December 2007

Earlier this year we were sad to learn of the death of much-loved and long-standing contributor Elizabeth Romain, whose monthly ballroom and Latin variations were a source of enjoyment for many readers. While Elizabeth will always be fondly remembered, we are lucky to have found another leading name in Pamela McGill, who this month offers a lively rumba (page 63) in the first of a regular contribution to this section. For those who are looking for something more traditional during the festive season, historical dance expert Ellis Rogers provides some context for the Sir Roger De Coverley (page 31), a dance which has featured in Christmas parties since Victorian times and can still be enjoyed today. And of course, with “Strictly Come Dancing” coming to an end this month we have all the latest coverage, including an interview with head judge Len Goodman, who will be enjoying a rare chance to relax this Christmas as he prepares for the 2008 launch of Strictly Live. You can find full tour details in the news pages along with much more this month, including our annual prize giveaway on page 34. Next month, look out for an interview with new ballroom partnership Jonathan Wilkins and Hazel Newberry, as well as full coverage of the British National Championships and World Professional Ballroom Championships in Blackpool. With that, may I wish all of our readers a merry Christmas, and a happy, healthy New Year.
Katie Gregory

In this month's issue    

Features
6 News 
What’s on this month, including Strictly Live tour dates, Big Dance 2008 and more!
9 Letters 
Your right to reply
10 DanceScene
The International Championships 2007; ISTD Grand Disco Medallist Final; BDF page
18 Len Goodman
Katie Gregory talks to the “Strictly Come Dancing” judge about life as a jet-setting television star
24 The “Strictly” effect
Rachelle Stretch talks to dance teachers and school owners to find out how “Strictly Come Dancing” has affected the world of dance in a wider sense
31 A dance for Christmas
Ellis Rogers looks into the history of the Sir Roger de Coverley
34 The BIG Dance Today Christmas giveaway!
WIN one of four amazing prizes from Supadance, DanceSport International, Chrisanne and International Dance Shoes

36 Keeping up appearances: part two
Image is everything: Rachelle Stretch finds out about grooming for competition, and talks to experts including Izabela Hannah, Camilla Dallerup and Lilia Kopylova to find out their top tips
43 The physics of dance
Imogen Walker explains the science of the body in motion
48 The moving body
The Out of Balance experiment: Benoit Drolet offers an exercise for ballroom dancers which addresses correct use of the standing foot
51 Musical review
Georgina Harper reviews Hairspray in the West End
52 Seasonal sensations
Jonathan Gray offers his recommendations for festive ballet productions this month
55 Book reviews
The Meaning of Tango and Anton’s Dance Class

56 Sequence section: 2007 Blackpool Sequence Festival by Helen Blackburn
58 San Marino Saunter by Steven Shaw and Helen Blackburn
60 San José Cha Cha Cha by Robert
and Louise Aldred
62 Variations: A simple sparkler in Tango
by Steven Verrall
63 A simple sparkler in Rumba by Pamela McGill
64 Competition diary
Dates for December 2007 onwards (ballroom, Latin, sequence and freestyle)
65 Listings
Where to dance around the UK, plus musical listings for December
74 The last dance
Ballroom at Buckingham Palace in 40 years ago this month and The Ball-Room Guide

On the cover: “Strictly Come Dancing” stars Matthew Cutler and Alesha Dixon. Photograph by Mark Chilvers © BBC.