Dincwear Pro Dance News: Rita Ora

Pro Dance News 10th May 2023

All the latest news from Dincwear Pro Dancewear.

Rita Ora joined by 12-year-old Ukrainian dancer for Eurovision performance.

Rita Ora Eurovision

Rita Ora was joined by a young Ukrainian dancer forced to flee the Russian invasion for her performance at the Eurovision Song Contest.

The pop star delivered a medley of her past hits culminating in the first live performance of her new track Praising You, which celebrates her relationship with her husband, film-maker Taika Waititi. As the stage at the M&S Bank Arena in Liverpool lit up in red, the 32-year-old was joined by 54 backing dancers including 30 from the Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts (Lipa).

Among them was 12-year-old Sofiia Kladko, from Rivne in the north west of Kyiv, who has been living in Warrington since 2022.

Shortly before her performance, Ora posted on Twitter paying tribute to the girl as representing ā€œstrength and hope during these turbulent, tragic and changeable timesā€.

Rita Ora

She added: ā€œWe must not forget the privilege the UK has to play its part as host nation at the Eurovision 2023 for the Ukraine after the Kalush Orchestra won the contest last year.ā€

Ora grew up in Kosovo and later came to the UK with her family where she pursued her career in entertainment.

ā€œThe plight of Sofiiaā€™s family reminds me of the incredible journey my family went through when I was her age, and how I will be forever grateful to the UK for showing us kindness and compassion,ā€ she added.
ā€œSofiia opens my performance this evening playing with a ball, representing the loss of childhood for these poor refugees.

ā€œI hope this amazing song contest opens hearts across Europe and the world. We love you Ukraine, we all perform tonight, for you.ā€

Oraā€™s performance came 14 years after she auditioned to represent the UK in 2009 with the song Get Here by Oleta Adams.

During the night, Alyosha, who competed at Eurovision in 2010, also duetted with former X Factor contestant Rebecca Ferguson on the Duran Duran track Ordinary World.

Alyosha had to leave loved ones behind in Ukraine following the Russian invasion and as she sung, text messages from families fleeing the country flashed up on screen and the stage set was lit up in the Ukrainian national colours of blue and yellow.

Co-host Julia Sanina, also from Ukraine, appeared visibly moved and described the performance as ā€œso emotionalā€.

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UK’s first all-wheelchair professional dance company performs The Snow Queen to sold-out theatres

UK's first all-wheelchair professional dance company performs The Snow Queen to sold-out theatres

Birmingham-based Propel Dance have performed their contemporary, reimagined version of the fantastical fairy tale at three venues across the Midlands in April.

Propel Dance, a brand-new professional all wheelchair-user dance company based in Birmingham concluded their short tour of The Snow Queen last night, bringing the run of the companyā€™s first ever live performances to a hugely successful close.

The company secured investment from Arts Council England National Lottery Project Grants in October 2022 to pilot the tour to three venues in April. Led by an all-female leadership team, the company was instigated and founded by One Dance UK member Helen Mason, a Birmingham-based Dance Artist with a track record of making dance for and with disabled people for over twenty years.

Propel Danceā€™s version of The Snow Queen is a captivating and enthralling dance production which focuses on the origins of the queen who brings endless winters. Brought to life by a talented company of professional wheelchair dancers, the production is a contemporary retelling through music and movement, based on the Hans Christian Anderson original story. The Snow Queen visited The Old Library in Mansfield on Friday 14 April, Midlands Arts Centre in Birmingham on Sunday 23 April, and the Arena Theatre in Wolverhampton on Thursday 27 April.

The company is the first of its kind in the UK, and the five hand-picked wheelchair dancers alongside a professional musician and composer rehearsed at Midlands Arts Centre (MAC), Sense TouchBase Pears and Elmhurst Ballet School in Birmingham for three weeks before taking the show out on tour in front of audiences. The company features artists Joseph Powell-Main, Kat Ball, Lauren Russell, Rebecca Fowler and Ayuna Berbidaeva, who is a participant in One Dance UKā€™s Young Creatives programme, inspiring the next generation of choreographers.

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Chesterfield to host international pole dance competition.

Chesterfield to host international pole dance competition..

The Pole Art UK event will bring together some of the finest competitors from around the world for the event at the townā€™s Winding Wheel venue.

Now in its fourth year, Pole Art UK was founded by Stacey Snedden and Lorna Walker ā€“ who is a Chesterfield businesswoman and a former winner of the Miss Pole Dance UK title.

Owner of Derbyshire pole and aerial dance studio, Dakini, Lorna is now the sole organiser of Pole Art UK and said she is very excited to be bringing the event to her home town.

She said: ā€œI am so honoured to be hosting Pole Art UK in Chesterfield this year. The Winding Wheel provides a beautiful stage for artists to showcase their creativity and talents. Our town has so much culture, which is often overlooked, and it’s a true privilege to be at the forefront, bringing something unique to our hometown.ā€

The competition will take place in Chesterfield, on Sunday, 16th July, 2023 at the historic Winding Wheel. Judges from across the UK and Ireland will be taking on the hard task of selecting the 2023 champions, as well as showcasing their incredible talents during guest performances, including Virgin Media’s ‘Big Deal’ winner Lisette Krol.The Judges will also be hosting pole and dance workshops at Dakini over the weekend, giving locals a chance to learn from some of the biggest names in the industry.

Pole Art UK has five competition categories for this yearā€™s event which are: amateur, semi pro, professional, elite and this yearā€™s new addition ā€“ freestyle.Six competitors in each category will present their most artistic pieces on stage, conveying emotions, stories and themes whilst incoporating gravity defying combinations on the pole.

Spectators can get tickets via EventBrite, with two ticket types are available ā€“ individual seating in the tiered circle, alongside tables of 10 for group bookings. To find out more about about the competition, including how to enter as well as how to get hold of tickets, visit: bit.ly/poleartuk

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First outdoor production of Hairspray to feature Jenny Gayner and Alex Lodge.

First outdoor production of Hairspray to feature Jenny Gayner and Alex Lodge

The UKā€™s first outdoor production of Hairspray will run at Kilworth House Theatre this summer, featuring Jenny Gayner and Alex Lodge in the cast. Gayner will play Velma Von Tussle and Alex Lodge will take on the role of Link Larkin. Charlotte-Hannah Jones will be playing the role of Tracy Turnblad.

The show, produced by Celia Mackay and directed and choreographed by Lee Proud, will have 52 performances.

Proud said: ā€œHairspray is without doubt one of the most uplifting and joyous musicals ever written and its messages of inclusion and equality resonate more today than ever before.

ā€œWe have gathered an incredible cast and we canā€™t wait to see you all at Kilworth House Theatre for an unforgettable night of entertainment.ā€

Tracyā€™s mother and father will be portrayed by Michael J Batchelor and Steven Serlin, with Holly Willcock taking on the role of Amber Von Tussle.

Paul Farnsworth is the set and costume designer, lighting designer is Jason Taylor, with sound designer Chris Whybrow.

The musical director and supervisor is Michael Bradley and Anne Vosser is the casting director.

Hairspray is set to start on June 27 and will run until August 6 in Leicestershire.

General News & Sighting

  • Sadlers Well’s announced its new season with 4 world and 7 UK premieres, plus artists from 17 countries.
  • Northern Ballet has announced its 2023/4 season, the first under new Artistic Director Federico Bonelli.
  • Theatre Royal Bath has announced the full casting for the UK premiere of it’s musical adaption of the classic film “Roman Holiday”. Rebecca Collingwood will play Ann. The show opens on the 10th of June, with choreography by Matt Cole.
  • The full cast has been revealed for the Lavender Theatre’s revival of “Annie Get Your Gun”. It will star SuRie as Annie and will run from the 17th of July until the 5th of August. The choreography is by Simon Hardwick.
  • The musical “Ride” will star Liv Andrusier and run from the19th of July until the 12th of August at the Southwark Playhouse Elephant. The choreography is by Natasha Harrison.
  • The cast has been announced for “Scouts! The Musical” at the Other Palace in London. It will star Sydney Spencer and Kemi Clarke. The choreographer has yet to be announced. The show will run from the 20th of June until the 9th of July.
  • Kilworth House Theatre has announced casting for its revival of “Hairspray” from the 27th of June until the 6th of August. Charlotte Hannah Jones stars as Tracey and Emma Hunter is the Dance Captain. It has choreography by Lee Proud and Emma Hunter.
  • Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber’s “Bad Cinderella” will close on Broadway on the 4th of June.

        Future Dance Events News

        • “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.
        • “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

        • Edinburgh Festival is auditioning dancers to perform with the Alvin Ailey dancers at the Festival. The auditions are on the 17th & 18th of June. The deadline to apply is the 29th of May. It has a rehearsal and performance fee of Ā£1,200. For more information, visit: www.eif.co.uk/jobs
        • Darlington Arts is looking for a Dance Practitioner. The deadline for applications is the 23rd of May. For more information, visit: www.wearedarts.org.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.
        • Phoenix Dance Theatre is looking for an Artistic Director. The closing date for applications is the 17th of May.
        • “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

        • 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
        • 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 Ā£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.

        Ā Film & TV

        • “Beetlejuice 2” began filming in London this week.
        • We spotted Miles Newland performing at the Royal Albert Hall in RuPaul’s “Drag Race”.
        • We spotted Theo Simpson, Curtisha Kruythoff, Sophia Turner & Charlie Goddard performing with Mae Muller at Eurovision in Liverpool.
        • We spotted the Motionhouse dancers performing in the Eurovision “Welcome the World” on BBC1.
        • We spotted the following dancers performing with Take That at the Coronation Concert: Rachel Muldoon, Majella Fitzgerald, Joy Duckrell, Li Li Hodge, Jo Dyce, Chanelle George, Robyn Rae Laud & Jorgiee Vaughan. The choreography was by Adrian Gas. The Creative Director was Kim Gavin and the contract was with Kutes.
        • We spotted the following dancers performing at the National Lottery’s Big Eurovision Welcome: Dalvin Cory, Elliot Richardson, Julia Zytko, Elle Taylor, Charlotte Kate Anderson & Sara Kasa. The choreography was by Kamila Zalewska and the contract was with Kutes.
        • We spotted Nikkita Chadha on the latest Sephora poster.
        • We spotted Angel Wharmby, Ria Hunte, Alex Schoendorf & Alexandre Novelli performing with the Austrian entry for Eurovision.
        • We spotted Summer Villiers, Maddie Brooks-Brown, & Erica Stubbs dancing with Rita Ora at the first Eurovision Semi Final. The choreography was by Lukas McFarlane, Lianne Lee May & Connor Tidman.

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        This post has been created by the Dincwear Dancewear Team.