April 2008

This year’s MOVE IT exhibition at London’s Olympia certainly provided an unbeatable formula: the opportunity for dance professionals and enthusiasts to get together to network; the chance to watch some top-class performances and take part in workshops; and – of course – the perfect excuse to indulge in a spot of shopping (read the full report here, and also go to www.myspace.com/moveitdance to watch mini documentaries made by visitors). During the three-day event I was lucky enough to meet this month’s cover stars, Alex and Lisa Ivanets, who talked in depth about their inspiring plans for the future to Rachelle Stretch (Breaking the mould, page 20). I also caught up with choreographer Richard Marcel, another dancer with an amazing story – read about his career to date in Mover and shaker (page 36). His impressive CV, which includes credits behind the scenes on “Strictly Come Dancing”, as well as in front of the camera for Evita, stem from formative years dancing ballroom and Latin – including treading the boards at Blackpool, where Alex and Lisa will be appearing in the Team Match next month. As ever, the festival promises to showcase the crème de la crème of dancing talent – just make sure you book up in advance, or you may well be disappointed.

Katie Gregory

In this month's issue    

6 News
Tango Al Fresco, Breakin’ Convention 2008, Dance Dictionary, holidays and more
9 Letters
Your views and opinions
10 DanceScene
The Carl Alan Awards; Essex Championships 2008; MOVE IT 2008; BDF page
20 Breaking the mould
Rachelle Stretch talks to Alex Ivanets and Lisa Bellinger-Ivanets at MOVE IT 08
27 Dance destinations
Carole Edrich lists a year of holiday hotspots for dancers
32 EADA: part one
Rachelle Stretch presents a guide to the English Amateur Dancesport Association
36 Mover and shaker
Katie Gregory talks to choreographer to the stars, Richard Marcel, at MOVE IT 2008

43 The science of fitness: part one
Imogen Walker examines the essential elements of fitness in the first of a three-part series
47 Obituaries
Memories of Bill Irvine MBE, Mary Edwards, Eileen Henshall and Nancy Clarke
53 Leading and following: the interactive way
Benoit Drolet discusses technique for dancers
54 Review: Shen Yun
Katie Gregory reviews Divine Performing Arts
57 Book review
Bryan Allen reviews The Technique of Freestyle Dancing
58 Sequence section: Musical maestro by Helen Blackburn

59 Boogie Woogie Jive by Steven Shaw and Helen Blackburn
62 Variations: A simple sparkler in Foxtrot by Snieguole Wood
63 A simple sparkler in Rumba by Steven Verrall
64 Competition diary
Dates for April
65 Listings
Dance around the UK
74 The last dance
The Star UK Championships in 40 years ago this month, plus The Ball-Room Guide

Exclusive online content

Loughborough Dance Competition 2008
Holiday and Dance at Thistle London Heathrow Hotel
Forget-Me-Not Ball 2008

On the cover: Alex Ivanets and Lisa Bellinger-Ivanets. Photograph by Elmira