Giovani Pernice. Star of Strictly Come Dancing

Pro Dance News 9th November 2023

All the latest news from Dincwear Pro Dancewear.

Giovanni Pernice announces dance floor return at Dancing With The Stars weekend.

 Giovanni Pernice announces dance floor return at Dancing With The Stars weekend.  

Strictly Come Dancing star Giovanni Pernice is lacing up his dancing shoes as he prepares to make a ballroom comeback.

Giovanni was forced to take an early exit from the BBC dance series that made him famous this year after celebrity partner Amanda Abbington decided to quit the show.

However, bouncing back, Gio has shared some “fantastic” news – and it’s sure to delight fans of the Italian.

Giovanni has revealed that fans will have the chance to meet him and learn some of his famous moves as he takes part in a Dancing With The Stars weekend next year.

Now, before you panic, he hasn’t decided to swap Blighty for the States and a stint on the TV show. Instead, he is heading to the Alton Towers Resort in Staffordshire for the event.

It will offer fans of the show a chance to get up close and personal with a handful of Strictly stars as they are taught to dance.

“Thrilled to share some fantastic news with you all,” Giovanni said. “Guess where you can catch me in March 2024? I’ll be setting the dance floor on fire at the incredible Donahey’s Dancing With The Stars Weekend at Alton Towers Resort! SHH.”

He added: “It’s going to be a weekend filled with dance, laughter, and unforgettable memories. So, mark your calendars, set your alarms, and get ready to dance the night away with me.”

Giovanni then said: “It’s going to be a weekend you won’t want to miss! For all the details and to book your tickets, head over to the @donaheys website (link in bio) and secure your spot for what promises to be an EPIC weekend of dancing!”

If Gio isn’t your pro dancer of choice, there are a handful of others also attending.

The Italian dancer will be joined by the likes of Jowita Przystal, Nikita Kuzmin, Lauren Oakley, Kai Widdrington and Nadiya Bychkova.

}—–{

Hannah Waddingham: Home for Christmas reveals trailer and special guests.

Hannah Waddingham: Home for Christmas reveals trailer and special guests

Apple has released a brand-new trailer and revealed further details for the eagerly anticipated festive special Hannah Waddingham: Home for Christmas.

Filmed at the London Coliseum in front of a live audience and featuring WhatsOnStage Award winner Hannah Waddingham, the musical event will see the Emmy Award winner performing Christmas classics accompanied by an 18-piece band.

Special guests joining Waddingham in the TV special have been confirmed today, including Sam Ryder (Eurovision), Luke Evans (Backstairs Billy), Leslie Odom Jr (Hamilton), and Phil Dunster (Ted Lasso). Performers from the English National Opera, the London Gay Men’s Chorus and the Fabulous Lounge Swingers are also set to appear.

In addition, the live soundtrack from the show will be available on all music streaming platforms via Platoon from 22 November, featuring every musical highlight from the broadcast. The single “What Christmas Means To Me” is available as of today.

The TV special is directed by BAFTA Award winner Hamish Hamilton, whose many credits include the Oscars, Grammys, Super Bowl halftime show, and the London Olympics opening and closing ceremonies, and produced by Done + Dusted (Beauty and the Beast: A 30th Celebration, The Little Mermaid Live!).

Waddingham also serves as an executive producer for the show, alongside Katy Mullan, Moira Ross, Raj Kapoor and Nick Todisco.

Hannah Waddingham: Home for Christmas is set to debut on Apple TV+ on Wednesday, 22 November 2023.

}—–{

Boy George to star in Moulin Rouge! on Broadway.

Boy George to star in Moulin Rouge! on Broadway.

The lead singer of Culture Club, Boy George responsible for hit songs like “Karma Chameleon” and “Do You Really Want to Hurt Me.” This will be Boy George’s first time appearing on Broadway since his 2003 musical Taboo.

He will take over the role of Harold Zidler in the Broadway run of Moulin Rouge! The Musical, playing a limited engagement through to Sunday 12 May.

Zidler is the Master of Ceremonies at the Moulin Rouge, the Montmartre nightclub where Christian falls in love with Satine, and all become intoxicated with the revolutionary ideals of Truth, Beauty, Freedom, and Love. TheaterMania’s review called the song-and-dance spectacular, “some of the best showmanship Broadway currently has on offer.”

Tituss Burgess, who is currently playing Zidler, continues his limited engagement through Sunday 17 December 2023. Eric Anderson will return to the role Tuesday 19 December 2023 through Sunday 4 February 2024.

Moulin Rouge! The Musical is directed by Alex Timbers, written by John Logan, choreographed by Sonya Tayeh, and has music supervision, orchestrations, and arrangements by Justin Levine. It is based on the beloved film by Baz Luhrmann and is the recipient of 10 Tony Awards.

Boy George will return to Broadway on Tuesday 6 February 2024.

}—–{

Starlight Express revival extends London run after one day of pre-sale.

Starlight Express revival extends London run after one day of pre-sale.

After just one day of pre-sale, producer Michael Harrison has made the decision to extend the booking period for the upcoming London revival of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Starlight Express due to overwhelming demand.

Harrison commented: “Starlight Express is one of the most iconic musicals of the last 40 years, and I am thrilled that our new production has captured the imaginations of all ages all over again. From yesterday’s presale alone, we are today immediately extending our booking period through to 16 February 2025. It’s always been the fastest show on earth…now it’s the fastest extension in theatre history!”

The show had previously been taking bookings up to October 2024 and the general on-sale begins tomorrow, 9 November.

The musical, which features music by Lloyd Webber and lyrics by Richard Stilgoe, is about a child’s train set that comes to life and competes to become the fastest engine in the world. The actors famously perform on rollerskates, and the original choreography was by Arlene Phillips. It opened at the Apollo Victoria Theatre in 1984, and closed in 2002. It has been running in Bochum, Germany for over 30 years, and has been seen by more than 20 million people.

Luke Sheppard (The Little Big Things) directs, while Tim Hatley (Back to the Future) will be designing the sets, with Gabriella Slade (Six) on costume design and Phillips part of the creative team, alongside video designer Andrzej Goulding (Life of Pi), lighting designer Howard Hudson (& Juliet) and sound designer Gareth Owen (MJ the Musical) with new orchestrations and musical supervision by Matthew Brind. It has new choreography by Ashley Nottingham (Pacific Overtures).

The production is set to feature a cast of 40, expected to “whizz around and above” the audience. Spectators are able to sit either around and inside the “racing track”, or behind the performance space on a more conventional rake.

Performances begin at the Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre on 8 June 2024.

}—–{

Festive Feeling Dancing on Ice legends join Emmerdale for epic Christmas Special.

Festive Feeling Dancing on Ice legends join Emmerdale for epic Christmas Special..

This year, Emmerdale is set to get a thrilling Christmas special with the addition of not just one, but two Dancing on Ice legends. And to add to the excitement, there’s a heartwarming proposal in store for a beloved villager.

Legendary ice dancers, Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean, will appear in the special Christmas episode of Emmerdale.

The Olympic gold medal winners will reunite on ice to assist a fan-favourite soap character with a festive marriage proposal.

Ahead of the episode, Christopher expressed his excitement: “Being here is absolutely incredible. We’ve gone from watching Emmerdale on TV to actually being in a scene…

“It’s like going from the screen to the scene. I’m absolutely loving it.”

Legendary ice dancers, Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean, will appear in the special Christmas episode of Emmerdale.

The Olympic gold medal winners will reunite on ice to assist a fan-favourite soap character with a festive marriage proposal.

Ahead of the episode, Christopher expressed his excitement: “Being here is absolutely incredible. We’ve gone from watching Emmerdale on TV to actually being in a scene…

“It’s like going from the screen to the scene. I’m absolutely loving it.”

}—–{

General News & Sighting

  • Adam & Luba were eliminated from Strictly this week. The Strictly pro dance was choreographed by Oti Mabuse and Matt Nicholson, with Nikki Trow choreographing the Zara Larson number featuring Karen and Nancy. Matt Flint and Stephanie Powell did the choreography for Lauren & Krishnan and Johannes & Annabel’s routine was choreographed by Ash-Leigh Hunter and Arduino Bertoncello.
  • Ellen Kane and Lisa Welham won the World Choreography Award 2023 for a Motion Picture for their work on “Matilda The Musical”.
  • Yann Bolenge’s Dance Awards UK announced its winners for 2023. Hanna Dimtsu won Performance of the Year, with Levi Lennon winning the Young Dancer award. Kloe Dean, Josh Pilmore and Samuel Garcia picked up awards for Choreography and JP Omari’s Streetfunk won Dance School of the year.
  • It was announced that Drew McOnie will become the Artistic Director of the Regent’s Park Open Air theatre (and joint Chief Executive) from January 2024.
  • Maria Seletskaja has been appointed the new Music Director of the English National Ballet.
  • The line-up has been revealed for this year’s Royal Variety performance, which will be hosted by Bradley Walsh at the Royal Albert Hall. Cher is set to headline and there will be a special Disney medley to celebrate the studio’s 100th anniversary.
  • The 24th annual Whats On Stage awards will take place at the London Palladium on the 11th of February 2024.
  • Casting has been confirmed for the upcoming world premiere of the new British musical “Cable Street”. It will star Danny Colligan and be choreographed by Melody Sinclair. The show will open for previews on the 16th of February 2024.

Future Dance Events News

  • “Standing at the Sky’s Edge” has confirmed the initial casting for its 2024 West End transfer. It has choreography by Lynne Page and will run at the Gillian Lynne theatre from the 8th of February 2024.
  • A “Cruel Intentions” musical is coming to London. It will open at the Other Palace on the 11th of January 2024 with choreography by Gary Lloyd.
  • Nick Winston and Ryan Lee Seager will be directing and choreographing the world premiere of “Burlesque The Musical” – which has Christina Aguilera as an Executive Director. The show will open at the Manchester Opera House on the 13th of June 2024.
  • “Clueless The Musical” will have a developmental run at the Churchill theatre in Bromley from the 12th – 24th of February 2024.
  • “Mean Girls” is coming to the Savoy Theatre in June 2024.
  • A touring musical version of “101 Dalmations” will open in Wimbledon on the 22nd of June 2024.
  • “& Juliet” will embark on a UK tour from the 8th of July 2024. The choreographer is Jennifer Weber.
  • “The Devil Wears Prada” has confirmed its West End run and UK premiere. It will be directed and choreographed by Jerry Mitchell and be cast by Jill Green. The show will open in Plymouth on the 9th of July 2024.
  • “Bonnie and Clyde The Musical” has announced the initial cast and tour dates for 2024. Katie Tonkinson will star as Bonnie Parker.
  • “Starlight Express” is to return to London in the Summer of 2024. It will be choreographed by Ashley Nottingham.
  • The world premiere of the new British musical “Cable Street” is to open at the Southwark Playhouse on the 16th of February 2024. The choreography is by Melody Sinclair.
  • “Some Like It Hot” is coming to the West End in 2025. It will be directed and choreographed by Casey Nicholaw.
  • “Wicked” has announced the full cast for its tour of the UK and Ireland. We spotted Charlotte Coggin, Aine Curran, Jade Davies, Maddison Firth, Shoko Ito and Will Luckett among the cast members. The tour will open on the 7th of December at Edinburgh.
  • Full casting has been revealed for the first UK and Ireland tour of “Aladdin”. Gavin Adams will star with Desmonda Cathabel as Jasmine. Sarah Benbelaid is the Assistant Dance Captain. The show will open in Edinburgh in October.
  • The 2024 Mighty Hoopla Big Weekender has announced its line up led by: Natalie Imbruglia, Cascada and Gabrielle.
  • 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.
  • “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. The Dance Captain is Angeline Bell.
  • “Hadestown” will open at the Lyric Theatre in the West End on the 10th of February 2024. The choreographer is David Neumann.
  • The new musical “Starter for Ten” will premiere in Bristol next year at the Old Vic theatre from the 29th of February until the 30th of March 2024.
  • “The King And I” will return to the West End in early 2024 starring Helen George and Darren Lee.
  • “Sister Act – The Musical” will return to the Dominion theatre in the West End on the 15th of March 2024. It will star Beverley Knight and Alexandra Burke. The choreography is by Alistair David.
  • The lead cast has been unveiled for “We Will Rock You” opening in the West End. It will star Lee Mead and Brenda Edwards.
  • 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

    • Rendez-Vous is looking for 2 women/trans/non binary identifying dance artists to join the cast of “The Monocle” for its Spring/Summer 2024 National Tour. The audition is in Central London on the 3rd of December, with the deadline to apply by the 24th of November. There is more information at: http://www.rendez-vousdance.com
    • KOR Intensives is looking for 3 girl dancers for a show at Wembley Arena on the 16th of December. For more information, contact: info@korintensives.co.uk
    • Shape Haus in London is having an audition on the 12th of November – see the website for details: http://www.shapehaus.co.uk
    • Barbara Jackson is offering 2 free weeks of training and rehearsals for a new dance musical on the 12th – 16th of February. To apply, email: barbaraevans504@yahoo.co.uk
    • Adrian Gas is looking for a contemporary girl dancer of African heritage for a performance on the 15th of November. Contact Adrian on: casting@adriangas.com
    • Pearson Casting will be casting the upcoming production of “Starlight Express”. Email your C.V and reels to: starlight@pearsoncasting.com
    • The Place in London is looking for dancers to become Trainee Dance Teachers in their Partners Schools Project. Have a look at the website for details.
    • Rouge in Las Vegas is looking for male dancers. Contact: castofstrat@gmail.com

    Dance Classes

    • SK Dance Fusion is doing a “La Bamba” musical workshop with cast member Nicolle Matheu on the 11th of November from 10.30 am – 12.00 pm in York.
    • Mica Bradbury, soloist with the Royal Ballet, has a Nutcracker workshop on the 3rd of December at the Royal Opera House from 10.30 am – 1.00 pm (for 8 – 11 year olds) and from 1.45 – 4.45 pm (for 12 -16 year olds). Contact Mica on: micabeau@gmail.com
    • Abbie Brown has a dance workshop in Glasgow on the 26th of November. For more information, contact: abbiebrownworkshops@gmail.com
    • Christopher Tendai is teaching a Musical Theatre Jazz class on the 6th of December at Pineapple Studios in London from 2.00 – 3.30 pm.
    • Lisa Welham, Magda Sobolewska, Katrin Lerner, Keoni Azra & Jennifer White have a Ladies Latin Intensive on the 9th of December from 10.00 am – 5.00 pm at the Somers Town Community Sports Centre in London.
    • Weronika Wiktoria is starting a Street Jazz class every Monday at 5.30 pm at the Base dance studios with Ralitsa Chepisheva.
    • Dollie Henry will be teaching Jazz dance at the Place in London on the 19th of November from 4.00 – 5.30 pm.
    • Dance Forward has a 1 day Christmas Ballet course at the Royal Ballet Company Studios on the 3rd of December from 9.30 am – 1.30 pm with Darcey Bussell.
    • Lil J is offering a sassy Commercial class at the Pineapple Dance Studios on Tuesdays at 4.15 pm. You can book on the Pineapple app.
    • Amy Ireland is offering a Beginners Tap class at Pineapple Dance Studios on Fridays at 10.15 am and a Commercial Tap class on Mondays at 8.30 pm.
    • Dominique Marinho is teaching a Beginners Heels class on Tuesdays at Pineapple Studios from 3.45 – 4.45 pm.
    • 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.
    • 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
    • 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.
    • 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.
    • 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

    • SAG in America has called off its strike after reaching an agreement on a new 3 year contract with Hollywood film studios and producers.
    • We spotted Kira Samuel performing on ITV’s “Mamma Mia: I Have A Dream”.
    • We spotted the following dancers performing with Shirin David in Germany: Sophia Turner, Ashleigh Honeyghan, Charlotte Anderson & Julia Zytho.
    • We spotted the following dancers performing with 50 Cent in Paris: India Hope, Julia-Ruth Smith, Amber Vertannes & Jenna Brandon. The contract was with Mass Movement.
    • We spotted Colby Richardson, Gio Bordone, Broghan Woods & Izzy Green performing with Samantha Mumba at Manchester Arena.
    • We spotted the following dancers performing on the Anne Marie tour: Lily Wang, Dalwin Cory, Jake Leigh & James Mulford. The choreography was by Claudimar Neto and Sammi Lee Jayne.
    • We spotted Viola Pantuso of the Royal Ballet in the latest advert for All Saints.

    Pro Dancer News Published by the Dincwear Pro Dancewear Team.

    View All The Strictly Stars Wearing Dincwear Dancewear

    View The Dincwear Strictly Pro Dancers Gallery

    Sign Up For Newsletter

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

    This post has been created by the Dincwear Dancewear Team.