Strictly Speaking: The final
December 21, 2015
Despite a zigzagging final, the inevitable winner is crowned.
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Strictly Speaking: Semi-final
December 14, 2015
Two dance fatigue, BBC cross-promotion and dance-off drama.
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Strictly Speaking: Week 11
December 7, 2015
Jazz hands, Human Props interference and two former leaders in the dance-off.
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Strictly Speaking: Week 10
November 30, 2015
Blackpool hangover, a too-quick Quickstep-a-thon, and Peter Andre’s final speech.
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Strictly Speaking: Week 9
November 25, 2015
Blackpool brings theatrical excess, human props and a dance-off controversy.
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Strictly Speaking: Week 8
November 16, 2015
Razzle dazzle, wretched music choices and the comedy favourite bows out.
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Strictly Speaking: Week 7
November 9, 2015
Multiple 10s, Jeremy on a horse and the power of Len’s walnut-pickling.
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Strictly Speaking: Week 6
November 2, 2015
A retina-searing Halloween show is scary, but not in a good way.
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Strictly Speaking: Week 5
October 26, 2015
Len’s meds, Bruno’s blooper and a salsa meltdown enliven a dreary show.
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Strictly Speaking: Week 4
October 19, 2015
Music mayhem, redemption arcs, and “comedy” VTs gone mad.
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Strictly Speaking: Week 3
October 12, 2015
Movie madness, ringer ructions and the series’ first 10.
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Strictly Speaking: Week 2
October 5, 2015
Unwieldy props, lesser spotted training footage and the first elimination.
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Strictly Speaking: Week 1
September 29, 2015
Mad scoring, puns aplenty and Glebmania in the new series’ first night of competition.
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So long, farewell
September 2015
Former champions talk retirement and life after competition.
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Come Dancing remembered
September 2015
The rise and fall of Strictly‘s iconic BBC predecessor.
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Q&A: Rachid Malki
September 2015
The Swedish pro on leaving the floor and embracing new opportunities.
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Stepping Out
September 2015
New stars, returning favourites and British triumphs at the ESSDA European Championships in Stockholm.
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Rhythm nation
September 2015
Propulsive entertainment but confused storytelling at the Royal Festival Hall’s Baila Brazil.
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Barnstormin’ courtin’
September 2015
Joyful Seven Brides for Seven Brothers at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre transcends its dodgy gender politics.
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Be our guest
September 2015
Troubled portmanteau musical Grand Hotel gets first-class service from a Southwark Playhouse revival.
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Strictly speaking: launch show
September 7, 2015
New pros, ghostly sightings and the Ringer Race 2015 as Series 13 hits the floor.
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Handing over their hearts
August 2015
Who made our list of the best choreographers – and who did readers pick?
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Bend It Like Beckham
August 2015
New musical Bend It Like Beckham is a rigorously feel-good time capsule.
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Stepping Out
August 2015
Dancers share their experience of making a competitive debut.
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The naked truth
July 2015
Is flashing the flesh a necessary part of dance? We investigate.
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Practice makes perfect
July 2015
Experts advise on how to master the art of practising.
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Stepping Out
July 2015
The Brits impress at the always competitive German Open Championships.
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Swing while you’re winning
June 2015
Scott Cupit, our Teacher of the Year 2015, recalls his journey from struggling start-up to leader of a swing revolution.
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Bloodless
June 2015
Carrie: The Musical at Southwark Playhouse needs more guts.
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A swellegant elegant party
June 2015
Spacey’s Old Vic era finishes strongly with the irresistible High Society.
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Stepping Out
June 2015
Hadass Armon looks forward to the European Championships, while Strictly‘s Robin Windsor holds his first same-sex dance class.
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Stepping Out
May 2015
Stella Ponne, organiser of Holland’s De Danser competition, talks integration, fair judging and the importance of inspiring the next generation.
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Stepping Out
April 2015
London’s 2015 Pink Jukebox Trophy welcomes supreme champions and trailblazing newcomers.
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Fighting words
March 2015
A deferential revival of Oh What A Lovely War at Richmond Theatre acts more as effective primer than call to arms.
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Stepping Out
March 2015
The Gay Gordons blend tradition with revolution in their development of same-sex Scottish country dancing.
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Just ad dance
February 2015
How does fleet-footed advertising affect the dance industry as a whole, and what made our top 10 ads?
______________________________________________________________
Teacher of the Year 2015
February 2015
As we open our annual competition, dance luminaries pay tribute to their inspiring instructors.
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Stepping Out
February 2015
Bradley and Sören Stauffer-Kruse on the expanding world of same-sex showdance.
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Snowed under
January 2015
The saccharine sentiment of Irving Berlin’s White Christmas at the Dominion Theatre is downright suffocating.
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Strictly surprises
January 2015
Following another series of Strictly celebrities being saddled with the “dark horse” mantle, my top five genuinely surprising contestants.
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Stepping Out
January 2015
Looking back at an action-packed 2014 and previewing this year’s most anticipated competitions, at home and abroad.
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Strictly international
December 2014
From India to Finland, South Africa to Turkey, how the hit BBC show travels around the world.
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Top cat
December 2014
As the West End revival opens, groundbreaking choreographer Gillian Lynne recalls the creation of Cats.
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Having a ball
December 2014
An unrefined by enthusiastic revival of Damn Yankees steps up to the plate at Landor Theatre.
______________________________________________________________
Striking the wrong note
December 2014
Cartoonish musical version of Made in Dagenham at the Adelphi does its subjects a disservice by diminishing their achievement.
______________________________________________________________
Ready for his close-up
December 2014
Brent Phillips’ compelling new book salutes Charles Walters, the forgotten maestro of Hollywood’s golden age.
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Stepping Out
December 2014
A spicy same-sex salsa class celebrates its 20th anniversary.
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Strictly Speaking: Final
December 22, 2014
An uneven series finishes on a high with close competition, deserving winners and a raucous encore, but relies too heavily on recaps and montages.
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Strictly Speaking: Semi-final
December 15, 2014
A risk-averse, schmaltzy show is salvaged by the first perfect-scoring dance, and another hot favourite is eliminated.
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Strictly Speaking: Week 11
December 8, 2014
Shock! Scandal! Conspiracy! Flashdance! Frontrunner Pixie exits in a controversial dance-off during the otherwise lacklustre quarter-final.
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Strictly Speaking: Week 10
December 1, 2014
Misguided Around The World Week results in horrifying casual xenophobia and intrusive human props.
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Put a spring in your step
November 2014
The ultimate guide to the sprung dancefloor, from history and creation to costs, importance and health benefits.
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Star quality
November 2014
A style-over-substance revival of Evita is elevated by its dynamic central performance.
______________________________________________________________
Ganchos and gossip
November 2014
Youlie Mouzafiarova offers expert advice in new guide Tango Flow, while Craig Revel Horwood shares Strictly secrets in Tales from the Dance Floor.
______________________________________________________________
Stepping Out
November 2014
Fierce duels, local talent and a courageous Russian debut at this year’s Vienna Dance Contest.
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Strictly Speaking: Week 9
November 24, 2014
Ballroom gets another blow in a week of illegal lifts and rampant overscoring, as Jake’s Macarena steals the show.
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Strictly Speaking: Week 8
November 17, 2014
Traditionally histrionic Blackpool brings comebacks and 10s a-plenty, and Judy Murray’s reign finally comes to an end.
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Strictly Speaking: Week 7
November 10, 2014
The judges get (selectively) tough at the halfway mark, and this series’ most endearing partnership bows out.
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Strictly Speaking: Week 6
November 3, 2014
Tortuous Halloween Week brings frightening scores, monstrous music choices, idiotic VTs and the first “real 10”.
______________________________________________________________
Fusion confusion
October 2014
New stage show Brazouka‘s combination of hard-luck narrative and sunny sensuality baffles.
______________________________________________________________
Stepping Out
October 2014
The 2014 Cleveland Gay Games featured American dances and a special message from President Obama.
______________________________________________________________
Strictly Speaking: Week 5
October 27, 2014
Inconsistent judging, the desire to torture Scott and the British public’s refusal to be tamed leads to a “shock” dance-off.
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Strictly Speaking: Week 4
October 20, 2014
The departure of our confused matador, unnecessary props galore and the post-You-Know-Who comedown.
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Strictly Speaking: Week 3
October 13, 2014
Donny Dire, strained theming and Dali-esque trouser creation make for a deeply peculiar Movie Week.
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Strictly Speaking: Week 2
October 6, 2014
Scoring insanity, death-defying lifts and the series’ first elimination.
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Sign language
September 2014
Mark Smith’s company and a new tango project demonstrate that deafness needn’t be a barrier to dance.
______________________________________________________________
Stepping out
September 2014
A controversial British Dance Council proposal advocates separating mainstream and same-sex competitors.
______________________________________________________________
Strictly Speaking: Week 1
September 29, 2014
Ringers shine, Anton wears a kilt and Darcey enters a stoner dream state in the show’s first week of competition.
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Strictly Speaking: launch show
September 8, 2014
Brucie gatecrashes, new pros sizzle, WinkleFringe Watch is born and Len makes a heartfelt declaration as Series 12 kicks off.
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Shall we dance?
August 2014
American franchise Fred Astaire Studios has found its first British affiliate – will others follow suit?
______________________________________________________________
Bustin’ out all over
August 2014
The Arcola’s stripped-back revival of classic musical Carousel impresses.
______________________________________________________________
Stepping Out
August 2014
Top same-sex dancers hit Blackpool for the first ESSDA European Championships held in the UK.
______________________________________________________________
Fringe benefits
July 2014
From sexy samba and surreal circus to fiery flamenco and comic tapping, the dance highlights of the Edinburgh Festival.
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Latin scorcher
July 2014
The UK premiere of Tony Award-winning musical In the Heights is a sizzling hit at Southwark Playhouse.
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Stepping Out
July 2014
Same-sex dance troupe Is That Allowed?! on landmarks performances at Norwich Pride and the Theatre Royal.
______________________________________________________________
Keep holding on
June 2014
Does the ballroom hold limit dancers and choreographers? Strictly‘s Darren Bennett and Lilia Kopylova offer their expert view.
______________________________________________________________
Rootin’ tootin’ wooing
June 2014
Seven Brides for Seven Brothers at Richmond Theatre is a barnstormer, despite its unsavoury gender politics.
______________________________________________________________
Stepping Out
June 2014
Big stars, close battles and British dancers make a French connection at Le Rendez-Vous de Paris.
________________________________________________________
These shoes are made for dancing
May 2014
The development of perfect dance shoes, plus best footwear for beginners and pros, ballroom and Latin, and stunning Strictly stats.
______________________________________________________________
Playing fair
May 2014
Have we sacrificed ballroom etiquette for a more aggression approach in competition?
______________________________________________________________
Razzle dazzle ’em
May 2014
Slapstick musical Dirty Rotten Scoundrels at the Savoy is deeply silly, but an old-fashioned treat.
______________________________________________________________
Fire and ice
May 2014
The Dancing on Ice farewell tour at Wembley Arena is a fitting tribute to a loony programme.
______________________________________________________________
Stepping Out
May 2014
We look forward to the first ever same-sex European Championships held in the UK, coming to Blackpool in June.
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Strictly Speaking: Hello Claudia! Farewell Brucie!
May 14, 2014
Why Claudia is the perfect choice to replace Bruce, and their top 10 Strictly moments, from a LIVE television moment to Paxman prodding.
______________________________________________________________
The spirit of remembrance
April 2014
The key role of dance during the First World War, and a round-up of the best cultural centenary events this year.
______________________________________________________________
Stars of the small screen
April 2014
Strictly made celebrities of its dancers,
so why aren’t professional competitors waltzing onto our TVs? We investigate.
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Stepping Out
April 2014
Close battles, supreme champions and inspiring debuts at the 2014 Pink Jukebox Trophy.
______________________________________________________________
The write stuff
March 2014
From Pride and Prejudice to Ballet Shoes, readers share their favourite examples of dance in literature, just in time for World Book Day.
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Sugar and spice
March 2014
Amiable Brit salsa romcom Cuban Fury has potential, and choreographer Richard Marcel shares secrets from the set.
______________________________________________________________
Puppet problems
March 2014
A Midsummer Night’s Dream at the Barbican, created by War Horse’s Handspring Puppet Company, is sadly disenchanting.
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Stepping Out
March 2014
DJ, teacher and competitor Jacky Logan discusses dramatic changes over the past few decades in same-sex social dance.
______________________________________________________________
Coming out of the shadows
February 2014
From the Oscars to the Olympics, a look at the renaissance of shadow theatre, plus a preview of Pilobolus Dance Theatre’s new Sadler’s Wells show Shadowland.
______________________________________________________________
Going solo
February 2014
The best ballroom classes and activities that don’t require a partner, and how to search for one if you want a break from solo life.
______________________________________________________________
Which dance is your romance?
February 2014
Are you a dreamy waltz or a sizzling samba? Put your relationship to the test with our Valentine’s Day quiz.
______________________________________________________________
Le freak, c’est chic
February 2014
Cirque du Soleil wows with the jaw-dropping aerials of Quidam at the Royal Albert Hall, but its narrative loses the plot.
______________________________________________________________
Stepping Out
February 2014
Former Strictly pros Erin Boag and Nicole Cutler share their experience of judging same-sex ballroom competitions.
______________________________________________________________
Stepping Out
January 2014
A preview of 2014’s packed competition calendar, from Ohio’s Gay Games to Blackpool’s European Championships.
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The dancer diet
December 2013
Expert nutritional advice from former world Latin champion Corky Ballas and top dietary consultants.
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It’s behind you…
December 2013
A short history of the pantomime and my picks of the festive season.
______________________________________________________________
Marking time
December 2013
New West End musical From Here to Eternity is let down by sluggish plotting.
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Strictly Speaking
December 2013
Highlights of Series 11, from best performance and lines to wardrobe malfunctions, injury porn and vital stats.
______________________________________________________________
Stepping Out
December 2013
All the news from the Blackpool Same-Sex Dance Festival, including celebrity fans and a surprise proposal.
______________________________________________________________
Strictly Speaking: grand final
December 22, 2013
Cossack pole dancing, Groundhog Day repeats and most painful hairography awarded in a gripping, closely fought match with a surprise winner.
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Strictly Speaking: Week 12
December 16, 2013
Borrowed family prop points, wanton abuse of salsa and the last man standing exits the ballroom in a tense semi-final.
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Strictly Speaking: Week 11
December 9, 2013
The otherwise bland quarter-final is enlivened by the leaderboard-altering swingathon AKA our JFK conspiracy controversy (with sequins).
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Strictly Speaking: Week 10
December 2, 2013
Musicals Week produces a Simba samba, karaoke travesty and Ann Summers’ Disney dressing-up box, but not much ballroom.
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A flair for hair
November 2013
Top tips for dancers on styling, bedazzling, products
and avoiding hair horror.
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Make ’em laugh
November 2013
From hip hop and burlesque to Strictly and Gene Kelly, what are the challenges and rewards of introducing humour to dance?
______________________________________________________________
Stepping Out
November 2013
Retirements, politics and a baby boom at the action-packed Vienna Dance Contest.
______________________________________________________________
Strictly Speaking: Week 9
November 25, 2013
Blackpool Comedown Week produces an alarmingly mediocre show with godawful song choices and you-know-Who puns.
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Strictly Speaking: Week 8
November 18, 2013
Theft, sentient tail feathers and the judges get overexcited at Blackpool, resulting in some Dadaist scoring.
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Strictly Speaking: Week 7
November 11, 2013
The Natalie Lowe Casualty Curse strikes again and the Hairy Biker finally hits the road after his Burns Night travesty.
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Strictly Speaking: Week 6
November 4, 2013
Shock results, catfights and 10 reasons why Halloween Week should be banned.
______________________________________________________________
Very superstitious
October 2013
From cups of tea to enthusiastic singing, ballroom greats share their cherished competition customs.
______________________________________________________________
The ones that got away
October 2013
Dances like Charleston and swing have lots in common with the standard 10, so why aren’t they included – and should they be?
______________________________________________________________
Stepping Out
October 2013
Alex Lewalle and John Church discuss their landmark mainstream competition win.
______________________________________________________________
Strictly Speaking: Week 5
October 28, 2013
Faux fusion, furniture removals and the first dance-off “shock” of the series.
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Strictly Speaking: Week 4
October 21, 2013
The unofficial Messin’ Abaht Week sees capricious scoring, pastiche content-lite routines and wardrobe’s rainbow acid trip.
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Strictly Speaking: Week 3
October 14, 2013
Luuuuuurve Week brings passive-aggressive VTs, Princess Leia hair and the return of the wobbly lamppost.
______________________________________________________________
Strictly Speaking: Week 2
October 7, 2013
Girl power, family prop points and the revenge of partners past, plus the first elimination of Strictly Series 11.
______________________________________________________________
Decoding the Strictly judges
September 2013
My translation service for the new crop
of celebrity hopefuls strutting their stuff on Strictly Come Dancing.
______________________________________________________________
Leaders vs Followers
September 2013
Strictly celebrities and professionals address the fiercely debated question
of who has it toughest.
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Stepping off the screen
September 2013
As the stage version of classic film Strictly Ballroom arrives in Sydney, we consider which medium is the true home of dance.
______________________________________________________________
Top of the class
September 2013
Our Teacher of the Year, Pauline Mason of Danceworks, shares the secret of her success.
______________________________________________________________
Stepping Out
September 2013
British dancers take the Antwerp Same Sex World Championships by storm.
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Strictly Speaking: Week 1
September 30, 2013
Alan Partridge, existential angst and the Cossack escort service: Strictly kicks off with promising debuts and Lunatic Corner.
______________________________________________________________
Strictly Speaking: launch show
September 9, 2013
New pros, new celebs and new pairings, plus dubious musical guests and the requisite “comedy” VTs.
______________________________________________________________
Strictly celebrities revealed
September 3, 2013
This year’s contestants include sportsmen, soap stars, glamour pusses and a few intriguing wild cards.
______________________________________________________________
Boys can dance
August 2013
…but do they? We investigate whether the gender gap in ballroom is really closing.
______________________________________________________________
Perfect harmony
August 2013
Why is t’ai chi becoming a national phenomenon, and how can it benefit dancers?
______________________________________________________________
Teacher of the Year
August 2013
We announce our worthy winner and hear what her students love about her, plus there’s a shortlist of brilliant runners-up.
______________________________________________________________
Celestial bodies
August 2013
Circa’s How Like An Angel at St-Bartholomew-the-Great is a truly transcendental experience.
______________________________________________________________
Stranger than fiction
August 2013
Footstorm, the 2012 Got to Dance champions’ new show at Sadler’s Wells, is let down by its storytelling.
______________________________________________________________
Stepping Out
August 2013
Following a triumphant debut, Bradley and Sören Stauffer-Kruse preview this year’s bigger and better Blackpool Same Sex Dance Festival.
______________________________________________________________
Royal seal of approval
July 2013
As the world welcomes the royal baby, we examine the complex relationship between monarchy and the evolution of dance.
______________________________________________________________
Strictly Come Fitness
July 2013
Two pros from our favourite show launch FitSteps, and experts explain why dance is the best way to get fit this summer.
______________________________________________________________
Stepping Out
July 2013
Barry Free, chairman of top dance footwear brand Supadance, tells us why he’s supporting same-sex ballroom.
______________________________________________________________
Strictly uncovered
June 2013
New stage show Strictly Confidential tells the truth behind the sequins, reveal creator Craig Revel Horwood and star Lisa Riley.
______________________________________________________________
Stepping Out
June 2013
How Dutch ballroom partners Simone Taverne and Lisette van Bruggen found love on the dancefloor.
______________________________________________________________
It takes four to tan-go
June 6, 2013
Following the departure of Strictly pros Erin Boag, Vincent Simone, Flavia Cacace and Aliona Vilani, we pick their three most memorable moments on the show.
______________________________________________________________
Darren and Lilia’s Dance Clinic
May 2013
Strictly champions and top coaches Darren Bennett and Lilia Kopylova answer readers’ burning questions.
______________________________________________________________
Blackpool remembered
May 2013
The top 10 memories of the prestigious Blackpool Dance Festival, from classic rivalries and emotional farewells to the power of simplicity.
______________________________________________________________
Stepping Out
May 2013
Is it possible to introduce same-sex dance into mainstream competition and judge it fairly? We investigate…
______________________________________________________________
Crazy for dance
April 2013
The ultimate countdown of the top 30 dance crazes, from Y.M.C.A. and Gangnam Style to MJ’s Moonwalk and Thriller.
______________________________________________________________
Stepping Out
April 2013
Close contests, shock results and international co-operation at the 16th annual Pink Jukebox Trophy.
______________________________________________________________
A passion for fashion
March 2013
We examine the good, the bad and the bedazzled of dancewear through the ages, plus the top five best dressed and top five fashion disaaaahsters.
______________________________________________________________
Strictly the best
March 2013
The latest Strictly Come Dancing DVD takes on an impossible task – and doesn’t quite succeed. Seh-ven!
______________________________________________________________
Dance Today Dance Teacher of the Year
March 2013
We launch our brand-new reader competition, celebrating the unsung heroes of the dance world.
______________________________________________________________
Stepping Out
March 2013
International champion couples Csaba Csetneki and Balázs Gáti and Caroline Privou and Petra Zimmermann share the secrets of their success.
______________________________________________________________
Eastern promise
February 2013
As Chinese New Year approaches, learn about the history, artistry and cultural significance of Chinese dance.
______________________________________________________________
A lesson in chemistry
February 2013
Discover the formula for a great partnership – just in time for Valentine’s Day…
______________________________________________________________
Stepping Out
February 2013
Rory Desch asks for support for London’s Gay Games 2018 bid.
______________________________________________________________
One singular sensation
January 2013
As the award-winning show arrives in the West End, choreographer Baayork Lee reflects on the evolution and enduring popularity of A Chorus Line.
______________________________________________________________
We are the champions
January 2013
While we look back at the World Professional Ballroom Champion, dancers and coaches explain what it takes to get to the top.
______________________________________________________________
Stepping Out
January 2013
Strictly Wheels, who were a big hit at the Same Sex Open in Blackpool, discuss their partnership.
______________________________________________________________
Dance gives back
December 2012
As we approach the season of giving, three organisations tell us about their outstanding charitable work.
______________________________________________________________
Holding out for a hero
December 2012
Leading industry figures, from Strictly‘s Kristina Rihanoff and Darcey Bussell to Shirley Ballas and Karen Hilton, name their dance hero or heroine.
______________________________________________________________
All tease, no sleaze
December 2012
A review of the surprisingly charming An Evening of Burlesque at London’s IndigO2.
______________________________________________________________
The shock of the new
December 2013
A review of Carolyn Merritt’s impressively comprehensive Tango Nuevo.
______________________________________________________________
Stepping Out
December 2013
A report on all the action from the first-ever Same Sex Open in Blackpool.
______________________________________________________________
The dance odyssey
November 2012
Where in the world are the major ballroom centres? My voyage of discovery.
______________________________________________________________
Stepping Out
November 2012
All the news from the Vienna Dance Contest and the Pink Dancers Anniversary Ball.
______________________________________________________________
A comprehensive guide to ballroom etiquette for modern ladies and gentlemen
October 2012
I don my Emily Post hat to dispense dance wisdom.
______________________________________________________________
Cracking the craft
October 2012
Are we in danger of losing the all-important art of floor craft?
Read the full article here: Part 1, Part 2
______________________________________________________________
Strictly fabulous
October 2012
A review of Strictly Come Dancing judge Bruno Tonioli’s autobiography – which turns out to be a wild ride…
______________________________________________________________
Stepping Out
October 2012
Guyz in Sync’s choreographers share a showdance opportunity and a report on preparations for the Same Sex Open.
______________________________________________________________
Let’s face the music and dance
September 2012
Does quickstep need Big Band and waltz soaring strings? A debate on ballroom musical choices.
______________________________________________________________
Strictly inspirational
September 2012
A reflection on the life of the late Keith Bain, Strictly Ballroom muse and an extraordinary influence on dance and drama in Australia and beyond.
______________________________________________________________
Education, education, education
September 2012
Can we improve our training system to better serve the next generation? Let’s go back to school.
______________________________________________________________
Practice makes perfect
September 2012
A review of competitor and coach Youlie Mouzafiarova’s excellent book Fifty Latin Dance Exercises.
______________________________________________________________
How to win Strictly
September 2012
My sage advice to this year’s crop of hopefuls on how to get that all-important glitterball trophy.
______________________________________________________________
Body language
September 2012
Matthew Bourne gives us a steamy night at the sensational Play Without Words at Sadler’s Wells.
______________________________________________________________
Stepping Out
September 2012
Alex Lewalle and John Church discuss their foray into mainstream dancesport competitions.
______________________________________________________________
Doctor dance
August 2012
John Bohannon explains the origins of the weird and wonderful world of ‘Dance Your Ph.D.’.
______________________________________________________________
The pros and cons of Pro-Am
August 2012
Could this dance form, which is taking hold across the globe, become an institution in Britain?
______________________________________________________________
It all began tonight
August 2012
The transformative experience of West Side Story at the Royal Albert Hall.
______________________________________________________________
Stepping Out
August 2012
How the organisers and same-sex competitors overcame challenges in Hungary to make the EuroGames a success.
______________________________________________________________
It takes two
August 2012
Who is the best ballroom partnership of all time? Dance Today readers contribute to our countdown of the top 25.
______________________________________________________________
The time of my life
July 2012
English National Ballet and Flawless make a good case for creative collaboration in the exhilarating Against Time at the Hammersmith Apollo.
______________________________________________________________
Stepping Out
July 2012
Organisers Bradley and Soren Stauffer-Kruse share more details and explain the significance of the Same Sex Open, the first such competition to be held in Blackpool.
______________________________________________________________
Perfect 10: the paso doble
June 2012
In the latest instalment of our series on the standard 10 dances, prepare to dance for your life as you learn the passion, drama and cultural significance of the paso doble.
______________________________________________________________
The sound of Strictly
June 2012
Dave Arch and his wonderful orchestra share their Strictly stories ahead of their first live music tour.
______________________________________________________________
Back to the future
June 2012
Reality show stars and a Pussycat Doll fail to salvage bafflingly awful West End dance show Revolution.
_____________________________________________________________
Stepping Out
June 2012
Competitors, coaches and judges discuss growing opportunities for same-sex dancers and lay out their hopes for the future.
______________________________________________________________
Judgement time
May 2012
The fate of the top couples in the world lies in the hands of a few individuals. What pressures do they face and how can dancers impress them?
______________________________________________________________
Stepping Out
May 2012
Fresh from their Britain’s Got Talent success, the Sugar Dandies share their new venture: the first-ever same-sex ballroom competition in Blackpool.
______________________________________________________________
Noises off
April 2012
Cha cha chattering is a harmless part of a dancer’s life – but lip-syncing and sound effects could prove fatal to a performance.
______________________________________________________________
Happy feet
April 2012
How has tap evolved, and why are so many people rediscovering this addictive form?
______________________________________________________________
Stepping Out
April 2012
The latest craze among ballroom-loving university students is same-sex dance – but are there enough competitive opportunities?
______________________________________________________________
Streets ahead
March 2012
The show-stopping Latin wins out in the amiably lightweight and unintentionally hilarious StreetDance 2.
______________________________________________________________
Perfect 10: cha cha cha
March 2012
Continuing our exploration of the standard ten dances, the cheeky cha cha cha is one of the most well-travelled ballroom forms – and, of course, the most flirtatious.
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Stepping Out
March 2012
The best dancers in the world gather at London’s Rivoli Ballroom for the annual Pink Jukebox Trophy.
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Perfect 10: Viennese waltz
February 2012
The oldest of the standard 10 ballroom styles may seem stately now, but it used to be the cause of great social scandal.
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Stepping Out
February 2012
Same-sex ballroom’s inclusive spirit means it’s not just for the gay community, explains UK Fun Competition entrant Lisa Dowdeswell.
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A night to remember
January 2012
The first-ever Dance Proms makes a sensational debut on Remembrance Sunday at the Royal Albert Hall.
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Stepping Out
January 2012
Hadass Armon, co-president of the European Same-Sex Dance Association, talks about her outreach work and ambitions for the future.
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A year in dance
January 2012
Get out your diaries! Here are some of the 2012 dance highlights, from festivals and exhibitions to stage shows and competitions.
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Stepping Out
December 2011
As the Pink Dancers celebrate their 20th anniversary, long-time member Jacky Logan looks back on their rich history.
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‘Strictly speaking’ consolation for Russell
November 22, 2011
Russell Grant, the seventh celebrity to be voted off Strictly Come Dancing, is proud of his work on the show – and delighted to be named a Dance Today’s Strictly Legend.
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Too high a cost
November 2011
The dance industry expected a reduction in funding this year, but the lottery of cuts – some surprisingly substantial – has had a devastating impact on several flagship organisations.
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Kick off your Sunday shoes
November 2011
The Footloose remake is a predictable cover version of the original and the standard of acting is variable at best, but the uplifting dance sequences make it worth the ride.
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Strictly Legends
November 14, 2011
Whether good, bad or downright Crazytown, these 20 partnerships have helped define Strictly Come Dancing and make it a national phenomenon.
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Stepping Out
November 2011
Competitions at home and abroad, with reports from the Vienna Dance Contest and UK Fun Competition.
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Dance on the silver screen
October 2011
We reveal the best dance films of all time, plus the most coveted outfits, best scene-stealers and most cherished corny lines.
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Latin legends
October 2011
What does it take to become the best dancers in the world? Battling Latin superstars Michael Malitowski and Joanna Leunis and Riccardo Cocchi and Yulia Zagoruychenko share the secrets of their success.
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Stepping Out
October 2011
A look back over an incredible year for same-sex dance and an interview with the founders of Studio La Danza.
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Flipping out
September 2011
Is the increase in tricks and athleticism a positive part of ballroom’s development, or are we in danger of losing the character of the dances?
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Perfect 10
September 2011
In the first of a new Dance Today series, find out when the “standard ten” dances originated and how they became known around the world as the main competition styles.
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Stepping Out
September 2011
A top same-sex couple relate their mainstream competition experience, plus all the British results from this year’s EuroGames.
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Dance for your life
September 2011
In her book Becoming Ginger Rogers, New York PR guru Patrice Tanaka chronicles the personal and professional renaissance ballroom gave her.
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Stepping Out
August 2011
American performer and teacher Lemington Ridley about crossing the pond and his innovative approach to the British same-sex dance scene.
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Stepping Out
July 2011
DJ Jacky Logan talks line dancing, Gay Pride, modern music and Dance Al Fresco.
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The Proms King
June 2011
Christopher Nourse, organiser of the first-ever Dance Proms, shares the rewards and challenges of pioneering a new national festival.
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Stepping Out
June 2011
Torben Doose makes a French connection as he tells us about Le Gais Musette, the country’s leading same-sex ballroom club.
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Dress to impress for less
May 2011
Dancewear can be one of the most enticing aspects of ballroom, but also one of the most expensive – unless you’re au fait with the second-hand market…
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Spot the waltz
May 2011
The curiously misnamed Waltzing Classics CD offers the listener a Where’s Wally? challenge due to its bizarre shortage of waltz tracks.
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Stepping Out
May 2011
Three female same-sex partnerships share the successes and challenges of their dance journeys.
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The next generation
April 2011
How do our young dance champions cope with the pressure of competing and is there enough support for rising British talent?
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University challenge
April 2011
All the student action from the hotly contested Inter Varsity Dance Competition in Blackpool.
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Stepping Out
April 2011
Three male same-sex partnerships tell us how they got started and their hopes for the future.
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Dancing backwards in high heels
March 2011
Can modern women succeed in the dance world, or does the rise of ballroom herald a return to old-fashioned social values?
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Stepping Out
March 2011
This year’s Pink Jukebox Trophy saw stars, surprises and some very special performances.
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Looking the part
March 2011
Do long lashes, sparkle, slicked-back hair and fake tan really make a difference on the competition floor? Dancers, judges and designers debate whether styling is the key to success.
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Love at first step
February 2011
Dancing may be the key to romance, but what makes a partnership endure both on and off the floor? Couples who met their partners through ballroom, from top pros to teachers and students, share their stories.
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Stepping Out
February 2011
Members of the UK Same Sex Dance Council talk about what they’ve achieved so far and their hopes for the future.
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New year, new you
February 2011
The BBC’s has a decent contender in the battle of the workout DVDs in the form of Strictly Fit: Dance Fit.
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Stepping Out
January 2011
Three dancewear designers share their thoughts on what works best for competitive same-sex couples.
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Strictly Come Stripping
December 2010
Enterprising university students are baring all in a nude calendar to raise funds for their ballroom society.
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Stepping Out
December 2010
Same-sex ballroom is becoming increasingly visible, from national TV exposure in Israel to a growing crop of regional dance clubs.
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All the world’s a stage
November 2010
From the West End to the RSC, dancing is becoming more and more prevalent in theatre. The choreographers of the latest hit shows explain why dance is such an asset to drama.
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In sync
November 2010
From Strictly stars to ballroom beginners, dance troupes are all the rage. But what makes a group successful?
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Jive test-drive
November 2010
The 10-time UK Modern Jive Champions make a decent case for the style in a pair of DVDs.
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Stepping Out
November 2010
British couples fare well in the Vienna Dance Contest, while, closer to home, beginners relish the chance to shine in the UK Fun Competition at the Rivoli.
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Shoes, glorious shoes
October 2010
Sadler’s Wells’ Shoes is a foot fetishist’s dream, but needs more variation in tone and a stronger dramatic message.
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Mad about the boys
October 2010
Strictly new boys Artem Chigvintsev and Jared Murillo talk about joining the cast and what they’re planning to do with their celebrity partners.
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Stepping Out
October 2010
The Cologne Gay Games saw record results for British competitors in a number of categories.
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Save Fulham Town Hall
September 2010
Stardust Ball organiser Mark Kendal explains why dancers need to fight the council’s decision to sell the building.
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Chrisanne is strictly fabulous
September 2010
The dancewear designer puts on an exclusive fashion show to raise money for Kids Company.
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Stepping Out
September 2010
Beginners take their first competitive steps in the UK Fun Competition while the top couples go for gold in Cologne.
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No room for ballroom
August 2010
Britain is in the grip of dance fever, so why is there such a dearth of quality ballroom spaces?
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Stepping Out
August 2010
In the first instalment of a new regular column on the world of same-sex dance, a big bus makes a big splash and there’s fierce international competition in Berlin.
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Dance for joy
July 2010
Dancing isn’t just a great way to get fit – it can also have transformative psychological effects.
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ZuRumba fever
July 2010
A new Latin fusion style is raising temperatures both on and off the dancefloor.
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Dancing in the street
May 2010
From tango in the park to dancing on Nelson’s column, people across the nation are embracing al fresco dancing.
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Same difference
April 2010
Same-sex dancers might challenge ballroom’s traditional gender values, but they’re wonderful advocates for its skill, passion and ability to bring people together.
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