Posted on 17/03/10, filed under Dance News | No Comments
Regulars to our dances will know that we have been fortunate to have with us at many of our dances, Heidi & Jocheu visiting from Germany.
Jocheu has been working at Brighton University on a project which has now ended and they returned to Germany at the end of February. Despite the language differences they have both made many friends during their time here, many of you will have spoken with them at our dances and know what a friendly couple they are. For me the memory of Heidi & Jocheu is their dancing, which they do wholeheartedly and with such apparent enjoyment. It is what dancing should be about for the social dancer.
We made a presentation on their last dance with us, as you can see from the photograph attached. Heidi & Jocheu may yet return as they plan to holiday in the UK in the near future to see more of the country.
If you read this, Heidi & Jocheu, best wishes to you from all at simply dancing and keep on dancing.
Posted on 05/03/10, filed under Dance Events | No Comments
Once again ‘The Night of 100 Stars’ is to be held at the Effingham Park Hotel near Gatwick on the 18th of October 2010, tickets for this great event will be on sale from the 15th of June 2010 from the BDF (see the links page on the website).
We anticipate once again booking a front row table for simply dancing, if you are interested in joining us for this event please let us know as soon as possible.
We rate this event as one of the best in the dance calendar, an opportunity to see the some of the worlds best dancers in cabaret style, at close proximity.
Bring your dance shoes as there is plenty of opportunity for social dancing.
Posted on 29/12/09, filed under Dance News | No Comments
After six weeks of explosive performances, exhausting rehearsals under the tutelage of some of the dance world’s leading choreographers, and dramatic judgements, Charlie Bruce has been named Britain’s Favourite Dancer, and crowned the winner of the first series of BBC One‘s So You Think You Can Dance. Following a dramatic final week which saw fellow-finalist Robbie White withdraw from the competition, due to an injury sustained in rehearsal, tension was fever-pitch between the remaining three finalists as they headed in to tonight’s Grand Final.
Performing Pop Jazz, Tango, Hip Hop, Samba, Lyrical, Broadway, Jazz and Contemporary routines in groups and couples, as well as their all-important solos, the finalists had their work cut out to impress the viewers at home and get the chance to dance on the US show and take home the £100,000 prize.
Standing in for Robbie, who appeared at the start of the show with host Cat Deeley, were former contestants Alastair Postlethwaite,Mark Calape and Drew McOnie in routines partnered with the competing finalists.
McOnie later teamed up with former dance partner Hayley Newton to perform the Judges’ Favourite dance from the series – their much-loved Contemporary ‘Bed’ routine performed in Week 2, choreographed by Raphael Bonachela.
After all the performances, the judges reflected on the performances of the evening.
Nigel Lythgoe said: “All the dancers were inspirational and, I think, for series two, it’s going to inspire all the dancers sitting out there wondering if they’ll audition. They’re all going to get up and audition after tonight… any one of these three are worthy winners, and the whole point of not just the £100,00 but actually going to Hollywood to expose their talents to 20 million people and work with all those choreographers… it’s a chance in a lifetime.”
For Arlene Phillips, it was “a battle of the girls, and Lizzie tonight in Sweet Dreams – her acting was absolutely phenomenal… that edged it for me.”
Louise Redknapp agreed it was all about Girl Power: “I’m along with Arlene on this one and I think Lizzie in Sweet Dreams and Charlie in the lyrical.”
Sisco Gomez, however, sided with Tommy, saying that his routine with returning dancer Mark was the highlight: “That Hip Hop was representing.”
After the couples’ performances, each dancer performed a solo to showcase why they should be named Britain’s Favourite Dancer.
On Lizzie’s solo, Louise said: “Let me say this is not a one-horse race! Lizzie, your solo every week is unique. Not many people can spin on their head the way you did. You are a strong, edgy, cool, exciting dancer and I love you.”
On Tommy’s shirtless solo, Arlene said: “Tommy, what you do is unique. I have to say last week’s solo was phenomenal, this week’s solo was phenomenal too. You live, breathe, hear, feel and see music. And taking your shirt off too was pretty good.”
On Charlie’s solo, Arlene said: “Charlie, you have just changed tonight and grown through this series. That solo was one of your best. It wasn’t necessarily your very best, but what you have done through the night is mega, honey. Mega.”
Eliminated in third place was Lizzie Gough, leaving Tommy Franzenand Charlie to go head-to-head for the title.
Of Lizzie’s time in the competition, Arlene said: “Never mind the audience ringing and voting, phones will be ringing for Lizzie right now from choreographers and producers to get this outstanding talent in some way. I know that.”
Following her elimination, Lizzie said: “I think I’ve been lucky because I’ve had a different style every week and I’ve never had a bad routine. I’m still going to go to America and kick ass over there!”
Cat Deeley later announced the results and, after weeks of hard-work, it was announced that Britain’s Favourite Dancer was Charlie!
Following the announcement, Nigel said: “I’m exhausted. To have seen Tommy and Charlie grow across this series has been wonderful. Both were spectacular this evening but, for me, Charlie edged it. I’m going to be so delighted to take her to America.”
And the newly-crowned champion, an emotional and tearful Charlie, said: “I’m absolutely speechless. Thank you so much. I did it. I did it… I’ll never forget this!”
The results show had performances from Robbie Williams singing the official Sport Relief single, Morning Sun; a group dance featuring the three finalists to I Gotta Feeling choreographed by Paul Domaine; as well as a spectacular routine reuniting all the show’s former dancers to Lady Gaga’s Bad Romance.
