Our Pro Dancer News has been somewhat curtailed by the Government’s announcement of the tightening of Covid restrictions. But we had a go..
General Sightings
All the West End Shows mentioned last week had to close due to London being placed into Tier 4.
The “Strictly Come Dancing” Final was won by Bill & Oti, making this the second year in a row that Oti has partnered the winning celebrity. This is the first time that a Pro dancer has achieved consecutive wins and places Oti alongside Aliona as the only Pro dancers to win the competition twice. It has to be said that Oti is a serial winner, having also coached both Ellie Fergusson and Michael & Jowita to back to back wins on “The Greatest Dancer”. Many congratulations Oti!
The “Strictly” Final was watched by over 13 million viewers.
We spotted that “Strictly” Finalists Hrvy & Janette were working with choreographers Lukas McFarlane and Amy Tomlinson.
It was announced that Ann Rineking, the legendary dancer from Bob Fosse’s “Chicago”, had died aged 71.
Michael & Jowita, the Winners of this year’s “The Greatest Dancer”, were spotted doing a “Jingle Bells Christmas Quick-Step” online for the annual Royal Voluntary Service Show.
A special mention to Graham Watts, the leading dance writer and critic, who is on day 355 of his challenge to watch a different work of dance every day of 2020. (Our lesser 2020 challenge was to “like” every one of Graham’s challenge updates on Twitter!).
The Curve Theatre Leicester opened “Sunset Boulevard” which can be streamed into your home until January 9th.
The Royal Ballet announced that 6 dancers are leaving the company: Elizabeth Harrod, Nathalie Harrison, Demelza Parish, Gemma Pitchley-Gale, Grace Blundell and Fernando Montano.
Future Dance Announcements
Sir Matt Bourne announced that we will be able to watch his production of “Spitfire” on January 14th on BBC1. This ballet stars: Dommy North, Andy Monaghan, Liam Mower, Glenn Graham and Harrison Dowzell.
“Mary Poppins” West End return is planned for May 2021.
“White Christmas” will embark on a UK Tour opening at The New Victoria Theatre, Woking on October 28th 2021.
“Singing In The Rain” is planning to Tour the UK in the summer of 2022, with Adam Cooper starring in the role made famous by Gene Kelly (and Eric & Ernie!).
Appointments
Chris Hocking has been appointed as Chair to the ISTD Board of Trustees.
The Dance Consortium are seeking to appoint a Programme Co-ordinator to develop a new venture with the Alvin Ailey Dance Theatre. It is also looking for 2 new Directors to join its Board.
Film & Videos
Sir Matt Bourne’s “Swan Lake” (the 2019 version) will be shown on Boxing Day at 3.50 pm and “Romeo & Juliet” on New Years Day at 12.20 pm. “The Red Shoes” starring Ashley Shaw will have its Broadcast Premiere on Christmas Day at 6.00 on BBC2.
Rosie Kay’s “Fantasia” is streaming until January 8th on: www.rosiekay.co.uk . “Fantasia” was listed in The Guardian’s Top 10 Dance Shows of 2019.
Ballet Central is streaming its “Nutcracker” film from the 22nd December.
The Scottish Ballet is currently streaming “The Secret Theatre” on its website: www.scottishballet.co.uk. The film was released on the 21st and you can watch it free until the 24th.
We spotted Mari Macleod and Will West in the video “Golden” for Scotty Vlassis.
The “Pro Dancer News” will return early in the New Year when, hopefully, there will be some positive news for our dancer friends. We hope that you both have a lovely Christmas!!
