Something about the nights getting darker and people wrapping up in faux fur and glamming up in sequins and sparkles makes the dance world seem more alive than ever.
Strictly Come Dancing certainly begins to shine at this time of year – snuggling up to watch the ballroom drama is somewhat more appealing than braving the wet and windy weather outside. But Strictly contestants seem to be in an altogether different season (namely spring) with dancers flirting and getting a bit closer than their partnership prescribes. This time it’s Ricky Whittle and professional dancer Natalie who seemed to have been hit by cupid…but we could see that coming a mile off couldn’t we?
In other dance news Darcy Bussell is happily settled in Australia, and in her place new national treasures of dance seem to be presenting themselves, in the form of Kathak/contemporary guru Akram Khan for example. Have we finally caught up in the dance world to have a beacon of British dance which represents the diversity of our culture? Dance debates between purists and those fusing dance styles and genres are still rife, but perhaps the days of having an English-rose ballerina as the dance ambassador for the country are bygone.
Elsewhere Birmingham Royal Ballet’s triple bill Quantum Leaps has been a roaring success - again, we knew this already.
- Akram Khan: ‘You have to become a warrior’ – Interviews, Arts & Entertainment – The Independent – Well worth a read for Khan’s comments on growing up and working with influential artists
- Arlene Phillips: ‘I hate Saturdays’ | Television & radio | The Guardian – Our favourite long lost judge talks about being on Strictly and we find out a bit more about her background
- Darcey Bussell: ‘I’ll be happy to be critical as a Strictly judge’ | Stage | The Observer – The British queen of ballet talks in a candid interview about her retirement from the dance world, appearing as a judge on Strictly and her move to Australia
- BBC NEWS | England | Devon | Vomit bug ends dance event early – Dance event closes due to sick bug
