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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.