Author: Jessica Wilson

Strictly-Themed Workout Programme From Bristol

FitStepsA Bristol fitness instructor and diet adviser Sarah Buscemi has added a new Strictly-themed exercise regime to her usual repertoire to enable clients to dance their way to fitness with a new Strictly-themed workout programme. Sarah has joined other Rosemary Conley consultants around the country to train in FitSteps, which was launched earlier this year by Strictly stars Natalie Lowe and Ian Waite.

The programme is based on some of most popular Latin and ballroom dances, also seen on the hit television show Strictly Come Dancing, including the jive, cha cha, samba, tango, waltz and quickstep, but for FitSteps it is broken down into easy sections. As a result FitSteps has been made suitable for dancers of all abilities, even if you have never danced before

Sarah runs 10 Rosemary Conley classes each week in Bristol and South Gloucestershire, with the 90-minute session including a 45-minute exercise session, and now FitSteps. Like all FitSteps instructors, Sarah was personally introduced to the moves by Natalie and Ian, and can download new dances to teach her clients from the FitSteps website, keeping the programme both fresh and up to date.

With television shows such as Strictly growing in popularity, it is no wonder that FitSteps is appealing: it is around 50% dance and 50% aerobic moves, but the combination of the two makes for an intense workout. With FitSteps there is no need for a partner, and supports all levels and abilities, whether they work out often, or can’t remember the last time they put on their fitness shoes.

If you would like to try your hand (and feet!) at FitSteps, visit fitsteps.co.uk to find a class near you.

Dane Quixall: A Spotlight

Dane QuixallA relatively late starter, Dane Quixall began dancing aged 16. He went on to gain a Full Scholarship at the Urdang Academy aged 18, and upon graduating, joined an International Touring Company. With a stellar success story such as Dane’s, with credits such as CATS the musical, it is any wonder that he is a true professional and works incredibly hard.

When did you begin dancing, where and why?

I started dancing around my house when I was about 16 after seeing the video of CATS. I used to watch it EVERY night and dance along. I went to drama clubs prior to this and attended a local dance school on a Saturday where we used to learn routines, but I didn’t learn to do a plié until I was 18.

What were your early years of dancing and training like?

I attended the Urdang Academy in Covent Garden on a Full Scholarship and I am so thankful for that. I found training difficult as I had to work every night and weekend to pay for my rent, food and travel. A typical day was getting up at 6am to leave and get to central London to start Ballet at 8.45am, classes all day until 6p, and then start work Front of House at 6.15pm. I would work until 11pm, get home by 12pm, sleep for 6 hours and start again. I was tired and moody the whole time so not the best experience of my life, but it made me grow up and I learnt a lot in those 3 years.

A typical day…

I would start with ballet and we had great teachers who really gave a great basic training in the first year, which helped me to get to the standard of others who had been dancing since they were 3 years old. We had contempary classes, tap classes, singing lessons, gymnastics, jazz classes and acting classes. I enjoyed most of the lessons but I NEVER do, and still don’t, think of myself as a ‘dancer’. I think of myself as a Musical Theatre performer, so I much perferred the jazz classes and Musical Theatre lessons and workshops.

At the moment…

I have just finished 3 years and just under 800 shows of CATS on the European Tour, playing nearly all the boys and on occassions some of the girls! I’m resting until the end of January 2014 when I start rehearsals again for the UK Tour of CATS again as a Swing.

A typical day now…

When performing I usually get up about 11am. I have never been a morning person so working nights is great for me. If I’m on that evening I usually get a call around that time to let me know which character I am going to play. I would then spend time thinking about that ‘track’ and maybe watch the DVD if it has been a while. I prefer to do this early in the day an once I get to theatre I can go over the finer details after warm up, if there is partner work or a number, for example.

I would usually leave for the theatre about 2pm, go and get lunch about 3.30pm so it has time to digest and give me energy. I like to get to the theatre in enough time so my make up and wig is on and ready for warm up (as I don’t want to sit down for another 30 minutes after the warm up). The show starts at 7.30pm and if I’m on stage its non stop for 2 and a half hours. Unfortunately the show looks easy and effortless, and I guess it’s supposed to as you never see a Cat out of breath (!) but sometimes I wish people could understand just how difficult it is. It’s over 30 hours a week of cardio! You are always on stage or in the wings for 30 seconds to do a change, but you are always crawling, jumping, running and leaping.

The show finishes about 10.30pm so I try and take 5 minutes to stretch and then take my make up off. I would have had a few snacks throughout the show but I’m usually starving by the end, so probably have some food, a bath and then try and relax… and then bed!

How long have you been performing?

I guess I have been performing since Junior school, doing little plays and things like that. As for performing professionally, I left Urdang and within 3 weeks I had signed my first contract for a UK Tour, so I have been a professional since 2005. I have had the odd time when I’ve had to do other work, but most of the time I have already had a job to go to… I’m very lucky.

Did I start young?

No, but I really wish I had. I would have loved to have done gymnastics, although I think I would have wanted to be a rhythmic gymnast! But, the thing about starting late is that I really knew it was what I wanted and I was going to get it, no matter what. I don’t know if it was arrogant or childhood fooliness but the thought of me not acheiving was never there. I wasn’t competitve with anyone else, just myself; I want to be the best that I can be.

Do I still take classes?

Absolutely. You have to look after yourself and I enjoy it so much. It takes my mind away from everything. I go to class and I watch YouTube a lot for inspiration. When I was growing up the Internet was very new: people now can learn anything from the Internet. I had a few programmes and a few videos to inspire me.

Whats the best part of performing?

The best part is that I’m living the dream. I feel very lucky to be able to do that and that I can bring joy to other people with this show, which changed my life. As I am getting older I also understand that we are all human and I go to work each day and give the best I can. I might be sick or upset or exhausted, but I try my best. I can only give what I have on that day. Somedays are better than others – but with CATS if you’re angry you can use that in the show and usually after the Jellicle Ball you’ll feel great – you’ll want to be sick, but you’ll feel great!

What advice would you give to someone aspiring to be part of ‘the industry’?

My advice is that you have to work extremely hard and enjoy doing that, or this business might not be for you. With reality TV shows at the moment ‘Show Business’ is very popular but people believe that they don’t have to work hard and they can just go to one audition! It takes years of training and countless rejections before you will get anywhere. If you want security and a nice house and a car by 25 years old, this isn’t the business for you. You have to be honest with yourself and go for parts that you are right for. You never stop learning, and try and be nice, because NO ONE wants to work with someone who is difficult and arrogant! The last thing is ‘HARD WORK beats Talent when Talent doesn’t WORK HARD!’

The WhatsOnStage Awards

WhatsOnStage Awards 2014The WhatsOnStage Awards are the only major theatre awards in which the audience are the judges. By voting the audience decide on the winners of my different theatrical categories.

The WhatsOnStage Awards began almost by accident: in early 2001, the shortlists for that year’s Laurence Olivier Awards was published by accident, covering the 2,000 theatregoing year, and invited site visitors to vote online for who they thought should win in the various Olivier categories, and their results differed greatly from the Olivier judges. For the 2002 Awards the shortlists were compiled by the WhatsOnStage editors, and in 2003, the first Launch Party was held to announce the shortlists to about 200 industry guests.

For the 2014 Awards, covering the 2013 theatre year, key dates are 1 November – nominations open; 30 November – nominations close; 6 December – Launch party, shortlists announced, voting opens; 31 January – Voting closes; and 23 February – Awards Ceremony and Concert, winners announced.

Each year, the Awards shortlists – covering the best of London theatre – are drawn up with the help of thousands of theatregoers who nominate favourites across over 20 awards categories. After nominations are announced voting opens and runs until the end of January the following year.

All professional productions that opened in London between 1 December and 30 November are eligible for awards consideration, with just a few special categories. Best Takeover in a Role recognises new performers in longer-running productions, while Best Regional Production looks beyond the capital. To celebrate the tenth anniversary of the awards in 2010, introduced was a new category for Best West End Show, which applies to all current West End productions, including long-running blockbusters.

The 2014 WhatsOnStage Awards Concert will return to the West End’s Prince of Wales Theatre on 23 February 2014.

Scottish Ballet’s App

Scottish Ballet's iPad AppScottish Ballet has recently launched an app for iPad, free to download for users and full of secrets from behind the scenes of Scotland’s company. The app can be downloaded by browsing for Scottish Ballet in the App Store and tapping FREE followed by INSTALL APP. Once installed, your new app will be sitting on your Newsstand shelf waiting to be read!

The app enables users to uncover the spectacular secrets behind the making of Scottish Ballet’s productions, from choreographic processes to musical scores, with Scottish Ballet’s brand new release on the iPad Newsstand. Audiences can find out more about their favourite productions and the process of staging them for Scottish Ballet.

For this free issue, the app takes a look at Scottish Ballet’s next production of Hansel & Gretel, offering a glimpse backstage with features on the making of the Company’s newest production, including fascinating video interviews, photo galleries, audio excerpts, set and costume designs and the chance to find out more about this enchanting show before you go.

As subscription is free, any changes made to the app will be made evident by notifications of all future Scottish Ballet Newsstand apps for iPad when they’re launched, instructing users to download the new version. New issues will also be complete with free behind the scenes galleries, interviews and much more.

In another strand of success for Scottish Ballet, it was recently announced that three finalists from the prestigious Genée International Ballet Competition are now working alongside Scottish Ballet for their new production of Hansel & Gretel. Pascal Johnson, from Tring Park School for the Performing Arts, has been offered a temporary contract, and Natasha Watson (bronze medallist) and Katie Rogers are on student secondment from Ballet West and Royal Conservatoire Scotland respectively.

Strictly Christmas Lineup Confirmed!

Strictly Come Dancing ChristmasThe Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special lineup has been confirmed with the show returning to Christmas Day again for 2013. Six brand new celebrities take part in a festive edition of the show.

The pairings are as follows:

Rochelle Humes & Ian Waite
Sara Cox & Robin Windsor
Elaine Paige & Pasha Kovalev
Matt Goss & Aliona Vilani
Ricky Norwood & Janette Manrara
Rufus Hound & Flavia Cacace

Star of The Saturdays Rochelle Humes, West End singing sensation Elaine Paige and radio DJ Sara Cox will be appearing, alongside the males, singer Matt Goss, actor Ricky Norwood and comedian and West End performer Rufus Hound. Professional dancers Robin Windsor, Pasha Kovalev and Ian Waite will partner the female celebrities, and Aliona Vilani, Janette Manrara and Flavia Cacace will partner the male celebrities.

All six celebrities are huge fans of Strictly, and two have even had a go at the BBC dance shows before in the name of charity. Rochelle took part in Strictly Come Dancing for Children in Need in 2010 against Harry Judd, before he went on to become Strictly champion in 2011. Rufus wowed audiences during Let’s Dance for Comic Relief in 2010, where he famously morphed into Cheryl Cole and performed her Fight For This Love routine. Elaine and Sara are both Strictly super fans, who both present shows on BBC Radio 2; singer Matt, famous for his part in boy band Bros has preciously performed on Strictly as a singer and Ricky will be trading the streets of Eastenders’ Albert Square for the Strictly dance floor.

The beautiful winter wonderland opening number will be filmed at LaplandUK, with Sir Bruce Forsyth and Tess Daly presenting the show and its festivities, with judges Len Goodman, Darcey Bussell, Bruno Tonioli and Craig Revel Horwood ready to provide some Christmas scores.

World Tutu Day

World Tutu Day 2014The Australian Ballet School has introduced a new fundraising initiative called World Tutu Day, which will utilise an online fundraising platform allowing ballet lovers from all walks of life to create their own fundraising pages. Through integration on social networking sites, fundraisers will be able to gather supporters and spread the World Tutu Day message. The School hopes that in the future the concept will spread to the best ballet schools around the world, giving peers a great way to raise funds. As a result, World Tutu Day will fulfil its ultimate goal of supporting ballet education internationally.

The Australian Ballet School is Australia’s national centre for elite vocational classical dance and the school of The Australian Ballet. As part of the commitment to the future of ballet, the exciting new initiative will begin as an annual fundraising event in support of The Australian Ballet School. Funds raised by World Tutu Day will enable the School to maximise its accessibility to talented students by providing scholarships and bursaries to those in need. It will also benefit all students by supporting the School’s health and welfare programmes.

The first World Tutu Day will be held on Tu Tu 2014 (2nd of February 2014) but those involved can start raising funds now and then celebrate in style by holding an event on the day. Those who like to keep it simple can also lend their support by donating online or by purchasing a Tutu Band or Tutu T-shirt. The scheme looks set to be a great self-starting way to easily raise funds for dance education all over the world and provide for young, talented dancers who may not get opportunities like this.

Jersey Boys Star With Board Game Hit!

David McGranaghan & Game For FameJersey Boys actor David McGranaghan, who is currently starring as Nick Massi in the hit West End musical, has launched the board game Game for Fame. David teamed up with fellow actor Joseph Pitcher to create Game for Fame, where you ‘race from rags to riches and end up in stitches’.

The game has gained a large following due to its tongue-in-cheek view of the celebrity world and has recently been ranked in Amazon’s top 5 selling board games. David puts the success of the game down to its originality, inclusivity and humour, with the challenges both competitive and fun. David runs the business during the day with business partner Joe and then stars in Jersey Boys in the evening, which is the best of both worlds for him.

Jersey Boys tells the remarkable true story of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons and their rise to stardom from the wrong side of the tracks. These four boys from New Jersey became one of the most successful bands in pop history, were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and sold 100 million records worldwide, all before they turned 30.

The musical is the winner of 54 major awards worldwide, including the Olivier Award for Best New Musical. The show originally opened on Broadway in 2006, receiving the Tony Award for Best Musical. As well as still running on Broadway and in the West End, Jersey Boys can be seen in Las Vegas, across the United States on its US National Tour, and in Perth, Australia, and will open soon in Cape Town, South Africa and the Netherlands. The musical will be transferring to the Piccadilly Theatre in March 2014, with the last performance at the Prince Edward Theatre on Sunday 9 March.

The Bodyguard Extends Its Run!

The Bodyguard MusicalThe Bodyguard, hit West End musical based on the iconic film, has recently recently released another 300,000 tickets in an announcement that it is extending its triumphant run until August 2014. Fans can now enjoy Thea Sharrock’s hit production for even longer, based on Lawrence Kasdan’s 1992 Oscar nominated Warner Bros. Film.

Former Secret Service agent turned bodyguard, Frank Farmer, is hired to protect superstar Rachel Marron from an unknown stalker. In the romantic thriller, The Bodyguard features a whole host of Whitney Houston classics including Queen of the Night, One Moment in Time, Saving All My Love, I’m Your Baby Tonight, Run to You, I Have Nothing, I Wanna Dance With Somebody and I Will Always Love You.

In September soul queen Beverley Knight joined the production as Rachel Marron to rave reviews alongside Tristan Gemmill as Frank Farmer, meaning The Bodyguard has already had an exciting year. As well as Knight (Rachel Marron), Gemmill (Frank Farmer) and Debbie Kurup (Nicki Marron), the current cast also features Richard Lloyd King (Bill Devaney), Stephen Marcus (Tony), Dominic Taylor (Sy Spector), Michael Rouse (Stalker) and Stuart Reid (Ray Court).

In October a special gala performance welcomed the new cast and was attended by many VIP Guests including Matt Cardle, Mel C, Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Emeli Sandé and Joss Stone. Earlier in November the musical celebrated its first birthday at the Adelphi Theatre in the capital, celebrating by having Kurup, at the end of the performance, asking the audience to join in celebrating this milestone as a specially commissioned birthday cake was brought out on to the stage. The cast then treated the audience to their own rendition of “Happy Birthday”. Kurup has played Nicki Marron in the production since its world premiere in December 2012.

Phoenix Dance Theatre

Phoenix Dance TheatrePhoenix Dance Theatre has grown over the last thirty years to become a renowned and respected British dance company. Founded in inner-city Leeds, the company has become a leading contemporary company and now completes both national and international tours in the aim to bring inspiring and entertaining dance to the widest possible audience.

Founded in 1981 by David Hamilton, Donald Edwards and Vilmore James, Phoenix’s fresh approach to contemporary dance won much support from its audiences and critics. The company began with just male dancers and went on to appoint female dancers from 1987 following the appointment of Neville Campbell as Artistic Director. Cambell worked to expand the company to ten dancers, and also expanded the company’s repertoire. In this year also the company established its permanent base at Yorkshire Dance in Leeds city centre.

1991 saw Margaret Morris take over as Artistic Director, and with this saw the expanding of the company’s UK and international touring. In 1996 the company were the some representative of British dance at the Cultural Olympics in Atlanta, and the company continued to grow under two more Artistic Directors, establishing an archive and rebranding the company. Phoenix has seen many styles of directorship and many growing facets as a result: under Javier De Frutos, for example, the now multi-cultural company won the ‘Company Prize for Outstanding Repertoire (Modern)’ at the Critics’ Circle National Dance Awards.

Current Artistic Director Sharon Watson was appointed in 2009, re-introducing the company to diverse and mixed programmes of work and revived classic pieces from the companies rich repertoire. The company now aims to be the leading middle scale dance company in the UK, having just celebrated three decades of dance. The company’s new home at Quarry Hill means Phoenix can continue producing high quality work for even longer.

New West End Shows Courtesy Of Bill Kenwright Ltd

Bill Kenwright LimitedThe producing company Bill Kenwright Limited is planning to bring around 10 shows into the West End in 2014, under the guise of new producer Jeremy Meadow. His roster of shows which he is set to transfer to the capital will follow the opening of Twelve Angry Men at the Garrick Theatre. Also planned by Bill Kenwright Limited is the revival of French farce Chin-Chin with Simon Callow and Felicity Kendal and The Butterfly Lion by Michael Morpurgo, which are both currently on tour, and the two classics Oleanna by David Mamet and JB Priestly’s Dangerous Corner also set for revival.

Meadow has said that theatre availability would dictate which of the 10 shows made it into the West End; it seems there will be some definite transfers, despite the fact there are not definite houses for them. There are also shows that are also possible for 2014, but still in development. The company is also looking for a venue to house the stage adaptation of horror film Let the Right One In, following its run at London’s Royal Court Theatre this Christmas, in addition to trying to secure a West End transfer for Foxfinder, which premiered at the Finborough Theatre in 2011

For Bill Kenwright Limited, there are also a number of musicals for which it hopes to find a London home. It will be launching a tour of Fame in February with plans for a West End transfer, while it is also trying to transfer Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre’s production of The Sound of Music to an indoor venue. There is a possibility that its touring production of Evita, starring Marti Pellow and Madalena Alberto, could transfer into the West End, while there are hopes that the touring production of Cabaret, starring Will Young, could also return to London.