Ordinarily, I’d be spending the months of June and July playing detective. I am known to search the social media platforms of British celebrities for clues leading to the announcement that they will be taking part in this year’s Strictly Come Dancing.
Any hint of a rhinestone, flash of a feather boa or glimpse of glitter, I would be on the phone to my grandma to let her know. It’s like a stake-out. Picture me, on my sofa with a bag of sweet and salty popcorn analysing morning TV interviews and pairing up couples in my head.
I’m sure I am not alone amongst Saturday night TV fans who are waiting hopefully to hear news on this year’s series. 2020 would be the BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing 18th series. Back in March they revealed the professionals who were set to train a group of celebs and turn them into ballroom dancers in the run up to Christmas. Yep, I said the C word.
However, it is not yet known whether the series will take place this year. If it does, to what capacity? It’s pretty difficult to rumba with a 2-metre gap but could make for some comedic Charlestons. Safety is of course of the utmost priority for all involved to create the television programme.
The beloved Strictly professionals have provided amble opportunity to keep dancing throughout lockdown. Hosting virtual dance classes and coordinating challenges on platforms like Instagram and Tik Tok, the pros have not stopped even when the rest of the world seemed to be on pause.
Many have scheduled UK tours for 2021. So why not get a date booked in your diary to look forward to, and support your local theatres?
Karen and Gorka: Firedance
Joined by a full live band and an ensemble of dynamic dancers, Karen and Gorka put together a Latin spectacular. Promising seductive choreography and performances that pulse with passion, the show is intricate and intimate. Together, Karen and Gorka push the boundaries of what is known of Latin dance.
Performing dances including the Argentine Tango, Flamenco, Paso Doble, Samba and Salsa as well as contemporary pieces to hit songs including In The Air Tonight, Bad Romance and Relight My Fire. Firedance is a cracker of a show, that excites and entertains under the heat.
Produced jointly by Raymond Gubbay and Kilimanjaro Live, the creation of Firedance was filled for a BBC Four programme ‘Danceworks – Firedance: Latin Fever’. The show is available to watch here.
Touring from February 2021. firedancelive.co.uk/
Oti Mabuse: I Am Here
Having lifted the Strictly glitterball with Kelvin Fletcher in 2019, Strictly favourite Oti Mabuse has announced her first solo show.
Be it a lightning speed jive or an eclectic salsa, Oti is hailed for her innovative choreography that leaves audiences open mouthed and hungry for more. The Greatest Dancer reigning champion has created a show that promises to be as explosive and fun as what we see on screen.
I Am Here brings together the world’s greatest dancers and the finest musicians from the West End in a celebration of her influences and inspirations from growing up in South Africa to reaching her dreams. It’s sure to be a genuine, emotional and explosive performance.
Touring from April 2021
Strictly Come Dancing: The Professionals
There is no better place to catch all your favourite familiar dancers from the show. Putting together vibrant group dances and pairing into the dynamic duos we know best, Strictly Come Dancing: The Professionals is a real celebration of the culture of Strictly. It is credit to the show that they have helped to create, after-all they are the reason so many people tune in week after week, year after year.
Touring from May 2021
Janette and Aljaž: Remembering the Oscars
The fun-loving couple are back with their new show playing tribute to Oscar winning songs. Think Skyfall, City of Stars and Disney family favourites.
Joined by a cast of dancers and musicians, Janette and Aljaž take you to the movies as they journey through the Golden Ages of Hollywood and Bollywood. With spectacular costumes and dazzling stage effects, the married couple are guaranteed to paint a smile on your face with their charismatic chemistry and passionate, thrilling choreography.
Touring from March 2021
The Joe and Dianne Show
When partnered together in 2018, Joe Sugg and Dianne Buswell didn’t take home the trophy, but they won something much more valuable – each other!
Since reaching the final together, Joe has enjoyed time on the West End as the loveable Ogi in Waitress and Dianne returned to Strictly with partner, Dev. Together they have put together a new variety show filled with music, comedy and dance. This couple are sure to impress fans of all ages with glitz, glamour and laughs a plenty.
Touring from March 2021
Neil Jones: Gingerland
In between making funny Tik Toks and making his directorial and choreographic debut at Sadler’s Wells, pro dancer Neil Jones has made his own dance show. Combining comedy, special effects and ballroom dancing.
Gingerland showcases Neil’s journey to being three-time World, eight-time British champion in the world of ballroom dancing. It will introduce audiences to the people who helped him on the way, and by chance they also share his ginger coloured hair. I’m sure the dancing will have the same fire!
Touring from February 2021
Giovanni Pernice: This Is Me
Giovanni is joined by a host of fantastic dancers, including Oksana & Jonathan Platero, for This Is Me. His leading lady is Strictly newcomer Nancy Xu. Delivering a mix of ballroom and Latin routines, Giovanni pays tribute to the music and dances that have influenced and shaped his successful career.
With his signature Italian charm, the Strictly favourite is a natural showman who will captivate from start to end.
2021 rescheduled tour dates to be announced later this week through Strictly Theatre Co.
Here Come the Boys
Aljaž Škorjanec, Pasha Kovalev, and Graziano Di Prima. Name a more iconic trio. The Strictly favourites, past and present, have danced their way into the hearts of many.
Here Come the Boys is a dance extravaganza delivering a feast of different dance styles to smash hits as the boys go head to head to win the affections of the audience.
Touring from June 2021
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