Unfortunately, the UK Government has postponed the full lifting of covid restrictions for a further 4 weeks until July the 19th. This will increase the damage to theatre and production companies who had to spend a lot of money to be ready to open on the previous date given of June the 21st.

These are the points of interest to a pro dancer that the team at Dincwear Dancewear has spotted this week.

General Sightings

• Andrew Lloyd Weber states that he is determined to open his theatres on June the 21st, and is prepared to be arrested if the authorities intervene. He believes that it is not financially viable for theatres to re-open with reduced capacities.
• Theatre operator Sir Howard Panter says that the delay in lifting all covid restrictions has created uncertainty for hundreds of his staff.
• “Hairspray” confirms that it intends to open with socially distanced seating from the 22nd of June. “We’re playing to a limited capacity of 1,000 seats until the 18th of July, in line with government guidelines”. From the 20th of July, there will be a full capacity of 2,300 seats – if the Government allows.
• “The Prince Of Egypt” confirms that it will re-open on July the 1st with socially distanced audiences following the change in guidelines.
• Stephen Mear will be choreographing “The Best Of The West End” at the Royal Albert Hall.
• Austyn Farrell has choreographed and will be performing in Alyssa Edward’s new show in London.
• “Dancer From The Dance” a festival of Irish Choreography will run from July the 5th to the 9th.
• The 3rd years at The Rambert School will premiere “Hey Honey” at the Linbury Theatre, the Royal Opera House, on the 16th & 17th of June. Choreography is by Vidya Patel.

STOP PRESS – The Prime Minister Boris Johnson says that he is in talks with Andrew Lloyd Webber to help him open his new production of “Cinderella”.

Future Dance News

• Janette Manrara is to take over from Zoe Ball as the host of “It Takes Two” – the daily sister show of “Strictly Come Dancing“.
• “Rock Of Ages” announced its UK tour cast. Kevin Clifton will play Stacee Jaxx from September the 13th, Luke Walsh is Drew and Rhiannon Chesterman plays Sherrie.
• Vanhulle Dance Theatre received Arts Council funding for a new outdoor dance work provisionally called “Mesh“. It will be choreographed by Mickael Marso Riviere.

Appointments and Auditions

• Sonia Sabri Dance Company is looking for a male dancer for “Same Same… But Different” which is touring from September to December.
• The Northern School Of Contemporary Dance is looking for a Marketing Officer.
• The Ideas Fund offers bursaries of up to £5,000 to enable dancers to research, test, and/or launch new artistic and entrepreneurial ideas. Deadlines for applications is Friday the 2nd of July.
• Chris Marney will be leaving his post as Artistic Director at Ballet Central after 5 years there.
• Cathryn Allen, Martin Hylton, Krystal Lowe & Tupac Martir join the Board of the National Dance Council, Wales.
• In addition to Arlene Phillips being made a Dame in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list, which we reported last week, dancer Samantha Moore received an MBE and Emma Gladstone, the Chief Executive of Dance Umbrella UK, received an OBE for services to dance. Theresa Beattie is made an OBE for services to dance and dancers.

Dance Classes

• Lil J is offering a number of “sassy commercial fusion” dance classes at Pineapple Studios. Check the website for details.
• Jazz Peters has a Summer Workshop on Sunday the 25th of July. For further details & to book contact: jazzpeters@outlook.com
• Li Li Hodge is doing an intermediate/advanced heels class on Monday evenings at 8.45 pm. Further information is in Li Li’s Instagram Bio.
• Christina Andrea has classes at Pineapple Studios on Tuesday from 3.30 – 4.30 pm & Wednesday from 8.00 – 9.00 pm. There is also a class at Base Studios on Thursday from 1.00 – 2.30 pm.

Film And Video

• The trailer for Lin-Manuel Miranda’s first feature film “Tick, tick….boom” has been released. The film is due to be released in the Autumn, with a cast headed by Vanessa Hudgens & Andrew Garfield.
• We spotted Yasmin Ogbu in the latest Asos advert.

 

In response to the change in the UK Government covid guidelines, all productions will either have to open to socially distanced audiences, not open until July the 19th – or break the law. It will be interesting to see which option they choose.    What would be very helpful is some type of Government-backed insurance scheme to help them out.

The team at Dincwear Dancewear will continue to monitor events closely and bring them to you in next week’s edition.

 

From all the news team at Dincwear Dancewear, See you all next week!

This post has been created by the Dincwear Dancewear Team.