T H E DANCERWhat every dancer needs to know

The Dangers of Dance Lord of The Do you really know what goes on behind the curtain wings? Dance A review of the popular stage show by Michael Flatley

PLUS More of your embarrassing performance stories Has Reality TV got us in the mood for dancing? April 2012 £3.75 Dancing into your Golden Years 2

Welcome toT H E

Hello and welcome to the first edi- In this issue we will be exploring the at Cambridge University. We also DANCERtion of The Dancer Magazine. cost of sustaining your favourite hob- examine how dancing can appeal to This magazine aims to bring together by or dance career by asking ‘how everyone, no matter what age you the best types of dancing out there to much does your costume cost’? are. inspire everyone to get their dancing We have an exclusive interview with For all this and much more keep on shoes on. We aim to bring you the up and coming ballroom star Joseph reading The Dancer. I’m sure you best in dance, bit it news, reviews, Roffey to see why dancing has meant will love it. opinions, interviews and features. so much to him while he studies Thérèse Wynn-Davies Contents Regulars 5 3 Dance News What’s going on in the dance scene in the UK that you need to know about? 10 Dance Comment Is dancing on a game like the real thing? And, what has happened to your local dance shop? 14 Real Dancer This week it’s Emma Ewens a Belly dancer from Southampton who tells us about her unusual array of costumes 12 International Dance News 14 Recent dance news from abroad 15 Dance Reviews Find out what’s good and what’s not and dance events that are coming up. 4 Confessions You tell us your embarrassing performance stories. Features 13 How much does your costume cost? We look at four very different dance styles to see how much they cost you. 7 The Dangers of Dance 12 We examine the risks of the dance industry by talking to those that have experienced issues first hand. 5 Feature on a dancer We speak to Joseph Roffey about his new found love with ballroom dancing whilst at University. 11 Dancing into your Golden Years What does dancing mean to the older generations? 9 Dance on TV Has the nation fallen in love with dancing? 3 4 DANCE NEWS

You are ‘Free Tattooed Royal Ballet Principle Quits The Show Must Go On! The Ukrainian born dancer was trained at Confessions the State Ballet School in Kiev, before attaining to Dance’ a scholarship with the Royal Ballet School aged 13. In a previous interview he told The Vicky Frayard has just completed a BA (Hons) Guardian: “I would have liked to behave degree in Dance at Roehampton University badly, to play football. I loved sport. But all and is now a Dance Teacher and Choreogra- my family were working for me to succeed. pher at Harlequins Rugby League. But if that My mother had moved to Kiev to be with me No matter how many times you wasn’t enough she is now a project manager Front: Ben, Second, Vicky and the rest of the team. – we lived in one room together. There was for a charity, this is not just any charity- it is a Sergei Polunin (pictured), often described as practise, something can always go no chance of me failing.” Behind the scenes dancing one. 5 organisa- the new Rudolph Nureyev, has shocked the wrong. the English National Ballet has offered him This year ‘Dance Britain’ will be staging the tions who are ballet world by quitting his role at the Royal the chance to train with them to keep up his UK’s first ever continuous dance marathon dedicated Ballet. The 22 year old principle dancer is said fitness. from John O’Groats to Lands End over the to making to have found the prestigious Covent Garden You tell us your cringe-worthy Wayne Eagling, artistic director and a summer. The director of the charity will be a better ballet company too restrictive and wanted, performance accidents that have former dance partner of Margot Fonteyn of dancing the entire journey! Burma: instead, to work as a tattoo artist. He co-owns the ENB has been working to throw Polunin happened while you were on stage. The director, Ben Hammond, a teacher ‘Amnesty a tattoo parlour in north London. However a lifeline. He says: “We don’t have the Royal from London, started this campaign after International’, ‘Burma upon his departure from the Royal Ballet Ballet’s high salaries, but we have a different spending a year teaching in a refugee camp on Campaign UK’, ‘Learn Burma’, ‘Partner’s Re- his work permit for the UK was revoked. A Falling Head over Heels lief and Development’ and ‘Prospect Burma.’ spokesperson for the Royal Ballet confirmed philosophy. My dancers realise I treat them the Thai-Burma border. He could not believe “A beautiful costume had been made for me How can you dance a marathon? Danc- the news: “Having resigned, Sergei no longer not as employees but as equals. I don’t treat all the freedoms some people had but others for my contemporary solo. It was a long, blue ing is officially classified as the rhythmic has the right to work in the UK.” them as a commodity, rather as artists.” didn’t. He says “the more I thought about it, dress made of lycra. My first move of the dance movement of feet to music. As such dancing the more I realised that the feeling of freedom was to step on stage and kick my leg straight a marathon means anything from walking I got from dancing was a great symbol of up near my head. Somehow on the way up I along to the beat all the way up to skipping, the freedom we in the UK have but those in managed to get my toes completely stuck on jumping & freestyling the route. You must be Burma traditionally lack. So one day I set off Paralysed dancer walks again the inside hem of the dress and could not get 18 to take part and sign up for the newslet- around the country to see if Britain was free them out! I hopped about for a bit until the ter online to catch up with all their news and to dance with me in the name of freedom for dress came loose from my foot but everyone activities. 19-year-old Jack Widdowson thanked the Burma” Since then he has started this charity had already seen. Mortified.” It is interesting how all this dancing can University Hospital of Wales after he was and has already broken the world record for Rebecca, 21, dance student, Essex. saved from paralysis after an attack in Cardiff the longest continuous dance. He kept on help the country Burma. People in Burma that left him with a potentially paralysing dancing for a staggering 136 hours! to date haven’t always enjoyed the freedoms spinal cord injury. All tied up ‘Dance Britain’ is affiliated with the others have. Using dance as a symbol of these Widdowson, one of the youngest member “My dance group and I had a really incredible successful charity ‘Free to Dance’ in which freedoms, Ben is trying to raise awareness of of the Bern:Ballet company in Switzerland, dance where we used some really long ribbons dancers across the UK work tirelessly to raise the situation there, engage young people in was visiting his brother in Cardiff when he that matched our outfits and looked incred- awareness and funds for situations in Burma. its story, and raise vital funds the first signs of was attacked. ible on stage. I was doing really well with mine The charity also has some celebrity supporters hope and change are starting to show in the He thanked Paul Davies, the surgeon who when somehow I stood on it. As I tried to click such as Ricky Gervais (pictured) and some of country. saved his life, and said nurses at the specialist the ribbon over my head, I ended up chucking the Strictly Come Dancing professional per- To see some great dancing and to see how ward were fantastic. younger brother. He is now undergoing regu- the stick the ribbon was attached to. formers. The funds and donations that they you can get involved, check out the website at: Jack is now back on his feet just months lar physiotherapy and hydrotherapy in order If that wasn’t enough, my immediate receive during this marathon will go towards www.dancebritain.com after being told he might not walk again and to get “back on track”, and eventually hopes to reaction was to swear loudly. Everyone For more is living back at home with his parents and take up dancing once more. heard, but at least it put smiles on faces hilarious howlers go to of the rest of my dance group!” www.dancemag.co.uk Phoebe, 18, college student, Brighton.

Dancing at the Too much on show “I had a very tight costume for a competition Gentlemen in tutus? and didn’t really think through what under- 2012 Olympics ing a playful, entertaining view of traditional, wear I should be wearing, so I settled for some tottered on stage. I blame the adrenaline and dance had been going well and we were nearly and this was my downfall. As the dance began classical ballet in parody form.” skin-coloured knickers thinking that not much nerves for not letting me notice that I had a finished I noticed this buzzing around my I was in a spotlight- the straps broke and I was It is a once in a lifetime a first audition where we were They have continued to this date to give an could go wrong. I did my solo and went off hanger attached to the back of my tutu. As it head. I lost all inhibitions and started to scream revealed to everyone! As it was for her exam I opportunity: to dance at the recalled and then we found out inspired blend of their loving knowledge of stage back to my dressing room feeling good was stuck out so far out it was just missing and run about manically so that this gi- just tried to ‘adapt’ the dance to mask what was opening ceremony of the we had been successful. It was so dance and their comic approach to classi- about myself until I saw my dance teacher my legs until it came loose about ant wasp wouldn’t land on me! I becoming a bit it of a strip tease.” 2012 Olympics in London, exciting.” cal ballets. They have continued to astound storming towards me. “What underwear are half way through the dance and eventually resorted to jumping Vicky, 25 graduate, Brighton. and 18 year old Roxanne The rehearsal process is long, audiences with the fact that men can, indeed, you wearing?” She shrieked, I remained con- came crashing to the floor. “I was in a spotlight- the off the stage, directly towards fused until she told me that from an audience Now, I never lean against the audience. Not my most Page (pictured) will be one starting in April until June. The dance en pointe without falling flat on their straps broke and I was It’s snot funny of them. ceremony itself will be shown on faces. members perspective, the skin coloured knick- anything before I go on graceful exit! “I was in a show where I had to have an on Roxanne, a student TV to over 3 billion people world- It’s no mean feat for a 20-year-old male ers actually looked as if I wasn’t wearing any stage!” revealed to everyone! I just Tracy, 33, dance teacher, stage kiss. Fortunately it was with a guy who knickers at all!” at the Brit School for wide. The dancers involved have dancer to strap on pointe shoes and execute Lydia, 23, dance student, tried to ‘adapt’ the dance to Southampton. was a really good friend of mine so I wasn’t too Performing Arts, is one of been sworn to secrecy but Roxanne pirouettes and arabesques in a tutu. Why do Ciara, 18, PE Sports Science student, London. Cardiff. nervous about it. But on the first night, when “The Trocks” is a ballet group made up of the many dancers to get is hopeful that she’ll be seen on TV, the guys do it? “For the freedom, for the fun mask what was becoming a we went to kiss, I suddenly got a huge urge sixteen members, all wearing make-up, pointe Overexposed through the audition stages “Hopefully I’ll be at the front, of it, and for the camaraderie” says Joshua Just hanging out “I had agreed to help out a to laugh. When I tried to hold it in it made it shoes, tutu and tights. And all are male bal- Buzzed off stage bit it of a strip tease.” to be involved in the open- which is likely because I’m so Grant who has been touring with The Trocks “I was performing my first ever Ballet Solo in a “As a belly dancer, many of our friend with her A-Level cho- worse. I ended up pushing all the air out of my lerinas (aka mallerinas). ing ceremony in July. short.” for five years. borrowed tutu that was covered in sequins and performances are done at outside reography piece. It was a dramatic nose and shooting my snot all over his face. It They were founded in 1974 by a group of “My school entered me With a global audience watch- gorgeous in every way. Whilst waiting anxious- arenas or at public or charity events. On piece with very little lighting and very little was the most embarrassing moment of my life. ballet enthusiasts “for the purpose of present- online along with a few ing, this is likely to be a perfor- The Trocks are currently on tour in America. ly backstage I leant against a small cupboard. this particular occasion we were performing costume. For whatever reason my friend decid- He was so shocked!” others. We were called for mance never to be forgotten. When my name was called I leapt forward and for a school summer fete in a large field. The ed that I didn’t need additional ‘chest-support’ Olivia, 19 contemporary dance student, London. 5 6 Essays, lectures, drinking... Viennese and the Waltz?

Cambridge University student and national champion dancer Joseph Roffey talks salsa and studies with Therese Wynn-Davies

This time I didn’t want to miss my chance, good with lots of people so have never really when she invited me to come along and again liked team sports, although recently formation When I was still in school I was a keen and made comments that my posture from swim- dancing has been a big thing in my life. But in competitive swimmer, training about 6 days a ming would make me an excellent dancer. I dancing it is all about you and your partner and week plus land training. I found that although really went for it, put all my spare time and the more fantastic you can make it feel for each general fitness was great, and technique was effort into dancing and by the end of the year other, in general, the better it looks. What I love my forte, the people who won in swimming I was one half of the couple who won the Best most about dancing is the commitment not just galas were generally just the people who were Beginner’s trophy at the UK Nationals. to the sport, but to your dance partner and how the right ‘shape’. I was too skinny and bony amazing it feels working towards winning com- to be a really ‘efficient’ swimmer and wasn’t petitions not just on your own, but together. physically strong enough to do well in sprint events. Then one day one of my friends from school who I’d never really spoken to before First I would like to point out that we do 10 told me I had excellent posture and that I’d different dances in Dancesport - make a great dancer. I spoke to her about it a Ballroom: Slow Waltz, Quickstep, Tango, Foxtrot and Viennese Waltz bit more and it turned out that she was find- Every dancer can benefit from doing a little bit Latin: Cha Cha, Jive, Paso Doble, Rumba and ing it incredibly difficult to find a new dance of ballet at some point and I definitely intend Samba. Specifically, I prefer Latin (even though partner and if I could drop everything and to go to a few ballet classes in my time. Salsa I naturally tend towards ballroom) dance with her that maybe she could make me is incredibly social and very fast to learn. I’ve Even more specifically I love Jive because good in a year or two? taught Salsa about 4 or 5 times to beginners in it feels really energetic, fast-paced and looks It seemed like the opportunity of a life time. demonstrations and they’ve never noticed I’m a exciting. To get any better in swimming, I’d been told beginner. I’d love to get better at Salsa or indeed Overall I think my favourite dance move in again and again that even if I spent hours in any of the more social dances like Argentine general has to come from Samba. The Samba the gym and the pool I would really need a Tango, Lambada, West Coast Swing, etc. But to is one of the most technically difficult of all the superb coach to get anywhere. These coaches be honest, I’d prefer to spend my time learning ten dances. Samba rolls are some of the hardest knew exactly how to make your swimming to be a better dancer in what I know, I’ve barely to perfect in a partnership and so you don’t put as brilliant as it could possibly be. There was had chance to learn any Tango or Samba in my them in your routine unless you’re really really only so far an individual could improve from short time at university. repeated drilling of the same exercises in good. I’m not good enough yet, but I hope to group sessions. be by the end of the year. I’d love to be able to do them, they’re so difficult to do but I love But, I was dedicated. I had been swimming Joseph performing with his partner Christine Yallup. Top and bottom: The Cambridge team competing in Blackpool. Middle, Joseph win- 6 times a week for the last 4 years of my life watching them and seeing someone make them

and as far as I was concerned, if I was going so look easy. ning Best Beginner’s trophy at the UK Nationals. I intend to do really well at university this Facts about Ballroom Dancing: to get any sort of results for the team then this year, academically as well as winning all of my try and get as good as I can possibly be just by dancing that eventually you’ll have to improve in cha and then your dancing will definitely would be the year when they would want me dancing competitions so that next year I can spending the whole year trying to learn to be That depends entirely on who they are. a little bit. do well. the most. • The ballroom dancing “closed stick around and continue to dance for team. better at dancing. Their age, whether they enjoy competing, their As a general rule to anyone who wants to Two years later I reflected on my hobby only hold” possibly had its origins If I don’t stay dancing for Cambridge Univer- I would love to teach dancing at Cambridge gender and their previous experience in other learn to dance well you must think about to realise that I had been wrong. My swim- What I love about all sport is the chance to when men wore swords. The sity then I’ll certainly dance for the forma- in 5-10 years and I know that as long as I keep types of dance. posture and timing. Spend as much time think- ming had got worse rather than better. I’d compete and do something really, really well. ladies were always on their tion Latin team next year and for as long as I dancing I’ll always have some amazing friends But as a general rule to anyone who wants ing about the way you stand and the timing of completely gone flat. Then when different What I love most about dancing is that by right to avoid tripping over the can afterwards. When I start full-time work I there. Dancers and ex-dancers generally stay in to dance the most important thing by far is to your dancing and you’ll be amazing. Dancing is coaching techniques led to me being less and definition the better you get at it, the cooler it Amazing. Dancing has completely taken over intend to find an open-circuit dance partner regular contact. be excited about it. Do it a lot. As much as you really just moving between different positions swords less motivated I quit swimming altogether. looks. But that’s not why I do it, dancing feels my life. All of my best friends at university preferably in Cambridge as our coaches are can, and as often as you can. The more lessons, that look good in time. So if you make all of • The International Olympic Then I arrived at university. amazing and it’s one of the only sports where are dancers. All of the people that I have the amazing and relatively cheap, I will then put as the more practice sessions, the more balls you your positions look good starting with the way Committee recognises compet- Here, I had my second opportunity to dance you can’t do well unless you work well with one most respect for are excellent at teaching much of my spare money as I can afford into attend, the better you’ll get. Even if you never you stand on the dance floor. Then make your itive ballroom as dancesport. as my Godfather’s daughter was on the Cam- other person. When you’re a bloke this always dancing. If I don’t marry a dancer, then my learning to dance with her. When I ever have go to a single class, you’ll get directed into the timing clear and in keeping with the dance. Be bridge University Dancesport Blue’s Team. happens to be a beautiful girl! I’m not very future wife had better be prepared to learn. enough money I’d love to take a gap year and right place so often by everyone if you go social slow and smooth in foxtrot and fast and sharp 7 8

for a dancer’s parent to pay for their way through classes, to pay for the costumes, the extra rehearsals, the make-up and the The Dangers of commuting. When an individual decides atching Katie* glide so to take their dancing to the ‘career level’ gracefully across the that is when they must take money into stage in a handmade, their own hands. Although many learn the sparkling, white tutu hard way, many still rely on their parents makesW it hard to imagine just how badly to support their chosen vocation. she is hurting. Mandy* from Sussex is entirely depend- As she finishes her solo with a leaping Dance ant on her parents to survive and as a 21 entrechat quatré, that matches the upbeat year old, this is far from ideal. music, the audience almost misses the There are so many eager dancers within the performance in- “My friends can’t understand how my grimace that strikes her face as she holds dustry, but is it always glitter and glamour? Therese Wynn- Mum pays for my rent, but without her her final position. But this injury is not there would be no other way for me to Katie’s fault. Davies speaks to 5 girls within different areas of the dance continue my dream. I am meant to be a Aged just 4, Katie had been enrolled on dancer; there is nothing else out there for a ballet class which she loved. As she got industry to find out their experiences and to give an insight to m e .” older and better she decided to change Mandy is just one example of how many dance schools, aged 14, to be with her those considering a dancing career. dancers will dig their way into a huge older cousin, meaning they could share amount of debt whilst on the journey of lifts to and from classes. It was only when pursuing their dreams. She is currently she started at her second dance school that than to a rugby player who is only 20% between professional ballet dancers and my parents and convinced me to get some she realised what had been happening for likely to suffer. the illnesses. 15% of the dancers said they help. She had noticed that my technique the past ten years. Bad teachers are not all that common suffered from anorexia nervosa and 19% was suffering due to the lack of nutrients Dancing can Injury place in the dance industry but there are described suffering from bulimia. I was consuming and she had witnessed “I had been taught and trained so badly some that manage to slip through the net. Tillie* was 16 when she was diagnosed the effects of eating disorders through take over that I had caused permanent damage to her experience in the industry. If anyone my knees. When a ballet dancer stands in thinks they might have a problem then ‘first position’ they should be holding the Earlier this it is important that you speak up and tell “ your life position from their hips. I had been taught year, Aman- If you can’t handle somebody.” to hold mine from my knees meaning that da Brugnoli- Dealing with Rejection. every time I was in that position I was Lines from rejection, then the Sue* had been preparing for an audition attending a college on the outskirts twisting my joints into a terrible hold that Croydon for months. She had her solo perfected and of South London. Fortunately she should only be progressed with by age and had managed to obtained a small scholar”- was jailed was in peak physical fitness, eventually the “ dance industry ” ship which is helping towards her £10,000 technique.” for two years with day arrived. She entered the room with her ut Kate is not alone. Statistics show after being found anorexia head held high and her heart pounding. annual fee. However, the rest of this huge Bthat 80% of professional ballet dancers guilty of forg- isn’t for you nervosa No sooner had the director laid eyes on sum is being paid for by a loan from the are likely to suffer an injury that affects ing certificates and has her, she was sent out of the room. She later bank, which will incidentally be charging their performance- that is more injury from ballet and dance exams. As a result since been on the path to recovery but found out, her hair was the wrong colour. interest on repayments as soon as Mandy caused to a dancer’s body is out of education. So what happens next? many of her students believed they had thanks her dance teacher for recognising “If you can’t handle rejection, then the obtained higher grades than they had ac- the signs, “I was always very small so I dance industry isn’t for you” she advises, “Ideally I’ll be on my way in the dance tually achieved. Police don’t think many people noticed my eating “I went home and cried my eyes out. industry and earning some good money” believed this may habits’ and nor did I for a long time. I’m ‘Why couldn’t they have given me a wig?’ she says looking doubtful. have been a large scale not blaming my dance classes for trig- I pleaded, but perhaps I was simply just The impact on social skills and lifestyle. deception that reigned gering my illness, I never felt under any wrong for the part. I’ve had friends turned “If you’re not careful, dancing can soon over the 8 years she pressure to be skinnier than anyone else, down for roles simply because of their take over your life” warns Beth* from was employed by The but I felt better if I had some control over height. You could be the best dancer in the Southampton. “When I started danc- Dance Lines Academy. my food. world but if you’re too small then you may ing I was committed to a few tap classes It is believed she was “I know that Dancers are at more risk as well move onto something else.” on Tuesday evening’s. Within two years motivated by increas- for the development of eating disorders, Debt and Money Issues. I had got good enough to be selected to ing her credibility as a but I think I would still have been at risk ut it’s not just the physical problems be in Trio groups, and then mini-groups teacher without pausing whether I had learnt to dance or not. My Bthat dancers face. There is the constant and then large groups. Something that to think about the detri- teacher was the one who sat me down with issue of funding. As a child it is normal had started as a hobby soon turned into mental effects her actions a 6-night a week job that I was paying to had on her students. If you think you may be suffering from any of the issues ad- do! In the end I had to cut down on the A dance teacher must groups, I wanted to see my friends at the display encouragement dressed in this article, please visit an appropriate website or weekend.” and support whilst keep- seek help. eciding that dance was a hobby, Beth ing a watchful eye on the Or if you’re worried about someone, encourage them to talk Dfound it simple to divide her time to welfare of their student. accommodate for her social life and her The dance industry is well about what’s happening. Listen, don’t judge, and try to take dancing but some don’t feel the same. Sue known for being aestheti- that first step of acknowledging their problem. knew that dancing was going to be her way cally pleasing. This desire For more advice and information, visit: of life and extra practises and late sched- ules came before friendships to look a particular way www.b-eat.co.uk has been suggested to cause Beth says “if you can’t be willing to give illnesses such as anorexia www.kooth.com up these things, then I advise you to stick Pic: http://justlettinyaknw.wordpress.com nervosa, bulimia and body www.youngminds.org.uk to dancing as a hobby rather than a career.” dismorphia. A study carried www.direct.gov.uk *Names have been changed to protect the out in 2006 examined the link identity of the dancers. 10 HAS REALITY COMMENT Is dancing on a game like the real thing? Does a real dance class compare with “Because we’re both hip hop dancers, I’m find- TV GOT ing this a bit restrictive,” explains Megan, “I like a simulated dance game? Therese to mix my moves up a bit and put my own twist Wynn-Davies and friends on things but this dance is making me feel a investigate. bit like a robot. I feel like I have to do what the dancer on the screen is telling me.” The ‘’ Sky1 reality show series is So what did the girls think overall? They played US IN THE sponsored by a new game called ‘Dance Central with the game a bit longer before telling me 2’ for the Kinnect extension of the Xbox game that they had enjoyed themselves. station. The advert depicts the game as being “It would be great fun to have a whole bunch of used in a large living room area where a group you dancing in a room, maybe for a girly night of ‘girly’ friends are all dancing and laughing in and you can just laugh at each other trying MOOD FOR together. The irony of the sponsor is that it to look like the professional dancer on the TV” advertises a virtual reality before and during a is Hannah’s view but Megan isn’t so positive, show where the dancing is very real. Is it trying “The game didn’t teach me anything. I don’t to reach out to consumers that fancy them- have any spatial awareness because I’ve just selves as dancers but only from the comfort of been dancing on the spot. It hasn’t let me move their living room? around the room like you would do in a dance DANCING? We aimed to investigate whether these games class. There was an opportunity to make the are anything like ‘real’ dance class, with a teach- dance moves harder but that didn’t make me er, class mates and a large room to dance in. feel like I had developed. It would be interest- Hannah and Megan (pictured) both 21, are ing to get someone who hadn’t been taught any street dancers from Cardiff and are taking part dance moves to try this out and then see if they in our experiment. The pair have both danced waving her arms in the air make dancing into a rivalry. felt they had learnt how to dance afterwards.” for around ten years in various classes and to a Britney Spears track. When you go to competi- This argument starts to sway Hannah, “I think competitions around their local area. They “The moves are simple but This game makes tions it usually depends on I agree with what Megan has said, you don’t Strictly Come Dancing first took to our screens format hit our screens; So You Think You Can learnt to dance by going to classes and picking if you’re finding that boring it simple: you hit whether the judges like your really learn anything new but the advert isn’t in 2004 and took the UK by storm. It has had Dance, that has crowned two winners from the up tips from other friends, but have never you can change the inten- the right move- style or not, whereas this telling you that you’re going to be in the next sity to move a bit more and “ game makes it simple: you some of the best TV ratings in the last series, thousands of potential dancers that applied to Would you recommend auditioning for a danced with a Wii or Kinnect game station. group, it’s telling you that you can reaching an astonishing 14 million. The danc- the competition. “Well I’ve never done this before but it doesn’t make it more difficult for you get a point.” hit the right move- you get have a bit of a dance with your friends to have ing series has gained in success over the past Following high on its tail is a new dance show reality show to further your dance career? seem too complicated” says Hannah while yourself. It’s quite fun to a point.” a laugh.” 7 years and is certainly going from strength that the channel Sky have launched in direct to strength. But is it just the sequins and the competition called ‘Got to Dance’ presented celebrities that the public tune in for? by Davina McCall, and is set for another series It seems that dancing really has captured the next year. With all this dancing displayed Yes No heart of the nation. for the public it comes as no Harriet is a dancer from Emma is a student from Where have all the dance shops gone? In 2008, the second surprise to hear that dance Brighton who has had a Chichester who believes ex dancers who were probably dance teach- series of Britain’s Got 1 in 5 British adults teachers all over the country Can the current state of the economy positive and life chang- that the auditions for ers - particularly the way they look at me when Talent aired on our have noticed an increase in be to blame for the shutdown of (21%) have become ing experience of audi- reality shows can have I slouch in a chair to try on my shoes. But not screens. This was won popularity of their classes. A tioning for ‘So you Think a detrimental effect on many local dance wear shops? Are this one. They’ve always been really helpful and by the very unique and more interested in study conducted for Dance You Can Dance’. your dance career. friendly. And they actually have a surprisingly utterly impressive dancing“ Proms with the Royal Acad- dancers choosing to shop online? ‘I would highly recommend auditioning for a “My personal experience of applying for wide selection for such a small shop. talents of . dancing as a result of emy of Dance has found that Therese Wynn-Davies investigates. reality TV show. It really was a fantastic op- Britain’s is quite a negative one. I I was a little sad last time I went in. I tried on The following year, an- just over “1 in 5 British adults TV dance shows such as portunity for me. I had a great few days meet- consider myself to be a good dancer but the When Ciara, aged 19 first went en pointe aged an amazing pair of character shoes - so com- other dance act, Diversity (21%) have become more ing some great people, a number of whom I feedback we received at this audition was in- 11, she went to her local shop ‘Jazz Hot’ in fortable and really beautiful. And then I saw stunned the nation with Strictly Come Dancing.” interested in dancing as a have met at other auditions since then. credibly unhelpful. As I auditioned in a group Worthing to get her first pair of shoes fitted. the price and nearly cried. So, I had to go back their talent, strength and result of TV dance shows such The people at these auditions are really we felt that we had wasted a day of rehearsing. “It was such an exciting day. My teacher had to my usual brand, although the price on those timing and went on to winning the Britain’s Got as Strictly Come Dancing.” Another statistic pleasant and supportive unlike a lot of other The only reason they didn’t put us through said that my ankles were strong enough to start were slightly lower than I had expected. This Talent competition ahead of bookies favourite, found was that the most popular form of dance locations that I have tried. Although I didn’t was because there was another group that was learning how to dance on the tops of my toes- isn’t a criticism - I didn’t know that dance shoes . Since then they have continued to take part in was social dance, closely fol- get through far enough to meet any of the fa- like us and had done well the year before. in my eyes I was fulfilling a dream and becom- could be so expensive because I’d never found with their success. lowed by the exercise based dance ‘Zumba’. mous judges that you see on TV, I still got the The one positive that I can take from this ing a fully fledged ballerina. a shop that did student wear AND high end It’s not just Britain’s Got Talent and Strictly After viewing all these different dance shows on chance to see what it is like to audition for one experience is that it has shown me that I do The experience was made so much more spe- professional stuff. Well, until now that is.” Come Dancing shows that are fuelling the their TV screens it is no wonder that the British of these famous shows and I did my best. not want to be a part of the show business cial by visiting Jazz Hot where I could talk to A dance school also based in Cardiff Hazel’s public’s appetite for dancing shows. For the public are starting to strut their stuff in their Unfortunately I did not have enough of a industry. If you are impatient then doing these the lovely ladies and the Saturday girl who was Dance, say that they always use their local shop past two years we have also seen an American own dance classes. ‘background’ story to make me appealing sorts of huge scale auditions will not work for a dancer herself. The staff in the shop gave me and online shopping is not really an alterna- enough for TV so I was cut but this has not you. so much advice and got me to try on so many tive for their dancers. ‘It’s where we go to get put me off. I am auditioning for the next series Even if you have spent years training and per- different styles of shoe until they could find one all of our uniform and shoes, etc. We stick to just to see where it takes me; you never know fecting your dance and even if you think that that fitted me perfectly. It was also the first time promote that alongside a visit to their shop, but can be found online. one shop because they have the logo for our T- who is watching you dance. So many of my your performance was impressive and impact- I ever went en pointé and possibly one of the not all shops can afford such Cinzia, Y from Plasnewydd, shirts and get them embroidered. Other dance friends and family were really excited to see ing, it doesn’t mean anything to the producers best moments of my life.” cut rate prices. The staff in the shop Cardiff rated the shop 5* and said shops tend to sell our girls the wrong shoes me on TV, it gave me the opportunity to show if it wasn’t different enough. These shows are One example of a shop “well, as dance wear shops go, This is a memory-making experience that many gave me so much ad- too like non split soles etc so they have to be them what I can do. just looking for good TV, there is no search more aspiring dancers will possibly miss out on that has closed is ‘Star this is pretty much the only one returned. We don’t tend to shop online unless It is such a great place to network and find for quality talent. I was furious with some of with the demise of the local dance shop. Dance wear’ in the vice and got me to try I’ve ever seen in Cardiff, so it is mothers take it upon themselves to do it.” other opportunities perhaps bigger than the acts that were selected for the ‘live shows’. The shift in consumers behaviour could be to historical High Street “ on so many different already a winner! From outside, Dancers can only hope that dance wear shops, the one you were originally aiming for. Be My advice is, think long and hard before blame, as they are finding better deals for prod- Arcade Cardiff (pictured). styles of shoes it would seem to focus on the like the rest of the high street, find a way prepared and have plenty of confidence in you apply for one of these shows and be very ucts online. It could be argued that these dance This comes as a shock to younger dancer - and I mean the through these troubling economic times. yourself. My advice would be: go on, give it a ready to totally humiliate yourself because wear shops need to adapt to these changes in many residents of Cardiff four year old ballerinas! I go in A request for comment was sent to the previous shot, what is there to lose?” that is what the producers are looking for.” shopping habits and launch their own website as it was well known for being the only dance for my dance shoes. I’ve been in a few dance owner of Star Dance wear but there was no where they encourage competitive prices and shop in the city and several fantastic reviews shops in my time, and many tend to be run by response. 11 12

Stephen and Dilly Martin have been married for 50 INTERNATIONAL years and they spent their DANCE NEWS anniversary dancing about it. We ask them what dancing Tatum thanks his Dancing into Your means for them together. For this Irish pair, dancing has been a crucial dance moves part to their relationship and they may never The actor Channing Tatum has said that his have been together unless they could both dancing background helped in him in fight dance. scenes in the action movie Haywire. Bridget and Stephen met in London where The 31-year-old who was the star of the they went dancing every weekend in the Irish hugely popular dance film Step Up has said dance halls where they would meet other Irish how he didn’t put a step wrong on the film after young people that had emigrated to find work. treating fight scenes and stunts as if they were a “We sometimes went 7 nights a week’ piece of choreography. Golden Years Bridget explains “and Sunday afternoons. The “When you’re swinging as hard as you can Irish dance halls didn’t open on Monday nights and you’re missing each other by centimetres, Dancing isn’t just for the younger generations. When you get older you don’t just lose your love of dance. so we would go it’s a little nerve-racking, but most of all it is like We spoke to three ladies to find out what dancing has meant, and still means, to them. to the Lyceum Dancing dancing,” says Channing. Ballroom on “I was never a a good performance. Twice a year there the Strand or lightens your trained dancer, I never Daphne Michlethwate aged age. I go out at least once a day even to pop Hammersmith took a class, but when down the shops and this Keep Fit class really are dance competitions for young people “ Pa l ai s .” heart and lifts you dance and you gets me motivated.” in the local area. She tries to go to these 90, is a pensioner from Wor- as much as she can to watch them per- Bridget and know control, you Daphne is better at the upper body activities Stephen definitely your spirits” know that relationship thing. She attends Keep Fit that are involved as she has had problems with forming their different styles of dance. She says her favourites are ballet and used their dancing to someone, distance, her leg since a bad fall, six months ago, that as a social tool, to meet other young people like things like that - it can classes and tells us of how resulted in her breaking her ankle. modern. One thing that is for certain and themselves who enjoyed taking part in ‘old time be very fluid.” she ditched a boyfriend who But dancing has been a part of Daphne’s dancing.’ This is a dance that is done in pairs life for a lot longer than her Keep-Fit classes. Daphne describes it perfectly: that dancing is the “main part of my life”. where every couple on the dance floor moves to couldn’t dance so she could Before she was married, her and her friends the same steps at the correct time. marry a used to get dressed up every week to go to the Stephen says “we taught ourselves to dance. Indian Wedding Dance has local Saturday dances. It was here that she met That was how we learnt, there were no classes, Soldier who could. her future husband. and we just watched each other. My favourite become a workout “I was already with another boy at the time” was Jive, the rock and roll style, it’s much more She tells me laughing, “But he used to stand upbeat and great fun.” Many Indians would have never thought of Each week Daphne Michlethwate from Wor- near the bar. He didn’t like those dances but Bridget and Stephen are certain that they bhangra as a workout. But in New York this is thing takes part in an active class called Keep- he would only go because I liked them. Then would not have met if the other did not dance. the latest craze to hit the exercise and dance Fit where she meets other ladies around her age another boy asked me to dance and that was This is an era that many of future gen- scene. and slightly younger. Incidentally the classes are how I met my husband. He was originally from erations simply do not recognise. The dance Dance studios, gyms and clubs in New York run by her daughter, Suzanne, a dance teacher. Sheffield but had been stationed in Worthing culture has moved towards independent danc- City and beyond focus on the fitness aspects Here they have the chance to get their bodies before the War. We were married very quickly; ing with much louder music, focused more on of bhangra, a centuries-old folk dance from moving and to have a good time laughing and in fact it was three days before he went off to alcohol consumption than socialising. northern India that farmers still perform to chatting with each other. w ar.” But dancing is something that did and still celebrate a good harvest. Having celebrated her 90th birthday last Thankfully the pair wrote to each other and means a lot to Stephen and Dilly’s relationship. Today bhangra is included in many Indian week she explains the importance of people her were reunited after World War II. It brought them together. Dilly says, “not only weddings due to its energetic nature. The Clockwise from bottom left: Clockwise from left: Stephen and Bridget age getting out and about. Nowadays, as well as taking part in her is it a great source of exercise, it lightens your dance only vaguely resembles its roots as it has active classes, Daphne also enjoys watching Suzanne Logan. Centre: Daphne dancing, Above: the pair together, Top left: the morphed into a series of high-energy moves “It’s important to go out when you’re my heart and lifts your spirits. I love the thought of Hammersmith Palais, Top right: their 50th Michlethwate. Above: Daphne and that test the stamina of any fitness fanatic. The her granddaughter Keri Logan. dancing.” Wedding Anniversary. Above: together at one of their dances. bangra also features in some of the dancing also a dance teacher) a dancing career was not doesn’t matter how old you are. My classes are in Bollywood movies. The dancing is usually Suzanne Logan, 65 is a viable so Sue moved into teaching. not designed to make you muscular and strong; punctuated with joyous shouts of “balle balle,” “I have never had to look for the work, it they are a social occasion where you can get Age is no Concern the Hindi version of “woo-hoo.” dance teacher from has always come to me” she explains that the your body moving. And if you’re dancing then moving, all the things you’ve always enjoyed includes a speaker session, Two Zumba Gold demand for teaching dance was how she fell you’re laughing. Laughter is the best medicine.’ As the human body gets older its normal to feel Worthing. She does the doing and taken for granted start to become Classes, 2 Extend Classes, 1 line Dancing lessons. Before teaching her main income was It is clear that Sue is proud of the service she a bit achy, but getting out and joining a dance The Royal Ballet dancers who that little bit harder. It is likely that if you Class and 1 Sequence Dance Class. sources around choreography, making up the provides for these people, class in your local area is the perfect remedy. splits every morning to reduce activity when you get older you may 96% of people said that attending the classes dance moves for performances like musicals ‘It often is the highlight of someone’s week. Physical activity is important for all ages for took to the runway experience aches and pains that you never had and activities had made them feel fit and ac- and fash- If they see me when they’re out shopping, they health as well as for preventing various condi- keep herself active and before, and have less energy to go out. You may tive. 94% said that their physical and mental Designer Jayne Pierson, decided on a differ- ion shows. tell me how they cannot wait for the next class.’ tions. For example exercise can help lower the I have never had also be more vulnerable to falling. health had improved as a result of visiting ent method of displaying and dramatising her For Sue, For many whatever the age, dancing gives risk of heart disease, stroke, certain cancers, flexible. While some activity is better than none at all, these classes and 100% said that coming to clothes at London fashion week. She chose teaching to look for the you that sense of confidence in yourself. Sue type 2 diabetes, depression and dementia. Physical activity and exercise can to get the maximum health the classes provided had helped to reduce to have professional ballet dancers to model Sue says she “fell into” teaching after a suc- was not “ tells her class that they must “use it or lose it. To 100% said that for her. Although these dancers are similar help people of any age stay healthy, benefit, you should aim to their feelings of loneliness and isolation. cessful ballet career and she has little idea how what she set work, it has always keep mobile and active, it is important that the energetic and independent espe- coming to the classes do at least 150 minutes (2 These astonishing figures show the impact in height to the models usually used, they many people she has influenced, encouraged out to do but members of my class do what they can to their come to me” cially as you get older. hours and 30 minutes) of that these social dance classes have had on certainly added a and motivated through her ‘accidental’ years of there were so best ability.” had helped to reduce moderate-intensity aerobic the elderly- they have made friends and got different physique to many people But what has dancing given Sue? Aged 65, In terms of benefits, dance classes “ teaching her profession. their feelings of are likely to build confidence, self es- activity every week. This can out of the house more often. the show with their One of her highlights of her ballet dancing looking to learn to dance. Sue can still do the splits and runs dance classes teem, create new social avenues and new loneliness and be broken down into 10 or Thanks to the wonderful advice and infor- muscular bodies. It is vocation included the ‘défilé’, a type of proces- The Keep Fit classes that Sue runs have been nearly every day of the week. friendships, reduce falls, alleviate depres- 15 minute slots to build this mation from ‘Independent Age’ and ‘Age thought that the con- sion, with the Royal Ballet to commemorate steadily growing in demand over the years, the She says, “I have always been dancing, it has isolation.” sion and loneliness to name a few into your lifestyle. Concern, Cardiff.’ If you would like any more fidence gained whilst Dame Ninette de Valois, who was a prestigious average age of a member being in their late 70’s. given me my whole life, from a dancing career As you get older, it’s even more important that In 2010, Age Concern Cardiff conducted a information, please visit their websites: performing on stage choreographer for the company. Sue stresses that these classes are not just for to a teaching career. I just cannot imagine you remain active if you want to stay healthy survey on the benefits of attending our Healthy http://www.independentage.org.uk/ helped add to their After settling down to get married and have the elderly people. dance being in my life, I have absolutely no and maintain your independence. If you stop Wealthy and Wise Programme (HWW) which http://www.age-concern-cardiff.org.uk/ runway performances. a baby, (her daughter Kerri who is incidentally ‘Any one can come to a Keep Fit class it urge to retire. It’s just me.” 13 14

sari (South Indian with border soft shoes cost around £20 and on both sides etc) and go to Emma Ewens the hard shoes are around £30 a specialised tailor who will depending on the retailer, style customise a costume perfect for and whether they are second hand Emma is our ‘Real Dancer’ this week. She tells us about her love of belly you. If you want you can down- or not. Many of the dancers find load a sheet of very complicated there are good bargains to be dancing and her array of different costumes. measurements needed from found on online bidding websites KR Dressers website to make it like Ebay, whereas others get even more specific. If you want their individually made to stand to use a tailor it’s important to out more in a feis (Irish dancing consider how long it will take to competition) the prices for these make you want and that time can vary from a few hundred to a am Emma Ewens and I’ve been danc- I’m currently working on my own, costs money. few thousand. The last thing is the ing for around 6 years now, I started a beaded costume, with a bra and Vibha recommends Chennai hair. Irish dancers traditionally in 2005 with my mum and her best straight skirt with a split on both India as the best place to get have long curly hair and it is now friend Jane. We went to a class with legs. As I’m making it myself I know costumes and she often visits very fashionable to wear large, teacher Katie Holland, and loved it from the that it is totally unique. The dark blue just to have a look around at bouncy, curly wigs which cost I start. After Katie left we formed our own costume (left) is a costume that I made This is average traditional Bharatan- their stunning range. This is a traditional Irish dress worn around £40. dance troupe ‘Nefertiri Arabic Dance’ and myself; it’s a tribal cabaret costume. I atyam costume worn by Vibha Selva- “If I can get a great costume by Emma Lawrence of Mulligan’s “Getting a new dress is so exciting! Jane started her own dance class. The class bought most of the pieces for it on eBay, ratnam of India Dance Wales. that is second hand then I Dance School. The Irish dance trade The only thing is: they are really got bigger and performs at various events although some pieces are in fact pieces Her average costume costs around would definitely buy it- nothing varies enormously depending on the heavy and made with thick ma- throughout the year. For the last 3 years broken jewellery. You can put anything £100 but sometimes it depends on better than a good bargain! So style, weight and decorative value terials. You have to practise loads we’ve had performances every weekend onto your costume, broken jewellery, where it is bought. Many can spend long as you feel good in your of the dress. This dress was bought whilst wearing your dress so you during summer. We’ve performed at Charity coins; there are a lot of Afghani jewellery much, much more than that. Normally costume, it doesn’t matter how from a friend so was a lot cheaper can get used to the weight and the events, summer fetes, festivals, and cabaret pieces you can buy on eBay. You can put you find and buy an appropriate silk much you’ve spent on it.” than most. It cost just over £100, the stamina needed to perform in it.” events. feathers, beads, pieces of old material, Since 2008 Nefertiri has become the shells, mirror pieces, flowers, anything most well known belly dance company in goes really. Tribal costume Worthing and we’ve frequently appeared in generally involve a lot of local newspapers. In 2010 I started teaching accessories, the more you the teens class of Nefertiri, improving their have the better you look. technique, theory and choreography. It was And of course, there are fantastic teaching the girls and watching props! Veils, Sticks, Zills, Isis them develop as dancers and people. Wings, Fan Veils, Swords, How much does your I’ve now left Nefertiri as I have moved and Shamadans over to Southampton, but I am continuing Isis Wings are often used to further my dance career, going to new for entrance dances; they’re gi- classes and beginning to establish myself as gantic wings that strap around a solo dancer. I aim to eventually teach my your neck (bottom). They have own regular dance class and perform all over sticks in each side of the wing the country. for you to hold to show the full costume cost? Belly dancing is becoming more of a length of the wings. They have phenomenon, and some talent shows could a powerful effect and are very have something to do with that. Britain’s got ‘look at me’ which is generally Talent has had some effect, there have been why they open a perfor- a few ‘belly dancers’ on there, with Sophie mance. Mei a few years ago going quite far, and I’ve Sticks are often used signers, view some previously made seen several more in the rehearsal stage, on in a Saudi style song. To make a bodice (across the outfits on their website or look for America’s got talent a belly dance duo called They are quite bouncy torso) it isn’t just fabric that some second hand. A lot of dancers Sadie and Kaya, got to the semi’s. and can be quite funky. needs to be considered, it is buy and sell their costumes on www. As a committed belly dancer I know that You can just hold them, also the hook-and-eyes, or dance.net as they are much cheaper costumes are rather important and it is good use them to frame you, or eyelets, something to fasten but if you were going to buy one to be authentic as well. There are so many spin them to your side or the two halves together, and new, which is becoming increas- different styles of costume as well, which above your head. Veils are boning to make it strong. A ingly popular, you would need to makes them great to shop for. used with gentler music, cheap bodice works out at spend between £900-1200. Each owever some costumes are more and are incredibly graceful around £70 but if you were to costume is handmade and you can suitable to certain types of perfor- and feminine. Fan Veils are use better fabrics then that is be certain that there is only one of mances, for example, you couldn’t actually quite new, they are fans with long veils in the region of £130. Hwear a full flowing skirt when doing a stick which flow off and are very elegant, A Shama- every costume. You could never have There is then the matter of the same costume as anyone else at dance, you could wear an Egyptian cabaret dan, is a traditional prop at weddings in Egypt, the skirt, the shirt, petticoats, a competition unless you are a duo. costume when you’re performing American this costume as well for the Adur’s Got Talent this one as much as the others, because it is so the dancer parades the new Mr and Mrs into snood for your hair, shoes, Make-up, fake eyelash and tan are Tribal Style or Gypsy, and then of course it’ll competition I entered with my dance partner expensive I don’t want to damage it dancing in the reception with the Shamadan on her head, These are historical costumes worn by etc which brings the total also part of the costume, you cannot all depend on the mood and style of the mu- Kadie in 2010 where we reached the final. a field in the rain, or somewhere where drinks which is often called a Zeffah. And Swords are Anna Denison and her class of Histori- right up. compete without them! sic as well. Drum solos are usually done with This Costume is my favourite (middle, can be spilled on it. The cheapest costume used similarly to sticks, but to slower music. cal and Baroque Dance, Cardiff. “Having a brilliant costume “The more Swarovski diamonds, the a straight skirt with a split, or a fishtail skirt, right). I bought it off my first dance teacher Ka- I’ve ever owned was bought off eBay and cost Zills are finger cymbals that you play whilst All of these costumes are handmade really comes down to the more expensive! A costume makes not really performed with flowing skirts, tie Holland, and it is a bit worn but looks great! around £30. dancing to accompany the music, or on their from scratch usually by the dancers individual but we all inspire This is a disco dancing costume you perform better, you feel and mainly as drum solos are more on-the-spot The snake winds all the way down your leg and he most painful outfit I own actually own. They can be very complicated and can themselves. each other and obviously look worn by Michaela Stakim from look ready. A good costume is really dances rather than using the whole stage. I have to use girly tape to attach it so it doesn’t draws blood when I wear it! The bra take a long time to master, unless you are a The main cost comes in the form of back to historic pictures for Premier Dance Academy. important because you’re more likely I have a few professional costumes, the slip whilst shimmying. It is a great costume for and belt sections are full of gold coins, gifted musician or have been playing them For this style of costume a dancer doing drum solos and performing in a more Tand they are really sharp. Every time I wear it I time as the alterations and finding the ideas. It really bring authen- to get noticed and be seen on the first one I bought the pink one (centre pic- since the beginning. appropriate fabrics take up a lot of time. ticity to the performance.” can either go directly to the de- dance floor.” ture) I bought it at a Hafla (a belly dancing intimate environment. get scratches on my arms and sometimes they I hope what I’ve told you about belly danc- event) in 2008. It has the traditional Turkish The most expensive costume I’ve ever bleed. But it looks so good so I keep wearing it. ing has inspired you to either watch or go to Bra and Belt. It can be worn with any skirt bought was from www.bellydance-shop. If you’re keen to start belly dancing but your nearest belly dancing class. It really is and even trousers! com and cost £280! It is covered in Swarovski are worried about the cost of the costumes great exercise and a fantastically magnificent I made a straight gold skirt to go with Crystals and is really detailed. I haven’t worn then don’t worry, you can make one yourself. way to meet new people. 15 REVIEWS Prodijig beat their STAGE: way to the top TELEVISION: Lord of the Dance: Is it losing its bang?

iverdance first hit our screens in 1994 male dancers enter wearing hooded cloaks and and certainly stole many hearts. Two holding flaming torches. years later, The Lord of the Dance was The Lord of the Dance fights the dark lord Rcreated by Michael Flatley an American Irish after he breaks the Little Spirit’s tin whistle and Prodijig: left, Fear trained dancer and choreographer. defeats the invasion with the help of the Little of the Unknown: His modern twist on the traditional Irish Spirit. Meanwhile, the lead women, beautiful top, Tayleur and Elliott: right. steps made this a winning show with audi- and angelic Saoirse and the mischievous Morri- ences worldwide and promises to continue ghan fight for the love of the Lord of the Dance. their performance, whilst people still want it. ersonally I think the show was stolen by the Adam started The Millennium Centre in Cardiff was the male dancers. Their impeccable timing and P by saying, “I wasn’t most recent location to host this touring ver- strength overpowered the performance. Their sure what your sion of Flatley’s choreography. It seemed that first entrance saw them dressed almost like an This week, Irish mixed with hip hop sensa- versity leader , trained dancer and limit could be, I the Centre was eager to encourage a younger armed police team. They were terrifying yet tion, Prodijig won the Got to Dance final on global recording artist , movie certainly didn’t audience by offering cut prices tickets for enchanting and the audience were mesmerised. Sky 1. The former Riverdance trained troupe actor and West End dancer Adam Garcia and think you’d even those under 26. These sections were nearly Flatley who was the leading role left the took home the £250,000 prize after dazzling host Davina McCall, as well as 6,000 audience reached it but packed out but the more expensive seats re- show in 1998 and returned for a string of per- the judges and audiences with their jaw-drop- members in London’s Olympia. you’ve definitely have surpassed yourself mained empty creating less of an atmosphere formances in 2010. He was well known for his ping, brand new dance style. The two other finalists, Fear of the Un- again. The level of excitement you induce in the large auditorium. charisma, sex appeal, his innovative rhythmic Lead choreographer Alan said, “Prodijig is known and Tayluer and Elliott were also in a in me, watching it, is so thrilling. It was just The show itself was adorned in eye catch- patterns and astounding technique. James about 7 people who came together to make a league of their own and worthy contestants. fantastic, you guys are amazing.” ing, bright costumes, pyrotechnics, sequins Keegan who was the lead in the Cardiff per- difference, to change Irish dancing” Theatrical Glasgow-based dance troupe Fear Kimberly followed up with, “You’re on and a fantastic stage design and perfectly formance unfortunately lacked this charisma. Pictures: Courtesy of Wales Millennium Centre Website. The Got to Dance series has been a spar- of the Unknown took to the stage with a golden another level, professionalism at its best. You incorporated some violin playing along with It almost felt as though he was embarrassed kling, sweaty and superb 3rd season and has Egyptian themed performance. Whilst display- guys are absolutely phenomenal and so crowd Celtic traditional singing. Deidre Shannon by some of the arm actions he was required to kept a loyal army of fans shown by the 20% ing their incredible rhythm and flexibility they Whilst executing kicks it seemed that many dresses to dance in bikini tops and bottoms pleasing.” sang three songs whilst wearing very sparkly do. Although he matched Flatley on technical increase in votes from last year’s final. really showed off their strength by creating a lacked core stomach strength in order to lift offering a much sexier and modern twist in the Ashley, the choreography and main figure hugging dresses. Her strongest perfor- terms it was like he was missing some of the Dancers auditioning for the series rep- human pyramid and then deliberately collaps- their legs high enough. This was a shame as the wake of Flatley’s bare chest no longer making dancer of Diversity, was pressed for time but mance was of the traditional Irish folk song stage presence and confidence. resented 71 different styles of dance includ- ing it without any disruption to the routine. choreography was beautiful. an appearance. did manage to show his appreciation for the Carrickfergus. The female dancers were dainty and again ing Kosak, pole, belly, roller skating, and Young Liverpudlian ballet duo Tayleur and he costumes were a little too stuck in the Overall the performance was worth the group. “Prodijig, the power is back! If I shut owever you could almost feel that audi- almost as perfect as their male counterparts. Burlesque, giving the nation a real taste of the Elliott carried out a beautiful, gravity-defying 90’s. One group piece saw every member watch and was rewarded by a standing ova- my eyes and try to picture a quarter of million ence’s desire for the dancing to start However it seemed that many of them were T different varieties of dance that are available. classical duet with moves that many profession- H of the cast dressed in a specific colour. One tion showing that it still maintains a fan base pounds in dance form that’s exactly what it back again. The story follows the Lord of the originally trained in Irish dancing rather than The final was another step up from the als in the industry could not dream of carrying man was dressed in yellow whereas the rest wherever it goes. I was eager to get home and is!” Dance and his fight with the evil lord Don Ballet as a foundation style. Many had tense brilliant performances that had already been off. were in pinks, blues and greens. I felt that the try on my old dancing shoes but I couldn’t help The Irish dance troupe have reportedly Dorcha from taking over Planet Ireland. The shoulders whilst lifting their arms which made displayed earlier in the series. But in the end it was Prodijig and the na- colours detracted from the group work, perfect wonder how much longer the show could run already signed a deal with Ant and Dec’s show starts with a slight biblical theme, the watching slightly uncomfortable. The arms All finalists performed in front of the Got tion’s love of Irish dance that chose the winners. spacing and lifts that were . In one of without either a fresh storyline or a new twist management company and will hopefully be female dancers lying in a circle whilst the do not traditionally move in Irish step dance. to Dance judging panel which includes Di- The judges, too, were almost lost for words after the dances the girls removed their colourful on this beautiful modern Irish dance. embarking on their first US tour shortly. Dance Films for 2012 Dancers Wanted Ballet Dancer Needed for Ballet Cymru. Ballet: hitting a computer screen near you Location: Newport, Paid, Closing Date: 29th Feb ONLINE: work out much of the shoe’s solid shape. 2012 Must have excellent classical ballet technique. The ballet industry came under scrutiny All applicants must be independent, individual and On Friday 23 March, The Royal Ballet broad- last year when the Hollywood award winning exceptionally motivated. Audition by invitation only. cast a whole day of LIVE rehearsals, inter- blockbuster The Black Swan was realised. It Please send CV and photo asap to Ballet Cymru views and backstage insights from The Royal (Auditions) 30 Glasllwc, Cres, Newport, South showed the level of stress that these dancers Opera House, Covent Garden via YouTube. Wales. NP20 3SE experience in a slightly dramatised way. The ballet world has often been one of Or email [email protected] However it seems that the Royal Ballet has great mystery but it seems that those involved Audition in Newport, South Wales, UK collaborate is a plus. Auditions are taking place at chosen this massive online forum to show Early March 2012 Contracts starting Mid March want to reveal the level of dedication and Pineapple Studios Studio 5 everyone what they can do and to bring ballet 2012 to December 2012 More company information Male Dancer Needed by A.D. Dance Company passion that come from these performers, into the modern world. see website; www.welshballet.co.uk Location: London, Paid, Closing Date: 26th choreographers, coaches, etc on a daily basis. Earlier this week the Guardian published Dancers needed for short Dance Film for Cerebro Feb 2012 A.D. Dance Company require one male Many of the interviews are hosted by online a video diary following the day in the Productions dancer for 4/5 rehearsals plus performance for an George Lamb who doesn’t claim to have any Location: London, Unpaid, Closing Date: 26th life of a dancer at the Royal Ballet. She can immediate start. Applicants must have solid clas- knowledge of a working ballet environment. Feb 2012. We’re looking for 3 dancers (2 male, 1 sical and contemporary training and have pas de be seen in some of the YouTube clips. It gives 2. In cinemas 30th March 2012. Step Up 4 – in cinemas 10th August 2012. He asks brilliant questions that the viewer is female) to fill MAJOR roles within our dance-short deux experience and knowledge. This is a physically a glimpse into the alarming workload these The sequel to the famous Street Dance 3D The film features dancers from the show Got To often thinking, like, ‘Why are the girls bash- film. demanding and technical 30 minute work, and dancers undertake because of the love of their and featuring Britain’s Got Talent champion, Dance. Step Up 4 tells the tale of Emily who has It’s a fantastic opportunity to boost portfolios/ ing their shoes on the floor?’ requires a high standard of technique and training. art. George Sampson, Street Dance 2 tells the tale of dreams of becoming a professional dancer. She experience/exposure/CVs etc. The successful applicants would be required on The coaches then explain that the stiffness You can check out highlights from the day dance crew who look to gather the best dancers begins a relationship with Sean, the leader of a Successful dancers will work closely with the Tuesday’s for rehearsal and for 2 photo shoots. of the new shoe often creates a loud banging which have been uploaded to the Royal Opera from around the world for a rematch against dance crew whose neighbourhood is threat- director to choreograph the dance that will be Please send CV, head shot and any weblinks to noise as they move around and they try to House YouTube Channel. their rivals. ened by Emily’s father’s development plans. featured in the film. So creativity and willingness to [email protected]