of Oz

More shows and acts will be announced in the coming weeks.

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Simon Cowell ‘breaks the rules’ on Britain’s Got Talent for ‘astonishing’ dance act.

Britain’s Got Talent judge Simon Cowell ‘broke the rules’ of the show for an ‘astonishing’ dance act as he gave them the golden buzzer despite there not being any left
The judge, 63, stunned viewers as he hit the buzzer at the end of Unity’s performance on Sunday night show.

The dance act, which is made up of college friends, have now secured a place in the live shows thanks to Simon.
Unity performed a powerful dance, which highlighted what makes people unique.
They were met with a standing ovation from the crowd, who were cheering on for the judges to press the golden buzzer.
Bruno Tonioli said: “You can be anything you want and anyone you want to be.
“The message is loud and clear. The execution, artistically, your choreography was superb.

Amanda was cut off by the amount of cheers from the audience as Dec said: “The audience want a gold but there aren’t any golds left.”
“Bruno will push it anyway,” quipped Ant. Bruno told Unity, “I have already done it twice, I can’t do anymore.”

Whilst Amanda gave her opinion: “For me it was such a beautiful and passionate piece, the message was so strong. “Everything that you stand for, all your personalities and the love that you have for each other, all the characters involved in this group. “All of that made this such an amazing and special piece. It was beautiful.”

Simon added: “I actually thought that was astonishing, the way that you got your message across was so strong. “It was an audition I will never forget. What you have done, you have done it your way. Look, we don’t have any golden buzzers left.”

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Shrek The Musical announces complete casting for UK and Ireland tour.

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Casting is now complete for the upcoming UK and Ireland tour of Shrek The Musical.

Joining previously announced cast members Antony Lawrence (as Shrek), Joanne Clifton (as Princess Fiona), James Gillan (as Lord Farquaad) and Brandon Lee Sears (as Donkey) will be Cherece Richards (Once on This Island) as the Dragon, alongside Leo Abad, Scotty Armstrong, Imogen Bailey, Jabari Braham, Georgie Buckland, Natasha Cayabyab, Mark Darcy, Jonathan David Dudley, Remi Ferdinand, Sonny Grieveson, Edward Leigh, Bethany Kate, Jessica Lim, Andile Mabhena, Bronte MacMillan, India Thornton. Talia Duff, Gabby Gregorian, Roy Shafford and Jamie Jonathan.

Opening this summer in Plymouth, the show is based on the William Steig’s children’s book and the Oscar-winning DreamWorks film of the same name and is penned by David Lindsay-Abaire and Jeanine Tesori. It follows a curmudgeonly ogre who is roped into a quest to save a princess, only for true love to get in the way.

The show was first seen on Broadway in 2008, with a West End premiere following in 2011.

This new revival of Shrek will feature a different producing team to the musical’s original UK production, with Sam Holmes (who played Lord Farquaad in a previous tour) co-directing with Nick Winston (Bonnie and Clyde), who also choreographs.

The creative team also includes set and costume designer Philip Witcomb, lighting designer Ben Cracknell, sound designer Ben Harrison, projection designer Nina Dunn, puppet designer Jimmy Grimes and casting director Jim Arnold.

The show will open at Plymouth Theatre Royal on 21 July 2023 and then visit Manchester, Dublin, Bristol, Southend, Carlisle, Aberdeen, Oxford, Wimbledon, Dartford, Northampton, Leicester, Bradford, Woking, Eastbourne, Cardiff, York, Blackpool, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Coventry, Sunderland, Liverpool, Southampton, Milton Keynes, Hull, Cheltenham, Nottingham, Norwich, Belfast, Birmingham and Derry. A selection of dates are now on sale.

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Tony Award winner Myles Frost to reprise his role as Michael Jackson in West End transfer of MJ.

Producers of MJ have announced that Myles Frost, who originated the role of Michael Jackson in New York and ultimately won a Tony Award, will reprise his performance to London.

The show will run at the Prince Edward Theatre from 6 March 2024, with a press night on 27 March. Tickets will go on general sale later this week (24 May).

The piece is penned by Lynn Nottage (Sweat) and directed and choreographed by Royal Ballet associate artist Christopher Wheeldon.

Frost said: “Working with Chris has always been amazing. He is a visionary and knowing that we’re now going into his stomping ground, I’m ready for that ride! I’m super excited to bring this show to the West End and to make this a magical experience for everybody.”

Wheeldon added: “I am naturally thrilled to have Myles opening the London company with his knockout award-winning performance. Myles embodies the artistic spirit of MJ but allows his own glorious talent to shine through his portrayal. Working closely with Myles to achieve this is in part what has made this show such a success on Broadway.”

Centred around the making of his 1992 Dangerous World Tour, MJ includes Jackson hits such as “Billie Jean”, “Beat It”, “Man in the Mirror”, “Thriller” and “Smooth Criminal”.

The creative team for also includes scenic design by Derek McLane, lighting design by Natasha Katz, costume design by Paul Tazewell, sound design by Gareth Owen, projection design by Peter Nigrini, and hair and wig design by Charles LaPointe. Musical supervision is by David Holcenberg, and the orchestrations and arrangements are by Holcenberg and Jason Michael Webb.

Further casting for the London production of MJ is still to be confirmed.

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Bonnie and Clyde announces first UK and Ireland tour.

Award-winner Bonnie and Clyde The Musical will embark on its first UK and Ireland tour next year.

The show has previously played two seasons in the West End, at the Arts Theatre and Garrick Theatre. The tour opens at Leicester Curve on 22 February 2024.

The Tony-nominated piece, which is penned by Ivan Menchell, Frank Wildhorn and Don Black, follows the true story of two outlaws who go on a murderous spree across the nation – gaining fame in the process.

It’s directed by Nick Winston, with set and costume design by Philip Witcomb, musical supervision from Katy Richardson, original arrangements and orchestrations by John McDaniel, additional arrangements and orchestrations by Jen Green, lighting design by Zoe Spurr, sound design by Tom Marshall, video design by Nina Dunn, wig design by Darren Ware and casting director Jim Arnold CDG.

The tour will visit: Leicester Curve (22 to 24 February 2024), Dartford Orchard Theatre (27 February to 2 March), Wolverhampton Grand Theatre (5 to 9 March) Norwich Theatre Royal (12 to 16 March), Manchester Opera House (19 to 23 March), Wales Millennium Centre (26 to 30 March), Southampton Mayflower (2 to 6 April), His Majesty’s Theatre Aberdeen (9 to 13 April), Glasgow King’s Theatre (16 to 20 April), New Victoria Theatre, Woking (23 to 27 April), Nottingham Theatre Royal (14 to 18 May), Southend Cliffs Pavilion (21 to 25 May), Grand Theatre Belfast (28 May to 1 June), Bath Theatre Royal (3 to 8 June), Milton Keynes Theatre (18 to 22 June), Blackpool Opera House (25 to 29 June), Edinburgh Festival Theatre (2 to 6 July), Cheltenham Everyman (9 to 13 July), Dublin Bord Gais (16 to 20 July) and Eastbourne Congress Theatre (23 to 27 July).

It’s produced by DLAP Group. Casting will be announced in due course.

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General News & Sighting

• Equity members in the West End have won a 16.7% pay rise over the next 24 months. There is a 33% increase in the Swing fee and a 43% increase to the Principle Role Cover fee.
• Strictly star Amy Dowden announced that she has stage 3 breast cancer. We wish Amy all the best and a speedy recovery.
• The line-up for this years West End live has been revealed. It will feature most of the current West End shows and take place at Trafalgar Square in London on the 17th & 18th of June.
• The National Dance Awards will be held at the Coronet Theatre in London on the 5th of June. It will be hosted by Jose Alves and Mariana Gomes.
• Casting has been announced for the revival of Sir Matt Bourne’s “Romeo and Juliet”. Juliet will be played by Cordelia Braithwaite and Monique Jonas. Paris Fitzpatrick and Andrew Monaghan will play Romeo. The UK tour will open in Leicester on the 3rd of July.
• Nicole Scherzinger is to star in “Sunset Boulevard” in the West End. It will open at the Savoy theatre in September.
• Tony award winner Myles Frost is to reprise his role as Michael Jackson in the West End transfer of “MJ”. The show will run at the Prince Edward theatre from the 6th of March 2024. It is directed and choreographed by Christopher Wheeldon.
• The full company for the revival of “The Sound of Music” at Chichester from the 10th of July until the 3rd of September has been announced. It will star Gina Beck and have choreography from Lizzie Gee. The casting is by Natalie Gallacher at Pippa Ailion Casting.
• “House of Flamenka” will make a return to London’s Peacock theatre from the 17th to the 28th of October. The show has been created and choreographed by Dame Arlene Phillips and stars Karen Ruimy. There is additional choreography from James Cousins and Francisco Hidalgo.
• “Shrek The Musical” announced complete casting for the UK and Ireland tour. Among those Joining the leads of Joanne Clifton and Antony Lawrence are: Imogen Bailey, India Thornton, Remi Ferdinand & Gabriela Gregorian. The choreography is by Nick Winston. The show will open in Plymouth on the 21st of July.
• “Death Note: The Musical” will play two concerts at the London Palladium on the 21st & 22nd of August. It will be directed and choreographed by Nick Winston and Alex Sarmiento and star Frances Mayli, Dean John-Wilson & Joaquin Pedro Valdes.
• The full cast has been announced for “La Bamba” starring Pascha Kovalev. Siva Kaneswaran will star as Mateo alongside Ine’s Fernandez as Sofia. The ensemble includes Bethan Mitchell, Julia Ruiz Fernandez, Nicolle Matheu and Gabriella Rose Marchant. The choreography is by Graziano Di Prima, Giada Lini and Erica Da Silva. The tour will begin in Leicester on the 1st of August.
• “Ain’t Too Proud” has extended its run at the Prince Edward theatre until the 7th of January. The choreography is by Sergio Trujilio.
• Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber’s “Love Never Dies” will return to the Theatre Royal Drury Lane for two concerts on the 21st & 22nd of August. It will star Norm Lewis and Celinde Schoenmaker.
• “Back To The Future” has extended its West End run until the 11th of February 2024. The choreography is by Chris Bailey.
• Choreographer Dougie Squires has passed away aged 91.

Future Dance Events News

• The musical “Bonnie & Clyde” will be heading off on a tour of UK and Ireland in 2024, opening in Manchester on the 19th of March. It is directed and choreographed by Nick Winston.
• “Come From Away” announced a UK and Ireland tour beginning in Leicester on the 1st of March 2024. The production is being cast by Pippa Ailion and Natalie Gallacher. The choreography is by Tara Wilkinson and Kirsty Malpas with Richard Hinds.
• Manchester’s Hope Mill theatre will stage the world premiere of “To Wong Foo – The Musical”, based on the 1995 film, on the 21st of October. The cast and creative team is to be announced. The casting is by Sarah Leung.
• “Hadestown” will open at the Lyric Theatre in the West End on the 10th of February 2024. The choreographer is David Neumann.
• The Chaka Khan musical “I’m Every Woman” announced plans to open in London. It will workshop in the West End in November. The director will be Racky Plews.
• The new musical “Starter for Ten” will premiere in Bristol next year at the Old Vic theatre from the 29th of February until the 30th of March 2024.
• “The King And I” will return to the West End in early 2024 starring Helen George and Darren Lee.
• “Sister Act – The Musical” will return to the Dominion theatre in the West End on the 15th of March 2024. It will star Beverley Knight and Alexandra Burke. The choreography is by Alistair David.
• A musical based on the songs produced by Stock, Aitken and Waterman called “I Should Be So Lucky” will open in Manchester on the 1st of November.
• A new musical based on the life and work of Frank Sinatra will open at the Birmingham Rep on the 23rd of September. The director and choreographer is Kathleen Marshall.
• The lead cast has been unveiled for “We Will Rock You” opening in the West End. It will star Lee Mead and Brenda Edwards.
• The upcoming “Wicked” tour has announced its lead casting. Laura Pick will play Elphaba. The show will open in Edinburgh on the 7th of December. The choreography is by Wayne Cilento.
• “Jesus Christ Superstar” will tour the UK in 2023/4 opening in Manchester this September. The choreography is by Drew McOnie.
• “The Wizard of Oz” will embark on a UK tour at Liverpool Empire on the 13th of December. The choreography is by Shay Barclay.
• “Grease” will return to the Dominion Theatre in the West End from the 2nd of June. The choreography is by Arlene Phillips.
• The musical version of “Rebecca” will play at the Charing Cross theatre in London on the 4th of September.

Auditions & Vacancies

• Ballet Black is auditioning in America for new dancers for the 2023/4 season. For more information, contact: admin@balletblack.co.uk with “US Audition” in the heading.
  Bird College is looking for a Tap tutor, with a focus on Musical Theatre, to begin in September. Have a look at the website for more details.
• Emil Dale Academy is looking for freelance Ballet teachers. There is more information at: info@emildale.co.uk
• Birmingham Hippodrome is inviting applications for the new role as Head of New Musical Theatre. The deadline for applications is the 9th of June.
• Sonia Sabri is looking for Indian dancers for a touring production. For more information, contact: info@ssco.org.uk
• Bird College is looking for a Musical Theatre tutor to work 3 days a week in September. Contact the College for further details.
• Thursford Christmas Spectacular is auditioning for dancers on the 19th & 20th of June at the Pineapple Dance Studios in London. To register your interest, go to: www.thursfordjobs.com

Dance Classes

• Prabhleen Oberoi is doing a commercial Bollywood class on the 4th of June from 1.00 – 2.30pm at Base Studios in London.
• Nicolette Whitley has an adult contemporary class for beginners and improvers on Mondays (from the 5th – 26th of June) at 11.30am – 12.30pm at Inner Space in Nelwyn. Contact Nicolette on: nicolettewhitley@outlook.com
• Sian Murphy, dancer with the Royal Ballet, is doing a company masterclass on the 18th of June at the Royal Opera House from 11.00am – 2.00pm. Contact: sianmurf@hotmail.com
• Mica Bradbury of the Royal Ballet is doing a Sleeping Beauty workshop on the 4th of June at the Royal Opera House from 11.00am – 1.30pm (for ages 9 – 11) and from 2.30 – 5.30pm (for ages 12 -16). For more details, email: micabeau@gmail.com
• Sophie Allnatt of the Royal Ballet has 2 classes on the 11th of June at Thorpe Hall school in Essex. The first class is from 11.00am – 1.00pm (for ages 9 – 11) and the second is from 1.30 – 4.00pm (for ages 13 – 16). Contact: sophie.allnatt@hotmail.co.uk
• Gaz Davis (Jazz & Commercial) and Josie Lee (Lyrical) are holding their first Synergy Dance Championship Intensive on the 2nd of June at the Base Dance Studios in London. To book, email: synergydancechampionships@outlook.com
• Hannah O’Brian is giving a Heels class on Wednesdays from 7.00 – 8.00pm in Chelmsford. DM Hannah on her Instagram for details.
• Gemma Hoddy is giving a class at Base Studios on Thursdays from 5.30 – 6.55pm.
• Alice Crawford is teaching a Floor Barre class at Danceworks on the 6th of June from 10.00 – 11.30am.
• The TGS Summer Intensive 2023 will take place from the 24th until the 28th of July at Hemingford Pavilion. Guest teachers include: Ebony Clarke, Michael Naylor, Isaac Edwards, Travis Kerry & Jordi Guitart. You can book on: jordiguitart1962@gmail.com
• Leonie Sian is offering a Contemporary class on the 2nd of July from 1.00 – 2.30pm at the Base Dance Studios in London.
• Nicolette Whitley is offering a dance class on Thursdays from 6.15 – 7.15pm at the Inner Space in Nelwyn for £7. Reserve your space on: nicolettewhitley@outlook.com
• Strictly star Johannes Radebe is offering a Heels class at Heaven Nightclub in London on the 7th of June.
• Anita Mannings has a Contemporary Jazz Class (Int) on Wednesdays from 8.30 – 9.55pm at the Flow Dance Studios in Oval.
• Emma Levene is offering a General Ballet Core and Stretch Contemporary class at Forest Gate Community School on Thursdays from 7.00 – 8.00pm. Email to book: doubletwistdance@gmail.com
• Michael Naylor is teaching a class on Thursdays at the Base Dance Studios from 2.30 – 4.00pm. Book via the Base app.
• Alexandre Novelli is offering a Beginners Commercial for Adults class every Tuesday at her Novelli Studios from 6.00 – 7.00pm.
• Amy Ireland has a Commercial Tap class at Pineapple Dance Studios in London on Thursdays at 12.15pm and a Contemporary Jazz class at 1.15pm. On Fridays Amy teaches Beginners Tap at 10.15am.
• Nafisah Baba is teaching a weekly Lyrical Contemporary Intermediate / Advanced class at Danceworks in London every Tuesday from 8.00 – 9.30pm.
• Lucy Jane Adcock is teaching a Show Tap class at Base Dance Studios on Wednesdays at 11.30am.
• Poppy Tremlett is offering an Improvers Choreography class at Base Dance Studios on Tuesdays from 8.30 – 10.00pm.
• Rachel Bolsworth is teaching an Absolute Beginners Heels class from 7.00 – 8.00pm on Tuesdays and an Improvers Beginners Heels class on Monday from 8.30 – 9.30pm at Pineapple Dance Studios.
• Hannah Cleeve is giving a Heels Technique class on Wednesdays from 1.00 – 2.30pm each week at the Base Dance Studios.
• Jazz Dance Rewired will present a 2 day programme of jazz dance theatre at the Place in London on the 27th of May and the 3rd of June.
• Kamila Zalewska is teaching at the Base Studios in London on Mondays from 4.00 – 5.25pm for intermediate/advanced level. Book on the Base app.

 Film & TV

• “Barbie The Movie” released a full length trailer. It will open in cinemas on the 21st of July.
• Warner Brothers released the official trailer for it’s forthcoming film version of “The Color Purple” musical, starring Fantasia Barrino and Danielle Brooks.
• We spotted Naomi Wingfield in the latest Pepsi UEFA advert. The choreography was by Mikey Boats.
• We spotted Alexandre Novelli, Lashay Harvey, Mari Macleod & Natasha May Thomas in Bianca Ingrosso’s new music video. The choreography was by Sammi Lee Jayne and the contract was with AMCK.
• We spotted Diversity on the “Britain’s Got Talent” semi-final.

View All The Strictly Stars Wearing Dincwear Dancewear

From all the news team at Dincwear Dancewear, See you all next week!

This post has been created by the Dincwear Dancewear Team.

 

All the latest news from Dincwear Pro Dancewear.

Strictly’s Katya Jones ‘exploring other opportunities’ after covering for Janette Manrara.

Strictly Come Dancing professional Katya Jones told reporters that she is looking to “explore other opportunities” after stepping in for her pregnant pal Janette Manrara.

Katya Jones, 33, recently received a last-minute call from her Strictly Come Dancing pals Janette Manrara, 39, and Aljaz Skorjanec, 33, to stand in for the pregnant star while she is unable to dance.

Katya and Aljaz then put together a show in two days, with Janette as host, and wowed the audience at Donahey’s Dancing With The Stars Weekends.

Speaking to Express.co.uk, Katya said the timing was “just perfect” because she is looking to explore other avenues rather than “just being on Strictly”.
She said: “When Janette found out she was pregnant, Aljaz asked me to partner him which was actually just perfect because [I’m using] this summer to sort of put my foot out into other avenues and explore different opportunities rather than just being a Strictly dancer.

“I appreciate [Strictly] so much, it has given the platform to so many different things so it’s perfect.
“I get to dance with Aljaz and Janette is one of my closest friends from the Strictly gang and we always support each other.
“Look at her go, chasing her dreams and grabbing all the opportunities.
“We literally have been messaging each other like, ‘Yes go girl’ watching all the things she is doing and championing her.”

Janette joined the Strictly team in 2013 and was one of the professionals until 2021 when she replaced Zoe Ball on It Takes Two.
Her husband Aljaz joined in the same year and left one year after Janette.

It comes as Katya and her best friend, Olympic snowboarder Aimee Fuller, took part in the new series of Celebrity Hunted.
The Channel 4 thriller sees famous faces go on the run as fugitives hoping to avoid capture by the Hunters.

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Mamma Mia! TV talent show I Have A Dream announces judge and host line-up.

The host and judge line-up for the forthcoming Mamma Mia! I Have a Dream has been revealed by ITV.

The TV competition will consist of eight episodes revolving around the search for two actors to play the roles of Sophie and Sky in the West End production of Mamma Mia!. The series will be filmed against the backdrop of the Greek islands, where the musical is set, culminating in a live grand finale, broadcast from a West End theatre.

The stage show’s producer Judy Craymer, who will also co-executive produce the TV series, commented: “I know there is a wealth of talent out there and I’m so thrilled that – with the help of these fabulous judges and ‘Rock Chick Supremo’ host Zoe Ball – we will find the musical stars of the future to appear in Mamma Mia!’s landmark 25th year. The judges complement one another so well.

“Alan has a unique comedic insight, Jessie a wealth of music industry experience and Samantha and Amber are the ultimate stage musical powerhouses who know exactly what it takes to get on stage eight times a week in a smash hit musical in London’s West End.”

Throughout the series, contestants will be put through a variety of workshops, challenges, masterclasses and performances, all while being mentored by guest industry professionals and judged by an expert panel.

The panel will consist of comedian and TV personality Alan Carr, singer songwriter Jessie Ware, WhatsOnStage and Olivier Award winner Amber Riley and Samantha Barks, star of Frozen.

Zoe Ball, who will host the series, said: “Our contestants are going to go through quite the journey, believe me, but like the show and like the movie, there is going to be song, there is going to be dance and there’s going to be fun in the sun. And we cannot wait for you to come on that journey with us.”

Riley added: “I’m really excited to be a part of such an incredible project. Musical theatre has played such an integral role in my growth as a performer. I am all too happy to share what I’ve learned and to cheer on the world’s next biggest stars! Mamma Mia, here we go!”

Barks continued: “For sure they are going to go on a really hard journey, it’s going to be so much fun, but it’s going to be like the movie! We’re going to be in Greece, the sun will be shining, and I cannot wait for you guys to watch it.

“I just feel so honoured to get to be on the judging panel because I know what they’re going through, I’ve been there before and I can’t wait to guide them, challenge them, and be there for them.”

A launch date on ITV1 is still to be confirmed. The show continues to play in the West End.

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Disney releases trailer for new animated musical Wish.

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Walt Disney Animation Studios has released a brand new trailer for its upcoming animated musical Wish.

The movie features the voices of stage and screen favourites Ariana DeBose (West Side Story) as Asha and Alan Tudyk (Spamalot) as Asha’s favorite goat, Valentino. Chris Pine (Wonder Woman) has also been cast as the film’s antagonist, Magnifico.

The trailer also includes a snippet of the song “This Wish”, written by Julia Michaels and Benjamin Rice and performed by DeBose.

Set in the fantastical kingdom of Rosas, the story follows Asha, who makes a powerful wish that is answered by a cosmic force from the sky: Star. Together they confront King Magnifico in an attempt to save her community.

Wish will be released in cinemas across the UK on 22 November 2023.

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Victoria and David Beckham recreate sexy Dirty Dancing routine to celebrate his birthday.

Victoria Beckham posted a passionate tribute to her husband David Beckham on his birthday today, as they celebrated the footballer turning 48 in style with a saucy Dirty Dancing routine.

Victoria Beckham, 49, shared an intimate video of her husband David Beckham taking her by the hand as the pair performed a steamy dance routine.

The dance, which was shared to Victoria’s Instagram, featured the famous pair dancing to the song Hungry Eyes by Eric Carmen.
Victoria channeled Sandy from Grease in some skintight black trousers and matching top, pairing the ensemble with sky-high stilettos.

David matched his wife in all black as he led her confidently around the dance floor.

The fashion designer released the intimate clip in celebration of her husband turning 48 years old.

General News & Sighting

• Birmingham Hippodrome has launched an in-house musical department to develop future shows.
• Jowita Przystal, who won Strictly last year, has been nominated for the Best Female Personality for the National Reality TV Awards 2023.
• Diversity announced its “Supernova” tour for 2023/4. There will be 88 shows in 40 different places.
• ZooNation’s “Message In A Bottle” embarks on a UK tour starting in Southampton on the 23rd of May.
• The complete cast has been revealed for the revival of “Assassins” at the Chichester Festival from the 3rd to the 24th of June. It will star Danny Mac, Liam Tamne and Charlotte Jaconelli. The choreography is by Neil Battles.
• Casting has been revealed for the UK tour of “The Full Monty”. It will star Danny Hatchard and Jake Quickenden and open in Cheltenham on the 14th of September. The choreography is by Ian West.
• The initial cast for “The Third Man” musical at the Menier Chocolate Factory has been announced. It will star Simon Bailey, Jonathan Andrew Hume, Sam Underwood and Natalie Dunne. The show will run from the 10th of June to the 9th of September. The choreography is by Rebecca Howell.
• “Cabaret” will have some new stars in the West End from the 29th of May. Maude Apatow is taking over the role of Sally Bowles and Mason Alexander Park will play the Emcee.
• “A Strange Loop” has announced its casting. It will star Kyle Ramar. The show will open on the 17th of June at the Barbican Theatre in London.
• The musical “Lizzie” is to be staged by the Hope Mill theatre in Manchester from the 1st of September until the 30th of September. It will be directed and choreographed by William Whelton, with assistant choreographer Yandass Ndlovu. The casting is by Pearson Casting.
• Alice Fern will star in the new musical “Then, Now & Next”.
• New casting has been announced for “Oklahoma” in the West End. David King-Yombo will join the cast as Mike, Paige Peddie as Ado Annie and Sally Ann Triplett as Aunt Eller. Their first performance will be on the 15th of May.
• The initial line-up for this year’s Musical Con has been unveiled. It will take place at the Excel Centre in London on the 21st & 22nd of October.
• The nominations for the 76th annual Tony Awards have been revealed. “Some Like It Hot” led the way with 13 nominations while “& Juliet” received 9 nominations. The winners will be announced on the 11th of June.

Future Dance Events News

• The Chaka Khan musical “I’m Every Woman” announced plans to open in London. It will workshop in the West End in November. The director will be Racky Plews.
• The new musical “Starter for Ten” will premiere in Bristol next year at the Old Vic theatre from the 29th of February until the 30th of March 2024.
• “The King And I” will return to the West End in early 2024 starring Helen George and Darren Lee.
• “Sister Act – The Musical” will return to the Dominion theatre in the West End on the 15th of March 2024. It will star Beverley Knight and Alexandra Burke. The choreography is by Alistair David.
• “Hadestown” is to open in the West End in 2024. The choreographer is David Neumann.
• A musical based on the songs produced by Stock, Aitken and Waterman called “I Should Be So Lucky” will open in Manchester on the 1st of November.
• A new musical based on the life and work of Frank Sinatra will open at the Birmingham Rep on the 23rd of September. The director and choreographer is Kathleen Marshall.
• The lead cast has been unveiled for “We Will Rock You” opening in the West End. It will star Lee Mead and Brenda Edwards.
• The upcoming “Wicked” tour has announced its lead casting. Laura Pick will play Elphaba. The show will open in Edinburgh on the 7th of December. The choreography is by Wayne Cilento.
• “Jesus Christ Superstar” will tour the UK in 2023/4 opening in Manchester this September. The choreography is by Drew McOnie.
• “The Wizard of Oz” will embark on a UK tour at Liverpool Empire on the 13th of December. The choreography is by Shay Barclay.
• “Come From Away” has confirmed plans for a new tour beginning in March 2024. The choreography is by Tara Wilkinson and Kirsty Malpas.
• “Grease” will return to the Dominion Theatre in the West End from the 2nd of June. The choreography is by Arlene Phillips.
• The musical version of “Rebecca” will play at the Charing Cross theatre in London on the 4th of September.

Auditions & Vacancies

• Birmingham Hippodrome is inviting applications for the new role as Head of New Musical Theatre. The deadline for applications is the 9th of June.
• Phoenix Dance Theatre is looking for an Artistic Director. The closing date for applications is the 17th of May.
• Cathy Walker Company is looking for up to 8 dancers. The audition is on the 14th of May from 1.00 – 5.00pm, with the deadline for applications being the 24th of April. For more information, visit: www.cathywalker.com
• “Rouge” in Vegas is looking for male dancers. For more information, contact: castofstrat@gmail.com
• Sonia Sabri is looking for Indian dancers for a touring production. For more information, contact: info@ssco.org.uk
• PNP Events is holding auditions for a re-developed version of “The Polar Express Train Ride”. Contact the company for more details.
• Royal Caribbean is auditioning for its production of “Cats”. Visit www.royalcaribbeanproductions.com for audition details.
• Bird College is looking for a Musical Theatre tutor to work 3 days a week in September. Contact the College for further details.
• Thursford Christmas Spectacular is auditioning for dancers on the 19th & 20th of June at the Pineapple Dance Studios in London. To register your interest, go to: www.thursfordjobs.com
• The Boury Academy and Studios is looking for dance teachers in Vauxhall. For more information, contact: info@thebouryacademy.co.uk
• Burn The Floor is looking for exceptional ballroom dancers. Contact: jorja@burnthefloor.com
• Platinum Academy in North London is extending its list of guest teachers. To apply, contact: philipjoel@platinumacademy.co.uk

Dance Classes

• Hannah O’Brian is giving a Heels class on Wednesdays from 7.00 – 8.00pm in Chelmsford. DM Hannah on her Instagram for details.
• Carrie Willis is doing a Jazz Masterclass at Dance Attic on the 4th of May from 6.15 – 8.15pm.
• Gemma Hoddy is giving a class at Base Studios on Thursdays from 5.30 – 6.55pm.
• Tracey Illife is teaching “How To Bevel The Moulin Rouge Way” at Pineapple on the 8th of May from 12.00 – 1.30pm.
• Alice Crawford is teaching a Floor Barre class at Danceworks on the 6th of June from 10.00 – 11.30am.
• The TGS Summer Intensive 2023 will take place from the 24th until the 28th of July at Hemingford Pavilion. Guest teachers include: Ebony Clarke, Michael Naylor, Isaac Edwards, Travis Kerry & Jordi Guitart. You can book on: jordiguitart1962@gmail.com
• Callum Powell & Jared Hageman have an Elite Pro Experience on the 14th of May at the Dance Attic studio in London. You can book on: Eventbrite.
• Dance with Joanne Clifton on the 20th of May at the Assembly Hall in Worthing.
• Leonie Sian is offering a Contemporary class on the 2nd of July from 1.00 – 2.30pm at the Base Dance Studios in London.
• Royal Ballet stars Mica Bradbury and Sian Murphy are doing a Ballet Pros Masterclass at the Royal Opera House on the 14th of May from 11.00am – 3.00pm. For further details, contact: theballetpros@gmail.com
• Nicolette Whitley is offering a dance class on Thursdays from 6.15 – 7.15pm at the Inner Space in Nelwyn for £7. Reserve your space on: nicolettewhitley@outlook.com
• Strictly star Johannes Radebe is offering a Heels class at Heaven Nightclub in London on the 7th of June.
• Anita Mannings has a Contemporary Jazz Class (Int) on Wednesdays from 8.30 – 9.55pm at the Flow Dance Studios in Oval.
• Emma Levene is offering a General Ballet Core and Stretch Contemporary class at Forest Gate Community School on Thursdays from 7.00 – 8.00pm. Email to book: doubletwistdance@gmail.com
• Michael Naylor is teaching a new class on Thursdays at the Base Dance Studios from 2.30 – 4.00pm. Book via the Base app.
• Alexandre Novelli is offering a Beginners Commercial for Adults class every Tuesday at her Novelli Studios from 6.00 – 7.00pm.
• Amy Ireland has a Commercial Tap class at Pineapple Dance Studios in London on Thursdays at 12.15pm and a Contemporary Jazz class at 1.15pm. On Fridays Amy teaches Beginners Tap at 10.15am.
• Nafisah Baba is teaching a weekly Lyrical Contemporary Intermediate / Advanced class at Danceworks in London every Tuesday from 8.00 – 9.30pm.
• Lucy Jane Adcock is teaching a Show Tap class at Base Dance Studios on Wednesdays at 11.30am.
• Poppy Tremlett is offering an Improvers Choreography class at Base Dance Studios on Tuesdays from 8.30 – 10.00pm.
• Rachel Bolsworth is teaching an Absolute Beginners Heels class from 7.00 – 8.00pm on Tuesdays and an Improvers Beginners Heels class on Monday from 8.30 – 9.30pm at Pineapple Dance Studios.
• Hannah Cleeve is giving a Heels Technique class on Wednesdays from 1.00 – 2.30pm each week at the Base Dance Studios.
• Jazz Dance Rewired will present a 2 day programme of jazz dance theatre at the Place in London on the 27th of May and the 3rd of June.
• Kamila Zalewska is teaching at the Base Studios in London on Mondays from 4.00 – 5.25pm for intermediate/advanced level. Book on the Base app.

Film And Video

• Disney has released a trailer for it’s new animated musical “Wish”. The film will be released in the UK on the 22nd of November.
• ZooNation’s “Message In A Bottle” has been filmed for cinema release in May 2024.
• The new talent show “I have A Dream” announced the line-up of hosts and a judge. Zoe Ball will host the series.
• The creator of “Mamma Mia” revealed that a third film is in the planning.
• We spotted the following dancers in the new music video “Waffle House” for the Jonas Brothers: Kailum Richardson, Jamie Bell, Kieran D-W, Becky Wong, Molly McGibbon, Emma Stansall, Kloe Dean, Li Li Hodge & Mollie Goddard. The choreography is by Jerry Reeve and Jain Betote and the contract was with the Kutes Agency.

View All The Strictly Stars Wearing Dincwear Dancewear

From all the news team at Dincwear Dancewear, See you all next week!

This post has been created by the Dincwear Dancewear Team.

All the latest news from Dincwear Pro Dancewear.

Strictly Come Dancing confirms 2023 judges and professional dancer line-up.

Strictly Come Dancing has officially announced its judging line-up for the 2023 series.

Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Anton Du Beke and head judge Shirley Ballas are all returning, the BBC has confirmed.

The professional dancer line-up for the 21st series of the BBC show has also been confirmed. The show’s most recent champion Jowita Przystal, who lifted the glitter ball with wildlife cameraman Hamza Yassin, is returning to the dance floor, along with the other pros who made the 2022 final – Gorka Marquez, Carlos Gu and Vito Coppola.

Strictly couple Nadiya Bychkova and Kai Widdrington are also back, along with Dianne Buswell, Graziano Di Prima, Amy Dowden, Karen Hauer, Katya Jones, Neil Jones and Nikita Kuzmin.

They’ll be joined by Luba Mushtuk, Giovanni Pernice, Johannes Radebe and Nancy Xu.

Strictly pro newcomers Lauren Oakley and Michelle Tsiakkas, who joined the programme in 2022 along with Vito and Carlos, are also coming back to the floor. However, Cameron Lombard will not be returning to the show’s pro lineup.

Strictly will once again be hosted by Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly, and the show’s celebrity lineup will be confirmed later this year.

It was also confirmed that the cast will be returning to the iconic Blackpool ballroom, and that Dave Arch and his orchestra are also back.

“Excitement is already building for the 21st series of Strictly and we are so lucky to have the best team in the business both on and off camera,” said BBC Studios executive producer Sarah James.

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Former Strictly Come Dancing judge Len Goodman Sadly Passes.

Len Goodman, who was head judge on Strictly Come Dancing for over a decade, has died just days before his 79th birthday, his agent has confirmed.

His agent, Jackie Gill told Sky News the dancer and choreographer died on Saturday night at a hospice in Kent, surrounded by his family.

In a statement, she said: “It is with great sadness to announce that Len Goodman has passed away peacefully, aged 78.

“A much loved husband, father and grandfather who will be sorely missed by family, friends and all who knew him.”

Known for his warm humour and passion for Latin and Ballroom, Goodman was head judge on the BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing from its launch in 2004 to 2016.

His score call of “se-ven!” became his catchphrase, cementing his popularity with Strictly fans.

His final appearance was on the 2016 Christmas Day special, after which he was replaced as head judge by Shirley Ballas.

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Strictly Come Dancing professional Cameron Lombard confirms he’s quit the show.

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Strictly Come Dancing professional Cameron Lombard has quit the show after two years.

The news came today (April 21) as the BBC announced Strictly’s 2023 professional dancer line-up, which didn’t include Cameron.

A Strictly spokesman said of Cameron’s exit: “Cameron is a fantastic performer and we have loved working with him for the past two years on Strictly.

“He is currently pursuing other opportunities but will always be part of the family and our door will always be open to him in the future.”
Taking to Instagram to address his exit, Cameron wrote: “The last two years have been a blast. Thank you @bbcstrictly for the life changing opportunity and for the best experience any one could wish for.

“I will forever be grateful and I’ve loved every minute, danced on the world’s biggest stages, met the world’s best fans, performed for thousands of people as well as millions watching around the world and have made friends for life that I’ll cherish forever.

“I can’t wait to share with you some exciting future projects and plans. See you in the movies.”

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The Strictly Come Dancing family will have one new face.

The Strictly Come Dancing family will have one new face this year when it comes to spin-off show It Takes Two.
Rylan Clark recently quit his presenting role after four years, saying it was time to “hang up my glittery jacket and say goodbye to It Takes Two.”

“I’ve had the best time hosting the show alongside Janette and Zoe and I can’t thank the amazing team enough for always putting on a great show,” he added.

“I’ve been welcomed into the Strictly family and will firmly hold that title dear to me.

“The time has come for me to pass on the baton to someone else and explore what else life has for me. Thank you Strictly, you will always have my heart… and my dancing feet. Ry x.

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Pasha Kovalev announces “thrilling” career move.

Former Strictly Come Dancing professional Pasha Kovalev has announced a “thrilling” new career move.

The dancer, who left Strictly in 2019, is leading the cast of new musical La Bamba! which will open this August.

Pasha will begin his run with the musical at Curve in Leicester on Tuesday, August 1, 2023, before the show heads to London’s Peacock Theatre for a limited season on Tuesday, August 22 until Saturday, September 2.

La Bamba!, which was choreographed by fellow Strictly pro Graziano Di Prima, will then embark on a UK tour until the end of November.

In a statement, the dancer said: “I’m thrilled to be joining the cast of La Bamba!, an upcoming musical production. This highly anticipated musical will be showcased across numerous venues in the UK, including the prestigious West End in London.

“I am so exited to be performing the exquisite choreography crafted by Graziano and Erica [Da Silva] and can’t wait to embark on this thrilling journey.”

The show’s synopsis reads: “Inspired by the unbelievable life and legacy of Rock ‘n’ Roll legend Ritchie Valens, and featuring some of the most iconic songs of all time, La Bamba! is a jaw-dropping new musical that mixes Latin, R & B and timeless rock and pop to tell the ultimate feel-good story of a young girl with a big voice, big dreams, and an even bigger heart.

“A story of passion and pride and the discovery that every journey starts with that first step.”

Tickets for La Bamba! are on sale now, with further casting soon to be announced.

Dates for La Bamba! are as follows:

August 1 – 5, Curve, Leicester
August 8 – 12, Wycombe Swan, High Wycombe
August 22 – September 2, Peacock Theatre, London
September 26 – 30, Belgrade Theatre, Coventry
October 10 – 15, New Theatre, Cardiff
October 24 – 28, Wyvern Theatre, Swindon
October 31 – November 4, The Orchard Theatre, Dartford
November 21 – 25, Grand Theatre, Blackpool

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Wicked extends run into summer 2024.

Wicked, the award-winning West End and Broadway musical that follows the untold story of the Witches of Oz, has extended its London run and released new production shots.

With over 100 awards under its belt, including 11 WhatsOnStage Awards, Wicked is currently the 12th longest-running production in West End history.

The current cast includes Alexia Khadime as Elphaba, Lucy St. Louis as Glinda, Ryan Reid as Fiyero, Sophie-Louise Dann as Madame Morrible, Mark Curry as the Wizard, Caitlin Anderson as Nessarose, Joe Thompson-Oubari as Boq, Simeon Truby as Doctor Dillamond, Amy Webb as Standby for Elphaba, Lisa-Anne Wood as Standby for Glinda.

While the West End production continues, Wicked will also embark on a UK and Ireland tour starting at the Edinburgh Playhouse on 7 December 2023, followed by stops at Bristol Hippodrome, Birmingham Hippodrome, Bradford Alhambra Theatre, Southampton Mayflower Theatre, Liverpool Empire, Dublin Bord Gáis Energy Theatre, Sunderland Empire, Cardiff Wales Millennium Centre, and Manchester Palace Theatre.

The musical, based on the novel by Gregory Maguire, reimagines the backstory and future possibilities of L Frank Baum’s characters from The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. It explores the decisions and events that shape the destinies of two university friends who eventually become Glinda The Good and the Wicked Witch of the West.

Wicked features music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz, while the book is written by Winnie Holzman with musical staging by Tony Award-winner Wayne Cilento and direction by two-time Tony Award-winner Joe Mantello.

The first part of a two-film screen adaptation is also set to be released next year.

General News & Sighting

• Len Goodman, the Head judge on Strictly from 2004 -16, has passed away aged 68.
• The nominees for the National Dance Awards 2023 have been announced. The winners will be revealed at the Coronet theatre in London on the 5th of June.
• Pasha Kovalev, the former Strictly winner, will star in the new musical “La Bamba” about the life of Ritchie Valens. The choreography is by Graziano di Prima, Giada Lini and Erica Da Silva. The show will open at the Curve Theatre in Leicester on the 1st of August.
• A new musical based on Roald Dahl’s “The Witches” is to be staged at the National theatre. It will star Katherine Kingsley and Zoe Birkett. The choreography is by Stephen Mear and Jo Morris. The show will open on the 7th of November.
• The Menier Chocolate Factory announced a season of 3 musicals: “The Third Man” ( from the 10th of June until the 9th of September ) with choreography by Rebecca Howell, “Close Up – The Twiggy Musical” ( from the 18th of September until the 18th of November ) with choreography by Jacob Fearley and “Pacific Overtures” ( from the 25th of November to the 24th of February 2024 ) with choreography by Ashley Nottingham.
• “Wicked” has extended its West End run until the 2nd of June 2024.
• “Guys and Dolls” has extended its run at the Bridge theatre until the 24th of February 2024. The choreography is by Dame Arlene Phillips.
• “Elf The Musical” will return to the Dominion theatre in the West End from the 15th of November to the 6th of January. The choreography is by Liam Steel and the casting is by Grindrod Burton casting.
• New casting has been announced for the West End production of “Hamilton” from the 19th of June. Declan Spaine will join in the title role of Alexander Hamilton.
• Full casting of “The Wizard of Oz” at the London Palladium has been revealed. Georgina Onuorah will play Dorothy. The show will open on the 23rd of June. It has choreography by Shay Barclay.
• The Bachata Spice UK Open will take place on the 6th & 7th of May at the Vault, Bush House. Tickets are on sale at: www.bachataspice.com
• Tamara Rojo announced her inaugural season for the San Francisco Ballet.
• After 35 years, “The Phantom of the Opera” has closed on Broadway.

STOP PRESS – The Royal Ballet has just announced its programme for the new 2023/4 season. It will mark the opening of “Ashton Worldwide” – a 5 year festival to celebrate the work of Frederick Ashton. There is also the premiere of a new production adapted from Sam Steiner’s new play “Lemons, Lemons, Lemons”.

Future Dance Events News

• The new musical “Starter for Ten” will premiere in Bristol next year at the Old Vic theatre from the 29th of February until the 30th of March 2024.
• “The King And I” will return to the West End in early 2024 starring Helen George and Darren Lee.
• “Sister Act – The Musical” will return to the Dominion theatre in the West End on the 15th of March 2024. It will star Beverley Knight and Alexandra Burke. The choreography is by Alistair David.
• “Hadestown” is to open in the West End in 2024. The choreographer is David Neumann.
• A musical based on the songs produced by Stock, Aitken and Waterman called “I Should Be So Lucky” will open in Manchester on the 1st of November.
• A new musical based on the life and work of Frank Sinatra will open at the Birmingham Rep on the 23rd of September. The director and choreographer is Kathleen Marshall.
• The lead cast has been unveiled for “We Will Rock You” opening in the West End. It will star Lee Mead and Brenda Edwards.
• The upcoming “Wicked” tour has announced its lead casting. Laura Pick will play Elphaba. The show will open in Edinburgh on the 7th of December. The choreography is by Wayne Cilento.
• “Jesus Christ Superstar” will tour the UK in 2023/4 opening in Manchester this September. The choreography is by Drew McOnie.
• “The Wizard of Oz” will embark on a UK tour at Liverpool Empire on the 13th of December. The choreography is by Shay Barclay.
• The first headline acts have been announced for this years “Breakin Convention” at Sadlers Wells from the 28th of April until the 1st of May.
• “Come From Away” has confirmed plans for a new tour beginning in March 2024. The choreography is by Tara Wilkinson and Kirsty Malpas.
• “Grease” will return to the Dominion Theatre in the West End from the 2nd of June. The choreography is by Arlene Phillips.
• The musical version of “Rebecca” will play at the Charing Cross theatre in London on the 4th of September.

Auditions & Vacancies

• Coyote Ugly is holding open auditions on the 28th & 29th of April. See the website for more details.
• “Rouge” in Vegas is looking for male dancers. For more information, contact: castofstrat@gmail.com
• Sonia Sabri is looking for Indian dancers for a touring production. For more information, contact: info@ssco.org.uk
• PNP Events is holding auditions for a re-developed version of “The Polar Express Train Ride”. Contact the company for more details.
• Royal Caribbean is auditioning for its production of “Cats”. Visit www.royalcaribbeanproductions.com for audition details.
• Bird College is looking for a Musical Theatre tutor to work 3 days a week in September. Contact the College for further details.
• Thursford Christmas Spectacular is auditioning for dancers on the 19th & 20th of June at the Pineapple Dance Studios in London. To register your interest, go to: www.thursfordjobs.com
• The Boury Academy and Studios is looking for dance teachers in Vauxhall. For more information, contact: info@thebouryacademy.co.uk
• Burn The Floor is looking for exceptional ballroom dancers. Contact: jorja@burnthefloor.com
• Platinum Academy in North London is extending its list of guest teachers. To apply, contact: philipjoel@platinumacademy.co.uk

Dance Classes

• The TGS Summer Intensive 2023 will take place from the 24th until the 28th of July at Hemingford Pavilion. Guest teachers include: Ebony Clarke, Michael Naylor, Isaac Edwards, Travis Kerry & Jordi Guitart. You can book on: jordiguitart1962@gmail.com
• Dean Lee is doing a class at Base Studios on the 28th of April from 3.30 – 5.30pm.
• Callum Powell & Jared Hageman have an Elite Pro Experience on the 14th of May at the Dance Attic studio in London. You can book on: Eventbrite.
• Dance with Joanne Clifton on the 20th of May at the Assembly Hall in Worthing.
• Leonie Sian is offering a Contemporary class on the 2nd of July from 1.00 – 2.30pm at the Base Dance Studios in London.
• Royal Ballet stars Mica Bradbury and Sian Murphy are doing a Ballet Pros Masterclass at the Royal Opera House on the 14th of May from 11.00am – 3.00pm. For further details, contact: theballetpros@gmail.com
• Royal Ballet dancer, Mica Bradbury, will be teaching a ballet technique class followed by repertoire from Frederick Ashton’s “Cinderella” at the Royal Opera House on the 30th of April (Ages 7 – 10 from 11.00am – 1.15pm and Ages 11 – 16 from 2.00 – 5.00pm). For more information, contact Mica on: micabeau@gmail.com
• Nicolette Whitley is offering a dance class on Thursdays from 6.15 – 7.15pm at the Inner Space in Nelwyn for £7. Reserve your space on: nicolettewhitley@outlook.com
• Strictly star Johannes Radebe is offering a Heels class at Heaven Nightclub in London on the 7th of June.
• Anita Mannings has a Contemporary Jazz Class (Int) on Wednesdays from 8.30 – 9.55pm at the Flow Dance Studios in Oval.
• Bethany Entwistle is teaching a class each Tuesday from 8.15 – 9.30pm at the Dance House in Leeds.
• Emma Levene is offering a General Ballet Core and Stretch Contemporary class at Forest Gate Community School on Thursdays from 7.00 – 8.00pm. Email to book: doubletwistdance@gmail.com
• Michael Naylor is teaching a new class on Thursdays at the Base Dance Studios from 2.30 – 4.00pm. Book via the Base app.
• Alexandre Novelli is offering a Beginners Commercial for Adults class every Tuesday at her Novelli Studios from 6.00 – 7.00pm.
• Amy Ireland has a Commercial Tap class at Pineapple Dance Studios in London on Thursdays at 12.15pm and a Contemporary Jazz class at 1.15pm. On Fridays Amy teaches Beginners Tap at 10.15am.
• Nafisah Baba is teaching a weekly Lyrical Contemporary Intermediate / Advanced class at Danceworks in London every Tuesday from 8.00 – 9.30pm.
• Lucy Jane Adcock is teaching a Show Tap class at Base Dance Studios on Wednesdays at 11.30am.
• Poppy Tremlett is offering an Improvers Choreography class at Base Dance Studios on Tuesdays from 8.30 – 10.00pm.
• Rachel Bolsworth is teaching an Absolute Beginners Heels class from 7.00 – 8.00pm on Tuesdays and an Improvers Beginners Heels class on Monday from 8.30 – 9.30pm at Pineapple Dance Studios.
• Hannah Cleeve is giving a Heels Technique class on Wednesdays from 1.00 – 2.30pm each week at the Base Dance Studios.
• Jazz Dance Rewired will present a 2 day programme of jazz dance theatre at the Place in London on the 27th of May and the 3rd of June.
• Kamila Zalewska is teaching at the Base Studios in London on Mondays from 4.00 – 5.25pm for intermediate/advanced level. Book on the Base app.

Film And Video

• Sir Matt Bourne’s “Sleeping Beauty” will appear in UK cinemas on the 28th of June and the 2nd of July. The film stars Ashley Shaw.
• The first trailer has been released for Take That’s musical movie “Greatest Days”.
• The filmed version of “Waitress” will be shown at the 2023 Tribeca Festival in New York which runs from the 7th to the 18th of June.
• We spotted Kane Horn, Millie Gallimore & Pascha Jacobs in the latest Schuh campaign. The contract was with AMCK.
• We spotted Pfion Vince performing with Sam Smith. The contract was with AMCK.
• We spotted Preeti Sian in the latest Hanes campaign.

View All The Strictly Stars Wearing Dincwear Dancewear

From all the news team at Dincwear Dancewear, See you all next week!

This post has been created by the Dincwear Dancewear Team.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Dincwear has other links to Strictly too.

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

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

Post by By Tom Bryant Head of Showbiz Mirror

This post is shared by the Dincwear Dancewear Team.