Darren and Lilia win Strictly Come Dancing
Well done to Darren Gough and Lilia Kopylova, who won the final of “Strictly Come Dancing” on Saturday, December 17, 2005 – both of whom were interviewed in the November issue of Dance Today! They were up against the two other couples that reached the finals – Zoe Ball and Ian Waite, and Colin Jackson and Erin Boag.
After the group Viennese Waltz, Zoe and Ian left the floor, taking third place and leaving the remaining two couples to battle it out in the Freestyle round. While Darren and Lilia dazzled with their show dance, Colin and Erin made the controversial decision to dance apart, each with a “dummy” dancer, and the decision backfired hugely and left them in second place, with Darren and Lilia crowned as the champions. Whilst there are plenty of theories and opinions as to who was the better dancer, there’s no doubt that Darren and Lilia worked extremely hard throughout, and performed brilliantly on the night – you can’t say fairer than that. Colin and Erin’s show dance lost them a possible shot at the top spot. Perhaps taking such a risk wasn’t the best idea for the final, a fact which I’m sure the pair are only too aware of in hindsight.
Whether you agree with the outcome or not, this series built upon the success of the previous two, and the viewing figures are testimony to the wide public appeal that ballroom dancing clearly has.
Katie Gregory
New Year’s Day Parade, London
On January 1, 2006, the 20th Anniversary New Year’s Day Parade will make its way once again through the streets of London. The parade starts at 12pm in Parliament Square and finishes on Piccadilly, at Berkely Street at approximately 3pm. More than 10,000 performers representing 20 countries will gather together for this special event, and more than half a million people are expected to fill London’s streets to watch the performers, who include street entertainers, cheerleaders, majorettes, marching bands, and, of course, huge inflatable cartoon characters. If you want to attend this free event, have a look online at www.londonparade.co.uk for more information.
A Christmas Carol
Originally seen in New York, and at the Old Vic in London, 1993, Patrick Stewart’s A Christmas Carol will be back in the West End for 23 performances only, from December 6-31, at the Albery Theatre. Stewart plays every character in Charles Dickens’ classic, including of course Ebenezer Scrooge. Performances are to be held at 7.30pm, with some 3pm matinees on certain dates. Visit www.delfontmackintosh.co.uk or call 0870 950 0920 for dates, or to book tickets.
Christmas Youth Dance Project
Greenwich Dance Agency, Laban and Union Dance are holding their ninth annual collaborative Christmas Youth Dance Project for young people in Lewisham and Greenwich this month. An intensive week of workshops from December 8-15 will culminate in two live public performances on the final day, at the Bonnie Bird Theatre at the Laban centre. Admission is free, but places are limited. Visit www.greenwichdance.org.uk for more information on the project.
East London Dance
Teachers and dancers are invited to sign up for the annual Catalyst membership with East London Dance, which includes free admission to the termly network meetings, discounted fee for the INSET days, access to the Catalyst email group, priority booking of dance company workshops and study days, and special ticket deals for performances, events and courses. For more information, call 020 8279 1050.
Dancing at the London Children’s Film Festival
From November 9-20, young Londoners aged between five and fifteen can immerse themselves in a film experience to match no other – the London Children’s Film Festival. During the festival, there are various dance events including two workshops. On Sunday 13 there’s The Big Ballroom Dance at the Barbican, with world-class professional dancers Anton du Beke and Erin Boag. After the dancing you can cool down while watching the eagerly awaited Mad Hot Ballroom – an inspiring look inside the lives of New York City school pupils on a journey into the world of Ballroom Dancing. Go to www.londonchildrenfilm.org.uk for information on this, and the other events on offer.
Bachata is setting the Latin dancefloors alight!
Once confined to the backstreets of the Dominican Republic, this sensual dance has emerged and is now making its way onto the dance floor. November sees the first Bachata tour, with workshops and dance shows at various venues around the country. Dancebachata, the UK’s first Bachata club will host them at the Q Bar, Whitechapel, London, on November 30 at 7.30pm. Also making its debut this month is the feature-length documentary Santo Domingo Blues: Los Tigueres de la Bachata, filmed in the Dominican Republic and New York, and telling the story of Bachata. This is being shown for the first time in the UK, in London as part of the Discovering Latin American Film Festival. Visit www.dancebachata.co.uk for more information.
Flamenco Express
Flamenco Express concludes its current tour on November 17th at the Epsom Playhouse, Epsom, Surrey. Call 01372 742555 or visit www.epsomplayhouse.co.uk for tickets.
Launch Pad for Dance Graduates
If you’re embarking on a professional life in dance, the development day at The Place is a really useful chance to launch your career. With seminars led by industry experts and a question-and-answer session with the experts as well as lunch and refreshments, places at the event on November 26 are limited so call The Place Artist Develpoment on 020 7383 3524 for more information.
Toucan Productions are looking for two charismatic Ballroom dance teachers who are willing to take on a group of “challenging” students and turn them into competent dancers in a relatively short amount of time for a factual entertainment show. If you think this is for you send your name, age, address, a dancing CV including details of any awards won and of course why you think you should be on TV and if available photos and/or video footage, to Marc Frost, Toucan Productions, 39-43 Putney High Street, Putney, London, SW15 1SP. Alternatively you can contact us by e-mail at marc.frost@toucanproductions.co.uk.
September courses for Dance at 8
6-week course starting Monday, September 5: Ballroom Dance classes in Waltz and Quickstep for absolute beginners at Christopher Whitehead School, Worcester St John’s, followed by Paso Doble for absolute beginners. Starting on September 6, at 7pm at Northwick Manor Jr School in Worcester: Salsa Rueda Miami Style for absolute beginners followed by American Swing/Jive for absolute beginners at 8pm. Classes run for 6 weeks, cost £3.50 per person per class. All ages welcome, no partner necessary. Hot Cha Cha for beginners class starts on Thursday, September 8 at 7pm at the Holy Trinity Hall, Malvern, followed by a dance practice session for all dance steps at 8pm. Hollywood Style Lindy for absolute beginners will start on September 9, 7.30pm at Wulstan Hall in Pershore. For more information call 01386 556 665.
Big Bands in Cromer
The Pavilion Theatre and Cromer Pier, Cromer, will be the venue for performances of The Glenn Miller Orchestra directed by Ray McVay on Septmeber 11 and the Syd Laurence Orchestra on Septmeber 25. Both performances will start at 8pm, tickets £14.50 for Glenn Miller, £15.50 for Syd Laurence. Contact the venue directly for more information and to book tickets on 01263 512495.
Spirit Salsa is offering a new programme of dance courses and classes for September in the West Midlands at various locations in Coventry, Dudley, Birmingham and Solihull including Tango, Samba and Salsa for absolute beginners to intermediate and beyond including, new, lunchtime Salsa classes from September 19. For more information and bookings visit www.members.lycos.co.uk/thomasoflaherty/ or text your address to 077303 68592.
Swing dance holiday with endless workshops
From September 1-5, Ski and Rock offer Beach Boogie Swing, a Summer Swing Dance Holiday on the Isle of Wight including Lindy Plus special workshops in Smooth Style, Lindy Slides, Balboa, Tap, Body drumming, African Dance, Fast Technique, Shag, Aerials, Music Theory and Blues for a price of £109. Details of accommodation, food, camping and coaches from London can be obtained from www.jumpnjive.co.uk or by calling 020 82486643.
West African Dance performance in South East
Sankofa Dance Company, a leading West African music, dance and drumming troupe will be performing in Pats Dance Studio at the University of Surrey, Guildford, on September 21 at 7.30pm. Founded in 1979 and based at the University of Ghana, the group, the name of which literally means “going back to the roots” celebrates the traditional music of Ghana, Togo, Benin, Senegal, Guinea, Niger, Nigeria and Mali. They have toured Africa and internationally appearing at festivals and on television. Tickets cost £10 (£5 concessions) and can be obtained from the box office on 01483 686876.
Cross-cultural festival in London’s trendy East End
London’s trendy East End hotspot Brick Lane is set to brace itself for one of the most happening events in London’s calendar hosting the Brick Lane Festival on Sunday, September 11 from 12pm. More than 60,000 visitors are expected to descend upon the cross-cultural street party with a global mix of food, history and culture and entertainment for young and old. The line-up of events include Indian pop legends Jay Sean and Juggy D, the Rishi Rich Project presenting their unique brand of fusion music and some of Britain’s best R&B and Bhangra groups as well as Bangladeshi folk and pop singers, stage dancers, a fashion show and kids entertainment. There will be a stage in the Vibe Bar courtyard as well as one inside the bar. The main show will finish at 6pm, but visitors are welcome to carry on at selected surrounding venues. The festival is organised by EMEP (Ethnic Minority Enterprise Project), a non-profit making organisation. For more information visit www.bricklanefestival.com.
Simpatico Flamenco, dancers Josue Vivancos and Helena, singer Manuel de Cadiz and guitarist Xavi present Cafe Cantante, an authentic recreation of a Flamenco performance from the legendary golden age of the quintessentially Andalusian music and dance in the early 20th century at the Regis School of music in Bognor Regis on August 27. The two hour spectacular by this small cast of internationally acclaimed Flamencos is presented in 2 acts and 14 scenes with numerous scene and costume changes, subtle lighting and an artist painted backdrop. The show will start at 8pm (doors open at 7.30pm), tickets £10, concessions £8.50. There will also be a Flamenco dance and guitar workshop during the afternoon; participants should ask about ticket discounts for the show. For more information and to book tickets call 01903 204321 or 07968 515401 or email duendeflamenco@aol.co.uk.
Tango Fire, one of Argentina’s hottest Tango shows, will make its UK debut at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival on August 5 presenting the gifted quartet La Quartarda Tango, who combine the nostalgic tradition of Tango with a contemporary cutting edge and dancers Mariella Maldonado, Pablo Sosa, Yanina Fjar and Nelson Celis. Performances run through to August 29. For more information visit www.tango-fire.com or to book tickets call the Assembly 05 box office on 0131 226 2428.
Worcester Festival presents a variety of dance events
This year’s Worcester Festival will be opened with Celtic Feet’s world famous An Evening in Ireland show on August 6, 8pm at the Swan Theatre. Formed in 1996, Celtic Feet Irish Dance and Theatre Company, who have performed at hundreds of prestigious events around the world and who have recently been commissioned to appear at Windsor Castle for HRH the Queen’s private staff party, will be accompanied by their band Devils Dance. On August 18 at 8pm you will be able to see Back to Basie Big Band, who have recently been voted number one in the Big Band section of the British Jazz Awards and on August 19, it will be Just Latin Salsa with leading Latin American Dance Band Palenke, an evening of Salsa dancing and live music after a dance workshop from 8-8.30pm. The Jiving Lindy Hoppers are holding a workshop on August 23 for 11-18 year-olds at 12.30pm and adults at 4-7.30pm providing a general introduction to the style covering the era from the 1920s through to the 1960s covering all the show styles, including moves used in dance today as well as moves originating from the early jazz dance years. The Cecil Sharp Show, a special one-man show with Ashley Hutchings, known as the Father of British Folk-Rock has been revived and revamped, including new material and will take to the stage on August 25 at 8pm at the Huntingdon Hall. More information and booking for all events through Bridget Moore, telephone 01905 727979, email bridget@huntingdonarts.com.
The Show must go on in Russell Square – Dance as a medium to challenge racial integration
From July 25 until August 28, over 40 young people, most of them Bangladeshi, from an estate nearby Russell Square in London, where one of the July 7 bombs went off, will work with a professional choreographer, music producer and film crew to shoot the final short film of a dance-in-education project called The Reel Bollywood.
Jess Tyrell, the project director, has much to say on how dance is a great medium for exploring identity and therefore generating debate and understanding of how it feels to inhabit a different culture and has designed the project to address some of the challenges of racial integration. The group of 11-21-year-olds have worked with Niraj Chang on July 25-28 to compose their own original score and will work with Bollywood dancer/choreographer Chix Chandraria to learn Bollywood dance and choreography from August 21-25 with the filming taking place in Coram’s Field behind Russell Square on August 26-28. The film will receive a public screening in autumn.
Free dance workshops in Leicester
A series of ground-breaking free dance workshops devised to tackle conflict in the community, break down social boundaries and encourage people to appreciate cultural differences will take place in Leicester in August.
Run by De Montford University dance students Curtesha and Candice Matthew and Stacey Beazer, the first sessions are aimed at young people 11 and over and will take place on August 9-10 at the Watershed Youth Centre, Upperton Road from 3-5pm and will include street and contemporay dance. Anyone interested to take part contact Rita at The Watershed on 0116 223 2363. A second series of will run in Braunstone August 22-26 at the Oak Centre and is specifically aimed at people aged 11-16 living in the Braunstone area. Anyone wanting to book a place contact Tracy at the Braunstone Community Association on 08701 706974. The project has already won national recognition for the students in the shape of a £4,400 Millennium Award.
In line with regular Tea Dances at Belmont Club Carrville in Durham City, the next will take place on Thursday July 7 from 2pm to 4.30pm. There will be Ballroom dancing to live music from Geoff Phillips and George Hetherington as well as spot prizes. Entry is £2, which includes tea and biscuits. Belmont club is behind Holiways Ford Dealer, opposite the Grange Pub. There will be no dances in August due to holidays and thereafter on September 8 followed by the first Thursday of every month. For more details call 0191 386 1487.
The Basement Dance Studio London Summer school will take place from August 1-5. All courses at £45:
BREAKDANCE COURSE
8.30 - 9.30 with Ashley Garcia, beginners welcome
HIP HOP
7.30 - 8.30, beginners welcome
Monday Hip Hop with Anthony Duncan
Tuesday Urban dance zone with Claudia Evans
Wednesday Hip Hop with Jreena Green
Thursday Hip Hop with Mus
Friday Breakdance with Ashley Garcia, all levels welcome
INTRODUCTION TO CUBAN SALSA
8pm- 9pm, run by Judy John-Baptiste: Learn dile que no, vacilala, adios, enchunfla, guapea exhibela.
August 29- September 2, 7.30 - 8.30: Level 2 Setenta, Adios, Enchunfla doble, Sombrero, all levels welcome. There are no additional fees for members.
For more information and to book contact The Basement Dance Studio London, 400 York Way, N7 9LR, www.jumpanddance.com, info@jumpanddance.com.
Bollywood Grooves – July courses:
4-week (commencing Monday July 4, 7-8.30pm) at Danceworks, Bond Street, London. Teacher Vendana. Cost £50 Danceworks members, £60 non-members, £45 full-time students; beginners to improvers level
Bollywood and Bhangra Grooves: 4-week Commencing Saturday July 2, 12.30-13.30 at Circle Health Club, St John’s Wood, London. Cost £30 Circle Club members, £35 non-members, £25 full-time students, to drop into a class £8 members, £9 non-members.
To book your place write to info@bollywoodgrooves.com or call 07977 553 571. Regular weekly classes taking place at various locations:
Danceworks
Gymbox: 100 High Holborn, London
Lafitnes Marylbone: 7 Balcombe street, London NW1
Circle Health Club
Pineapple: 7 langley Street, Covent Garden, Kondon
Urdang Academy: 20-22 Shelton Street, Covent Garden, London
Drill Hall: 16 Chenies Street, off Tottenham Court Road, London
Expression Studios: 39-51 Highgate Road, Highgate, London
Soho Gyms: Baywater, within Whitleys Shopping Centre, London
Soho Gyms: Earls Court, 254 Earls Court Road, London W5
Morris Dancing, most probably derived from a Spanish dance called the Morisco introduced into England at the end of the Middle Ages, has been part of May Day festivities in the early Victorian Guilford and Farnham area since the 16th century, but fell out of favour and had disappeared from Surrey a hundred years ago. Revived by folk music collector Cecil Sharp in Edwardian times, there are now over a dozes sides in Surrey.
The Pilgrim Morris Men who practice during the winter can be seen performing at the Poynton Jemmers Weekend of Dance in Stockport July 15-17, at the Scarlett Arms, Walliswood on July 21, at the Horsell Village show in Horsell on July 23, at the Hogs back brewery, Tongham and the White hart, Tongham on July 27 as well as at the White Horse, Shere during the Peaslake Village Fair, Peaslake on August 29. For more information and further dates visit www.pilgrimmorrismen.org.uk.
The National Theatre 10-week free outdoor summer festival Watch This Space - Summer in the Square at the National Theatre:
Public information:
National Theatre
South Bank, London SE1 9PX
Information: 020 7452 3400 / www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/wts
Nearest tube: Waterloo
Details:
• Music - Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday early evenings and selected late night Saturdays.
Al fresco gigs on the band stage with leading contemporary musicians providing the best in upbeat live music. With Cool Jazz on Mondays, Celebrating Africa on Tuesday, World Rhythms on Wednesday and Dance Grooves on Saturday.
• Street theatre - Thursday, Friday and Saturday lunchtimes and early evenings and selected late night Saturdays.
The finest street performance and installations including theatre, dance, acrobatics, circus, cabaret, comedy and clowning.
• Waterloo Sunsets - Every Saturday 10.30pm - midnight.
Brilliant events ranging from world music extravaganzas to theatrical spectaculars.
• Dance Week - 15 -20 August.
Your chance to dance in Theatre Square. From ballroom to belly dancing, jive to Tango and Bollywood to salsa and influences from India, Turkey and Egypt and sub-Saharan Africa. The week culminates in a Ballroom Night featuring the legendary Glenn Miller Orchestra (20 August).
• Fresh Faces: Circus Graduate Development Scheme - Monday - Wednesdays at 7.00pm except w/b 15 August.
Working with London's Circus Space, Bristol's Circomedia and directors Flick Ferdinando and John Paul Zaccarini of Company FZ, the National Theatre has created a scheme for recent circus graduates. Five young companies perform new street-theatre productions in rotation.
• Flytower Films - Every Friday from 29 July - 2 September from either 10.15pm or 10.30pm
Late night iconic films projected on to the 23 metre high Lyttelton flytower.
• Late Lounge - Every Friday and Saturday night from 10.00pm - 1.00am in the Terrace Cafe. The return of the National's stylish late-night chill out bar overlooking Theatre Square.
DANCE AND ACROBATIC HIGHLIGHTS:
Fri 1 & Sat 2 July 1st: 1.15pm and 6:30pm; 2nd: 1.15pm
C/ysfa/ Vita - Heir of Insanity
The delightful story of an eight-foot Ice Queen, a comical manservant and an enchanting maiden with a magic staff. A stunning and skilful blend of acrobatics, stilt-walking theatre and dance. www.heirofinsanity.com
Mon July 4, 13, 27, Aug 3, 23: 7.00pm
Fresh Faces: Is it me? - Vicki Steggles and Wibbe Pompe
From blissful romance to distrust and uncertainty - a bedroom scene with dance and acrobatics.
July 6, 18, Aug 1, 10, 30: 7.00pm
Fresh Faces: Hit or Miss - Maintomano
A cat and mouse love game from acrobats Marcos Rivas and Morgane Jaudon.
Fri 8 July: 1.15pm and 6.30pm
UK Street Dance Champions - G Force Productions
The 2004 UK street dance championship finalists will be showcasing their most exhilarating routines ever in preparation for the 2005 finals on 31 July.
Sat 9 July: 1.15pm and 10.30pm
Fundango - Swamp Circus
A band of mutated clowns are marooned in a desert of rubbish ruled over by a 15 foot transvestite. Featuring spectacular trapeze, laser juggling, musical clowns, firey hula-hoops, bungey acrobats and aerial ballet. www.swampcircus.com
Mon 11, 26 July, Aug 9, 24: 7.00pm
Fresh Faces: Box- Fiaschetto
Annette Fiaschi creates abstract landscapes from boxes and blocks and balances beautifully between them. With original music composed by Ben Glassttone.
Tue 19 July, Aug 22, 31: 7.00pm
Fresh Faces: Off the Rails - Ashley Carr
A love story between two coats! A romantic contemporary circus and juggling show.
Sat 23 July: 10.30pm
Besame Mucho - Company FZ
A spectacular night of naughtiness and mayhem with this delicious cocktail of circus and variety acts. Including a highly skilled rope act, an aero balance duet from a suspended bath and some ultra cool object manipulation. www.companyfz.com
DANCE WEEK!
Mon 15 August: 6.00-7.00pm
Jive Aces
The UK's top jive and swing band renowned for their high energy 'jump jive' music - an exciting and danceable blend of swing, R&B, rock 'n' roll, boogie and jump blues. With dynamic dancers and a spectacular stage show guaranteed to work the audience into a frenzy. www.jiveaces.com
Tue 16 August: 6.00-7.00pm
Imbongi
This spectacular hi-life & town-ship jive eight-piece band is fronted by Zimbabwe's premier performance-dub-poet, the charismatic Albert Nyathi, and accompanied by spectacular dancers. Explosive and visually stunning, Imbongi is a high-energy blend of traditional, blues, jazz and contemporary African music.
Wed 17 August: 6.00-7.00pm
Strings
London's foremost Bollywood and Indian folk music band led by singer Anuradha Shukia and keyboard player Kiran Thakrar, performs popular Bollywood songs in their own improvised way based on Indian folk and contemporary music with keyboards, drums, base guitar, Indian percussion and Bollywood dancers.
Thu 18 August: 1.15pm
Tea dance - Shelly Van Loen & Palm Court Strings
Tunes from the Salon era - from the full-bodied quickstep to the lively Charleston.
18 August: 6.00-7.00pm
Abdelkader Saadoun with belly dancers Mervet and Nensi
Strong, pounding, danceable beats from the funkiest Algerian Rai outfit in the UK. Dubbed 'the king of Rai', Saadoun produces an exciting mix of jazz, funk, fusion, rock, blues and traditional North African rhythms. Accompanied by Turkish and Egyptian belly dancers. www.saadoun.com
Fri 19 August: 1.15pm
Tea dance - Shelly Van Loen & Palm Court Strings
Fri 19 August: 6.00-7.00pm
Merengada
The UK's only specialist merengue band brings sizzling beats, red-hot rhythms plus a dash of salsa to Theatre Square. Featuring crazy singers, a hi-energy female sax player and salsa dancers, Merengada guarantee to make you move! www.merengada.co.uk
Sat 20 August: 6.00pm
Tango Volcano
World-class, captivating tango from this traditional quintet, whose music is strongly rooted in classical discipline, but dominated by the passion of its players and dancers. Intoxicating and infectious. www.tangovolcano.com
Sat 20 August: 10.30pm
Ballroom Night featuring the Glenn Miller Orchestra
The infamous 18-piece big band lead by Ray McVay brings its unique sound and all the glamour of the dance hall to Theatre Square. As the band strikes up, the glitter ball swirls and the dancers take to the floor, be transported to the golden age of swing. Come and trip the light fantastic. www.glennmillerorchestra.co.uk
