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MOVE IT 2024: The Worlds Biggest Dance Event.

 

MOVE IT the world’s biggest and best dance event is back at ExCeL London from 15-17 March 2024. MOVE IT celebrates all forms of dance and the performing arts across three amazing days. No matter what level you are, MOVE IT has something for every dancer, teacher, spectator, and professional, at this electric celebration of all things dance and performing arts!

Running From The 15th – 17th March 2024

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Heathers the Musical announces tour dates.

Heathers the Musical will return for a new tour – and dates have now been confirmed.

The Award-winning musical features a book, music and lyrics by Kevin Murphy and Laurence O’Keefe, and is based on the 1989 cult film of the same name, starring Winona Ryder and Christian Slater.

The production is directed by Andy Fickman, with choreography by Gary Lloyd, designs by David Shields, lighting by Ben Cracknell and sound by Dan Samson. The assistant choreographer is Christopher Parkinson.

It previously ran at The Other Palace and in the West End in 2018 and 2021. The show then ran from 2021 to 2023 back at The Other Palace, with two tours also taking place.

It will open at Theatre Royal Windsor on 24 July 2024, before visiting Bath (from 30 July), Portsmouth (from 6 August), Cardiff (from 13 August), Newcastle (from 3 September), Milton Keynes (from 10 September), Chester (from 17 September), Sheffield (from 1 October), Stockton (from 15 October) and Torquay (from 5 November) with further dates to be revealed. Tickets go on sale from early March.

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Full cast announced for Spirited Away at the London Coliseum.

Full casting has been announced for the stage version of Studio Ghibli’s Spirited Away, which is heading to London this spring.

Presented by TOHO Co Ltd and co-produced by PW Productions in the original Japanese (with English captions), Spirited Away is based on the Oscar-winning animated film by Hayao Miyazaki. It is adapted for the stage by John Caird, co-adapted by Maoko Imai, and features the original score by Joe Hisaishi.

Returning from the original Japanese production are Kanna Hashimoto and Mone Kamishiraishi as Chihiro, Kotaro Daigo and Hiroki Miura as Haku, Fu Hinami as Lin and Chihiro’s mother, Tomorowo Taguchi and Satoshi Hashimoto as Kamaji, Mari Natsuki and Romi Park as Yubaba and Zeniba, Kenya Osumi as Aniyaku and Chihiro’s father, Sunao Yoshimura as Chichiyaku, Obata no Oniisan as Aogaeru, Yuya Igarashi as Kashira and Mayu Musha as Bo.

Mari Natsuki returns to the role of Yubaba in this stage production, having voiced the role in Studio Ghibli’s 2001 Oscar-winning film.

Joining the company for the London production are Rina Kawaei and Momoko Fukuchi as Chihiro, Atsuki Mashiko as Haku, Hikaru Yamano as Kaonashi or ‘No-Face’, Yuki Hana and Rion Misaki as Lin and Chihiro’s mother, Tomu Miyazaki as Kamaji, Hitomi Harukaze as Yubaba and Zeniba, Toshihiko Ito as Chichiyaku and Seiya Motoki as Aogaeru.

Completing the company are Miyu Ayahashi, Kaito Arai, Yoko Ose, Wataru Oshige, Motoko Orii, Akino Konno, Ryo Sawamura, Mayu Suetomi, Rico Takahashi, Hayato Takehiro, Saya Chinen, Hanano Teshirogi, Ayame Nakagami, Yuuki Nishinomiya, Rei Hanashima, Yoshiki Fujioka, Norihide Mantani, Eiji Mizuno, Miffy, Maki Morita, Yuna Yasuno, Yamato, Kazuma Kimura, Annakanako Mohri, Marina Mori and Toshiki Hirose.

Spirited Away tells the story of Chihiro as she travels to a new home with her family and stumbles into a fantasy world of spirits ruled over by the sorceress Yubaba. When her parents are transformed into pigs, Chihiro must find a way to free them and escape back to the real world.

Musical supervision, orchestrations and arrangements are by Brad Haak, with associate music supervision, orchestrations and ableton programming by Conor Keelan. The creative team also includes set designer Jon Bausor, puppet designer Toby Olié, choreographer Shigehiro Ide, costume designer Sachiko Nakahara, lighting designer Jiro Katsushiba, sound designer Koichi Yamamoto, hair and make-up designer Hiroaki Miyauchi, projection designer Satoshi Kuriyama, stage manager Takashi Hojo, assistant to the director Maoko Imai, associate director Makoto Nagai, co-producer Iain Gillie and producer Haruka Ogi.

The production has recently added five additional weeks to its original 12-week season, and will begin on 30 April, with dates through to 24 August 2024.

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Strictly’s Amy Dowden lands major ITV role as she eyes return to BBC show after cancer battle.

Amy Dowden is celebrating after landing a new TV hosting job, while remaining determined to make a return to Strictly Come Dancing.

Popular pro dancer Amy was met with an outpouring of support last year, when she revealed she battling breast cancer, before then being given the devastating blow that it had spread, as she vowed to fight it all the way and began extensive treatment. To Strictly fans’ delight, Amy made several appearances in the most recent series of the hit BBC show, being a guest announcer in one live show, before starring in a professional group number in the final, as social media went wild for her.

And it’s now ITV viewers who’ll be seeing more of Amy, as she has joined the presenting team on Lorraine. Speaking of her excitement over her new role, Amy said: “’m joining the Lorraine family! Thank you so much for this opportunity. What a difference just a couple of months makes.”

Amy also gave an update on her cancer battle, telling Lorraine that fears the disease had spread to her bones had been ruled out,. as she explained: “I’ll need to go back to the chemo ward once a month for an injection. It’s a brutal injection. I’ve got a hormone-fed cancer, so if that keeps my hormones at bay and stops feeding it, then it’s worthwhile.

“I’ve got another shot of life. I’m so grateful and happy and I wake up every day and say ‘thank you’ because not everyone gets to do it”
On the subject of returning to Strictly as a pro, Amy then added: “.I would love to return, to be back with my Strictly family. It’s what makes my dancing heart happy, so that’s the goal. Obviously we don’t know yet who’s back, but that is the dream.

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General News & Sighting

• In the Budget, Jeremy Hunt announced a permanent rate for Theatre Tax Relief after theatre owners warned that a reduction to the scheme would damage the sector. The rate will be 45% for touring shows and 40% for non-touring productions.
• Nottingham City Council has approved a 100% cut to its arts budget.
• Professional dancers are risking physical exhaustion and injury by returning to work within 6 months of giving birth, a study from Parents and Carers in Performing Arts has found. (The Stage)
• IMBD has finally recognised “Choreographer” as a primary profession. You can now replace “Additional Crew” with “Choreographer” on your individual profile page.
• The Olivier Awards announced the nominations for its 2024 awards. The nominations for the Gillian Lynne award for Best Choreographer are: Fabian Aloise (Sunset Boulevard), Kane Ellen & Hannes Langolf (Dear England), Arlene Phillips & James Cousins (Guys & Dolls), Mark Smith (The Little Big Things) & Susan Stroman (Crazy For You).
• Nicola Benedetti has unveiled the 2024 Edinburgh International Festival programme, which will feature Crystal Pite’s Kidd Pivot dance company, a world premiere directed by Vicky Featherstone and a new production of “Oedipus Rex”.
• Sadler’s Wells has announced 7 new Associate Artists: Jules Cunningham, Dan Daw, Oona Doherty, Michelle Dorrance, Seeta Patel, Alesandre Seutin & Botis Seva.
• Drew McOnie announced that he will co-produce “The Artist” with the Theatre Royal Plymouth. Drew will direct and be the choreographer with Ebony Molina.It will star Rachel Muldoon and Tyler Lotzof and open in Plymouth on the 11th of May.
• The casting and dates have been revealed for the UK tour of “Hairspray The Musical”. It will star Joanne Clifton and open in Manchester on the 16th of July. The choreography is by Drew McOnie.
• “Marie Curie” will premiere at the Charing Cross theatre in London on the 1st of June. It has choreography by Joanna Goodwin.
• The UK tour of “& Juliet” announced its first 3 stars: Geraldine Sacdalen, Sandra Marvin & Lara Denning. The show will open in Manchester on the 8th of July. The choreography is by Jennifer Weber.
• Casting has been set for the workshop development of a new “Wuthering Heights” musical. It will be directed by Racky Plews anh have choreography by Jared Hageman.
• “Now That’s What I Call A Musical” announced its cast and creative team. It will be directed by Craig Revel Horwood with Aaron Renfree as Associate Choreographer. The show will open on the 6th of September at Aylesbury’s Waterside Theatre before embarking on a UK tour.
• Dan Wagoner, American dancer and choreographer who was a former Artistic Director of the London Contemporary Dance theatre, has passed away aged 91.

Future Dance Events News

• “Mary Poppins” announced a new UK tour. It will star Stefanie Jones and Jack Chambers and have choreography by Sir Matt Bourne and Stephen Mear. The show will open on the 4th of November at the Bristol Hippodrome.
• “Magic at the Musicals” will return to the Royal Albert Hall on the 22nd of September. Participating in the event so far are: “Hadestown”, “Mamma Mia”, “Six” & “Tina – The Tina Turner Musical”.
• “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat” is set to return for a new tour starring Donny Osmond. It will open at the Edinburgh Playhouse on the 3rd of December. The choreography is by JoAnn M Hunter.
• “Heathers” will return for a new UK tour opening in Windsor on the 24th of July. The choreographers will be Gary Lloyd and Christopher Parkinson.
• A new musical featuring the work of Steps will open at the Alexandra theatre in Birmingham from the 9th until the 24th of November. The choreography is by Matt Cole.
• A stage musical based on Prince’s film and album “Purple Rain” is in the works with producer Orin Wolf.
• “Kiss Me, Kate” will run at the Barbican theatre in London from the 4th of June until the 14th of September. It will star Adrian Dunbar and Stephanie J Block and be choreographed by Anthony Van Laast.
• Luba and Vito from Strictly headline a Charity Dance Show at Dudley Town Hall on the 9th of April at 7.30 pm. You can get tickets at: mpvtickets.com
• The European premiere of “Your Lie in April” will take place at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane on the 8th & 9th of April 2024. It will be directed and choreographed by Nick Winston. The casting director is Harry Blumenau.
• Nick Winston will be directing the world premiere of the new musical “Wild About You” at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane on the 25th & 26th of March 2024. It will star Eric McCormack.
• “The Wizard of Oz” has confirmed the full cast for its tour of the UK and Ireland. The choreography is by Shay Barclay. The show will open in Liverpool on the 13th of December 2024.
• 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.
• “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.
• “Starlight Express” is to return to London in the Summer of 2024. It will be choreographed by Ashley Nottingham.
• “Some Like It Hot” is coming to the West End in 2025. It will be directed and choreographed by Casey Nicholaw.
• 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.
• “Shucked” will open in the West End in 2024. The choreographer is Sarah O’Gleby.
• The lead cast has been unveiled for “We Will Rock You” opening in the West End. It will star Lee Mead and Brenda Edwards.
• “Jesus Christ Superstar” will tour the UK in 2023/4 opening in Manchester this September. The choreography is by Drew McOnie.

Auditions & Vacancies

• Sir Matt Bourne is auditioning dancers for his iconic “Swan Lake” on the 4th & 5th of May. You can get further details on the New Adventures website.
• Gaz Davis Artistic Talent Agency has an open audition on the 19th of March at Dance Works in London. He is looking for 30 dancers for a contract in Turkey which starts on the 11th of April. Registration opens at 9.30 am. Contact the company for further details.
• Future Motion Company is looking for dancers and has an invite only audition at the Base Dance Studios in London on the 3rd of April. For more information contact: info@3-rings.co.uk
• Candoco Dance Company has auditions on the 18th & 19th of April. The deadline to apply is the 4th of March. Contact: jobs@candoco.co.uk
• ZooNation is looking for dancers for the period of October until December. Visit the website for details.
• Locked Creative is looking for a male gymnast / dancer for a feature movie filming in London. For more information, go to: info@lockedcreative.com
• Auditions for the Thursford Christmas Spectacular 2024 will be held at Pineapple Studios in London on the 17th & 18th of June.

Dance Classes

• Mica Bradbury, Soloist with the Royal Ballet, will be teaching an audition style ballet class alongside a hair and make-up class by Royal Opera House artist Jane Gage. The event will take place at the Royal Opera House on the 14th of April. For more information contact Mica at: micabeau@gmail.com
• Dane Bates has his Easter Intensive on the 3rd & 4th of April at the Liverpool Central Studios from 9.00 am – 3.00 pm. For more information contant Dane on: danebatesmasterclasses@gmail.com
• Ryan Jenkins has a class at “Move It” on the 17th of March at 2.45 pm.
• Amy Ireland has weekly classes on Fridays at 10.00 am at the Pineapple Dance Studios in London.
• Gabriella Marchant is teaching a Musical Theatre workshop on the 10th of April from 12.00 am – 2.00 pm at the i Star Academy. You can book on the website: iSTAR Academy
• The annual TGS Summer Intensive takes place this year on the 22nd – 26th of July from 10.00 am – 3.00 pm daily. The dance teachers are: Jacob McIntosh, Leighton Jay Halliday, Charlie Bruce & Jordi Guitart. Email: jordi1962@gmail.com to book your place.
• Gaz Davis has an Advanced Jazz class at Move It on the 15th of March at 10.30 – 11.15 am.
• Josie Lee offers Advanced Level Choreography from 11.00 am – 4.00 pm on the 5th of April at the Base Dance Studios.
• Nafisah Baba is teaching a Contemporary class at Pineapple studios on Mondays from 8.15 – 9.45 pm.
• Charlotte Pook is offering a 3 day class in Cardiff from the 2nd until the 4th of April from 10.00 am – 2.00 pm at the Dance House studio.
• Keith and Judy Clifton have a new beginners class on Thursdays at the Grimsby Town Hall from 7.30 – 8.30 pm. Contact: keith.clifton@icloud.com
• Andrei and Mia Linnik-Holden have a Ballroom Workshop on the 17th of March at the CC Dance Studio in Harwich.
• Ryan Jenkins has partnered up with Mandy Allen to produce the iD – Company Summer School from the 12th until the 16th of August. For more information contact: info@the-idcompany.com
• Zizi Strallen and Charlie Stemp have a dance masterclass on the 6th of April with beginnerscall.uk
• Lizzie McConachie has a commercial class on Mondays at Pineapple Studios from 7.30 – 8.30 pm.
• Aimee Casey has an Adult Ballet class at Flame Studios in Cardiff on Fridays from 6.30 – 7.30 pm.
• Lucy Jane Adcock has 2 weekly classes at the Base dance studios in London on Sundays at 11.30 am and on Wednesdays at 10.00 am.
• Christina Andrea has a Commercial Edge class at Base Studios on Thursdays from 2.30 – 4.00 pm.
• Beth Ackroyd is doing an Adult Ballet class at the Fresh Ground in Battersea on Thursdays from 11.00 am – 12.00 pm. You can contact Beth on: beth.lauren@live.com
• Daniela Fabbricatore is teaching an Advanced Lyrical class at Move It on the 17th of March at 2.15 pm.
• Jordi Guitart will be teaching at Move It on the 16th of March at 3.30 pm.
• Weronika Wiktoria is starting a Street Jazz class every Monday at 5.30 pm at the Base dance studios with Ralitsa Chepisheva.
• 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.
• Dominique Marinho is teaching a Beginners Heels class on Tuesdays at Pineapple Studios from 3.45 – 4.45 pm.

Film & TV

• We spotted Autumn Miller and Liam Riddick performing at the Oscars in L.A.
• We spotted a feature in “People” magazine on Constance Deverney-Lawrence, former Principle dancer with the Scottish Ballet, on dancing with asthma.
• We spotted a lot of professional dancers working at the Brit Awards:
• We spotted Elliot Richardson, Randall Watson, Remi Black, Rowan Chambers & Tyson Simon performing with Tate Mcrae.
• We spotted Megan Westpfel, Charlotte Franklin & Amy Cook performing with Calvin Harris & Ellie Goulding.
• We spotted Ben Hukin, Jake Leigh, James Mulford, Kane Horn, Chloe Simons, Darcey Simmons, Jorgie Vaughan, Kate Ivory Jordan, Renae Hughes, Sammi Lee Jayne & Robyn Rae Laud dancing with Dua Lipa. The choreography was by Charm La’ Donna & Sharon June. The contract was with AMCK.
• We spotted Charlotte Bazeley & Zoe Purpuri performing at the Warners Brits After Party.
• Away from the Brits, we spotted the following dancers in the new video for Griff’s “I Miss You Too”: India Hope, Millie Lund, Lily Wang, Vicki Leung, Mina Neighbour, Isabelle Ouattura, Elisha Ladeza, Sophia Turner, Sarah Li Baugsto, Mackenzie Hunt, Timoni Longe, Pfion Vince, Emily Haygarth & Olivia Beckford. The choreography was by Jay Revell and Lianne Lee May.
• We spotted Poppy Radford & Drew Shuttleworth performing with Kimberly Wyatt.
• We spotted Amelia Weeks in the new advert for Enterprise Cars.

Pro Dancer News Published by the Dincwear Pro Dancewear Team.

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