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Strictly Come Dancing celebrates 20 years of dance magic.

 

Strictly Come Dancing celebrates 20 years of dance magic on the BBC with brand new anniversary show

It promises a journey through 20 years of unforgettable entertainment featuring iconic performances and plenty of heart-warming interviews with past celebrity stars, professional dancers, and judges

Strictly Come Dancing, the iconic BBC Entertainment series and one of the UK’s most cherished programmes, is gearing up to celebrate two decades of glitz, glamour and memorable moves with a special episode coming to BBC One and BBC iPlayer later this year.

Made by BBC Studios Entertainment Productions, an unmissable one-off programme has been commissioned that promises a journey through 20 years of unforgettable entertainment featuring iconic performances and plenty of heart-warming interviews with past celebrity stars, professional dancers, and judges.

Since the first episode debuted on BBC One on the evening of Saturday 15 May 2004, Strictly Come Dancing has gone on to not only become a critically acclaimed and multi-award winning hit – with the most recent win coming at the weekend as the show won in the Best Entertainment category for the third time at the BAFTA TV Awards 2024 – but it has also become a global phenomenon, licensed to 61 territories and becoming a truly great British export.

The programme will showcase why Strictly Come Dancing has captured the hearts of the nation for the past 20 years as one of the BBC’s best known and well-loved programmes, with the most recent series once again confirmed as the BBC’s biggest Entertainment title

BBC Strictly Come Dancing’s Amy Dowden supported as she says how doctor’s words changed life forever.

Strictly Come Dancing’s Amy Dowden has been supported as she marked a year since she was diagnosed with cancer.

The Welsh dancer was diagnosed with breast cancer last year and underwent a mastectomy and fertility treatment. The 33-year-old has taken to social media as she reflected on her health battle.

She said: “These past few weeks and especially days I’ve constantly been thinking this time last year I was having this test, or this appointment. A year ago today it was confirmed what we thought it was but it became reality and my life changed forever when the Dr said we are sorry Amy it’s cancer.

“I can’t believe it’s been a year and all what my body has been through and achieved. A year ago Ben, myself and my twin sister cried together and had to pull ourselves together as we had to break the news to my parents and just knowing the heartache and worry it was going to cause.

“I used to lay awake for hours with my mind going to all sorts of places, would I make it to Christmas, would I dance again, how’s Ben going to cope, I don’t want to lose my hair , you name it. I wish I knew then how I would be a year on. I told myself constantly this too shall pass and a year on, my hair growing back, my energy getting better and better, back dancing and most importantly spending time with my family and friends and appreciating life.

“I have a new body I’m still learning to accept and like, but do you know what it got me through the hardest time and I’m so proud of myself. Too many people are affected by cancer and I’ll do all I can now to raise awareness and give back. To those struggling right now I’m sending you love and strength.

“To those family and friends who stuck by me I’m forever grateful to you! I know I’m lucky and blessed for another shot at life, here’s to a healthier, better, happier and dancing year ahead! …. Now a gentle reminder have you checked your chest this month? Early detection can save lives.”

Amy’s co-stars took to the comments to send messages of support after the update. Dianne Buswell said: “Love you.”

Craig Revel Horwood added: “Sending all the love my darling.” Fleur East posted: “Warrior.”

La La Land stage musical ‘in the middle of workshops.

Award-winning director Bartlett Sher is currently in the UK overseeing the eagerly anticipated and huge new revival of Kiss Me, Kate – but he also had time to give a few juicy tidbits on another musical endeavour – the stage version of La La Land.

The winner of six Academy Awards including Best Original Score and Best Original Song, the much-loved film starred Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone as a jazz musician and an actress struggling to make ends meet in Hollywood. Written and directed by Damien Chazelle, the film has a score by Justin Hurwitz with lyrics by Dear Evan Hansen writing duo Pasek and Paul. Numbers include “Someone In The Crowd”, “City of Stars” and “Another Day of Sun”.

The stage production was first revealed last February, with Sher (To Kill a Mockingbird, The King and I) on directing duties. The book was set to come courtesy of Pulitzer Prize winner Ayad Akhtar and Matthew Decker. Since then, the situation has been a bit quieter.

Until now – Sher gave us a small an insight into the current state of proceedings, confirming the show is very much still in development: “I am still working on La La Land. We are working with producer Marc Platt, who is also the producer of Wicked, so it’s the same group.”

He continued: “We’re in the middle of workshops and trying to find a theatrical language for this amazing film. So we’re in the middle of that right now, and when I’m done with this [Kiss Me, Kate], I go back to New York for some more workshops.”

Performance dates are unknown – and it will be fascinated to see who is in those workshops… Hopefully London will follow New York!

Giovanni Pernice declares ‘we are back’ as Strictly co-star wraps arms around him for hug.

Giovanni Pernice has declared ‘we are back’ following claims he is leaving Strictly Come Dancing while facing allegations about his training room techniques.

In a new video, fellow Strictly star Anton Du Beke wrapped his arms around the Italian dancer, hugging him with glee as they spoke about their upcoming tour with excitement.

Earlier this month, it was reported that the BBC programme was launching an investigation into Giovanni’s behaviour following accusations from three celebrities who he was previously partnered up with on the competition.

It was claimed that his former partners Ranvir Singh, Laura Whitmore and Amanda Abbington – the last of whom withdrew from Strictly prematurely in 2023 – met up to ‘compare notes’ about their experiences with him.

In a recent statement shared on social media, Giovanni, 33, said that he rejected ‘any suggestion of abusive or threatening behaviour’, adding that he was looking forward to ‘clearing his name’ of any wrongdoing.

General News & Sighting

• Jennifer White won the Chita Rivera Award for Outstanding Choreography in a Feature Film for her work on “Barbie”.
• Breanna Foad won the English National Ballet Emerging Dancer Award for 2024.
• Dianne Buswell & Vito Coppola announced their “Red Hot and Ready” tour starting on the 11th of June.
• Bruno Tonioli gave a Golden Buzzer to the male dance group Phoenix Boys on “Britain’s Got Talent”.
• Emma Von Enck has been promoted to Principle dancer at the New York City Ballet.
• Casting has been revealed for the upcoming London revival of “The Wild Party”. It will star Laura Baldwin and Simon Anthony with Jennifer
• Louise Jones being the Dance Captain. The show will run from the 12th of August until the 7th of September at the new Earth theatre in London. The choreography is by Alexzandra Sarmiento.
• Complete casting has been revealed for “The Wizard Of Oz”. It will star Aston Merrygold and Aviva Tulley and have choreography by Shay Barclay. The show opens at the Gillian Lynne theatre in London on the 15th of August.
• “Next to Normal” has announced its full company for the West End. The show has choreography by Ann Yee and will open on the 18th of June at the Wyndham’s theatre.
• The Watermill theatre has announced the cast and creative team for its upcoming production of “Barnum”. The choreography is by Oti Mabuse and Matt Nicholson.
• The producers of “Bonnie and Clyde” have cancelled the rest of its tour citing disappointing ticket sales.

Future Dance Events News

• The Leeds Playhouse will host the world premiere of “Coraline – A Musical” from the 11th of April to the 11th of May 2025 before the show embarks on a UK tour. The choreography is by EJ Boyle.
• “Dorian: The Musical” will have its world premiere at Southwalk Playhouse from the 4th of July until the 10th of August. Alfie Friedman will play Dorian.
• The hit Broadway musical “Something Rotten” is coming to the Theatre Royal Drury Lane on the 5th & 6th of August, starring Jason Manford.
• The Edinburgh Fringe will host the world premiere of “I Wish You Well” – a musical parody based on Gwyneth Paltrow’s ski crash and ensuing legal battle. It will star Diana Vickers and have choreography by Dame Arlene Phillips and Tino Sibanda.
• “Moulin Rouge! The Musical” is set to embark on a world tour in 2025. The new production will launch in the UK while its West End staging will continue its run at the Piccadilly theatre.
• The current touring production of “The Wizard of Oz” will return to the West End on the 15th of August at the Gillian Lynne theatre. The cast will be led by Aston Merrygold.
• The musical “Lizzie” will return to the Hope Mill theatre in Manchester from the 17th of October until the 11th of November. It is directed and choreographed by William Whelton with associate choreography by Yandass Ndlovu.
• “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 of June 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.
• “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.

Auditions & Vacancies

• Dickson Mbi Company is looking for 2 pro dancers for a 2 week research and development period for its next production “Tellus”. The audition is in London on the 8th of June. For more information contact: http://www.dicksonmbi.com
• Luke Murphy and Attic Projects is auditioning in Cork City on the 25th & 26th of June and in London on the 28th of June. Apply by the 31st of May at: ATTIC PROJECTS
• The Skin London Agency is looking for new dancers with an audition on the 11th of June. For more details contact: agency@skinlondon.com by the 30th of May.
• Looney Tunes has an open audition on the 29th of May at 11.45 am at the Base Studios in London for commercial dancers with Dane Bates – for a 9 week contract in Saudi Arabia. You can email Dane to register.
• The Central School of Ballet is looking for a Classical Ballet Tutor for male students. You can apply via the company website.
• Cabaret Rouge is looking for dancers this Summer in St Tropez. Contact: cabaretrouge@live.co.uk
• ZooNation is looking for dancers for the period of October until December. Visit the website for details.
• Auditions for the Thursford Christmas Spectacular 2024 will be held at Pineapple Studios in London on the 17th & 18th of June.

Dance Classes

• Tyra Roberts is doing a Commercial Choreography dance class at John Reed Fitness in London every Tuesday at 6.30 pm.
• Chris Marney and Kate Lyons of London City Ballet have an Open Ballet class on Thursday evenings from 6.15 pm – 7.45 pm from the 30th of May at: 45 White Lion Street in London.
• Jenni Inglis, Ellie Fergusson & Chloe Ferns are teaching at the Edinburgh Dance Academy on the 30th & 31st of July. You can book at: hello@eda.scott
• Adrian Gas & Josh Wharmby have their “Phase – Industry Programme” in London on the 25th & 26th of May. For more details contact: http://www.joshwharmby.com/phase
• Gaz Davis offers “The Programme” in August – by invitation only. More more details email: theprogrambygaz@gmail.com
• Strictly choreographer Jenny Thomas has a Lindy Hop workshop on the 15th of June from 11.00 am – 6.00 pm at Ashton Park School in Bristol. For more information email: ollieandhelen.lindyhop@gmail.com
• Keisha Atwell has a Jazz class at the Dance Box Summer Intensive on the 28th of August. You can book at: http://www.thedancebox.co.uk
• Josie Lee has an Intensive Training day from 12.00 am – 5.00 pm at Base Studios in London on the 30th of May. You can DM Josie to book your place.
• The Leicester College of Performing Arts (LCPA) has a 3 day Summer Intensive from the 30th of July until the 1st of August from 10.00 am – 3.00 pm. See the college website for further details.
• Bethany Kingsley-Garner and Thomas Edwards of UK Young Dancer are holding a Classical & Theatre Workshop in Glasgow on the 16th of June.
• Amy Ireland has weekly classes on Fridays at 10.00 am at the Pineapple Dance Studios in London.
• 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.
• Nafisah Baba is teaching a Contemporary class at Pineapple studios on Mondays from 8.15 – 9.45 pm.
• 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
• 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
• 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
• Veronika 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

• “Wicked” released its first trailer.
• The Yorke Dance Project has released its dance film “Dance Revolutionaries” in UK cinemas. The film was created in partnership with the Royal Ballet.
• We spotted Keisha Atwell in the latest Confused.com advert.
• We spotted Grace Hooper performing on the “Britain’s Got Talent” live show.
• We spotted the following dancers in the new Kate Winslett film “The Regime” out on HBO: Alison Eager, Nikkita Chadha, Katie Priest, Holly Brogan, Madeleine Waters & Lou Kempton.
• We spotted the following dancers in “Bridgerton”: Tia Anderson, Honor Roche, Sherinne Kayra, Lana Williams, Myron Birch, Bradley Salter, Nicole Alphonce & Katie Webb.
• We spotted Hannah Levitt Collins, Crystal Hantig & Shannah Spry performing with Nicole Scherzinger in Kazakhstan.
• We spotted the following dancers performing with “Girls Aloud”: Claudio Neto, Che Barrett Davis, Philip Birchall, Anders Deeno, Jake Leigh & James Mulford. The choreography was by Beth Honan.

Pro Dancer News Published by the Dincwear Pro Dancewear Team.

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