Bank Holiday

Another Bank Holiday is upon us (woohoo) and we hope you all have something in your diaries to make the most of the extra day off.

Nicky & I will be in Canterbury with a non-dancing work mate of mine (he really doesn't know what he's letting himself in for) on Saturday. His wife would love to dance, but he's an Oz guy! Anyone prepared to place a bet we can't have him dancing..?

If anyone has any ideas on how to get more men dancing then we are all ears...

Anyway, hope you all have a great weekend, Jim Nicky & Tracy x x x

Spats

Spats are a type of shoe accessory worn in the late 19th and early 20th century. They were stiff fabric covers attached to the top of the shoe and extending up the lower part of the leg. Spats, especially white ones on highly-polished black shoes, form part of the stereotype dress of a wealthy young man of the era, along with a top hat and a cane. Spats were an evolution of the 18th century "Spatterdashes," a version of the similar (but strictly practical rather than decorative) articles known as gaiters that are still worn today, to prevent mud getting into walking boots.
A mobster in the film Some Like It Hot was nicknamed "Spats" because he wore that type of shoe. In addition, the recent A&E series "Poirot" featured this article worn by the title character.

Are the dance shoes with the white leather spats or do they have another name?

Update - 1
I found this great website with lots of shoes and suites
Zoot Suite

Jim

Sultans of Swing DJs John & Linda hit Herne Bay on Thursday!

John & Linda Ford (www.jivehive.co.uk) will be guest DJing at our Herne Bay venue this Thursday 27th April. They are the top Swing DJs on the Modern Jive circuit having DJ'd at the countries biggest dance weekenders as well as doing their own freestyles for the past 8 years in Canterbury.

They'll be playing a huge mixture of tunes including your favourite modern pop hits to some swing tunes that will keep you on the dance floor all night! The wonderful Keith & Fran will be teaching and hosting, as usual, so why not pop along and experience Dance Riviera's wonderful Herne Bay night on Thursday.

Nicky

Dance Routines

Nicky and I will be choreographing our 2 dance routines this weekend for Camber.

Bump & Grind : A funky class with fun in mind, but some good moves too.
We've still to pick the music for this, so any suggestions are welcome. It needs to be a RnB funky style music, but then any good track will work.
Were scheduled to go on stage at 10.00 am Sunday morning, which means getting out of bed for 9.00 am after a very late night Saturday should be a challenge. Hmmmmm, can I teach in my sleep or we just don't go to bed!

Strictly Smooth Jive : Our trade mark class with some very cool moves.
We can use any music to this, but we might throw in some LEMON tracks - can you tell I'm a fan. We've been working on this routine for some weeks now - well individual moves anyway, so we just need to sew them together. Dwain and Carla can take credit for inspiration on at least one move. Unfortunately we have been scheduled to teach downstairs for Strictly Smooth and if were on the normal stage then it's going to be difficult as were doing some fancy footwork. Time will tell...

For those that didn't know - we have to film our routines directly after teaching them for the DVD. Our very own Steve "The Hit Man" Strong is normally the film guy on site and it's the most dreaded part of the weekend for me. Why? C'os I become very nervous in front of a camera. So much so that I'm known as "one take Jim". I only take "one take" to complete the shoot.

Anyway, I'll keep you up to date with how it all went.

Jim

Quote

"The Dancer believes that his art has something to say which cannot be expressed in words or in any other way than by dancing... there are times when the simple dignity of movement can fulfill the function of a volume of words. There are movements which impinge upon the nerves with a strength that is incomparable, for movement has power to stir the senses and emotions, unique in itself. This is the dancers justification for being, and his reason for searching further for deeper aspects of his art." ~Doris Humphrey, 1937

Personally - If I hear a beat I want to dance - Jim Bourgerie, 2006

Shelagh Update

Weekly Update: The kids started school Monday for a couple of days before Easter, Cally loved it, Sam hated it - still 1 out of 2 is not bad hey - he wasn't too bad the second day so I am sure he will get used to it. We spent Tuesday afternoon in the local hospital - Sam had an accident with a metal pole in the play area - 6 stitches in the head and 1 xray later and all sorted out - poor thing it was a nightmare, I was useless in the hospital, kept feeling faint when they talked about the accident and stitched him up - they put me in the bed next to him!!!! - luckily Pete was slightly less hysterical and was on hand to calm Sam down. Still no holiday is complete without a visit to the hospital - just hope that is it for a while!!! Wed - friends arrived from England for 10 days, lots of drinking and sight seeing with them, good fun and great to see familiar faces. Sat - just been over to Valetta market in Malta, hectic, lots of people and we spent loads of money on trainers, snorkels, football stuff (anything the kids saw!!!) and feel absolutely knackered now - cant cope with all this running around, need to relax back in Gozo!!!!
As you might have guessed the weather over here is gorgeous at the moment, I have a very red nose as always!!! Hope spring has finally found you guys over there as I hear snow was falling earlier this week!!
Anyway better go now, a bottle of wine is calling - take care and have a good week, Happy Birthday Jim, have fun dancing and keep in touch, love Shelagh xx

The Office Dancer

Does anyone want to learn this routine...?

See it here

Japanese - Shall We Dance

At long last, 'Shall We Dance?' is available in the UK. I LOVE this film for many reasons. First, you can see what the ordinary Japanese semi-middle class family life is like. No guns or swords, no blood, no samurai or soldiers - this is a very cultural film about modern Japan. Secondly, this movie shows how much the Japanese admire the British culture (in this film's case, ball room dancing and Blackpool!). If you are, or going to start, learning Japanese, listen to how Tamako-sensei (the elderly female dance teacher) speaks. As well as speaks gently, she show the gentle heart of the Japanese lady. Koji Yakusho has proved he is one of the most brilliant actors in Japan, and my favourite one is Naoto Takenaka, who plays a funny funny bloke who specialises Latin dance to fill the 'gap' in his ordinary life and hopefully find a nice girl too. FYI: I have already seen the Hollywood version of this film, but it isn't the same thing at all. It's supposed to be a re-make of this brilliant film, but, in my view, it's a little bit too 'Americanised' and feels like almost a different film. Maybe you can make your own judgement by watching this Japanese original first? Enjoy it!

Click the picture to go to Amazon

Wedding anniversary gift ideas

It's our wedding anniversary soon and I thought I'd better get my thinking cap on for a good present for Nicky so I wondered what the 4th year present was.

Fruit/Flowers seems a good idea, but I don't think an orange would get me many brownie points.

Notice that the modern version is "Appliance". Now is that a good idea?
Let me see... Here's the new food mixer you always wanted... very romantic!

Or is there a different appliance....

Hmmm, I need to think on this.

Jim

Thoughts...

"We dance for laughter, we dance for tears, we dance for madness, we dance for fears, we dance for hopes, we dance for screams, we are the dancers, we create the dreams."

Frank Sinatra

Nicky took me to see the Sinatra show at the London Palladium last night and it took our breaths away.
We were lucky enough to have our seats bumped up to the Royal Circle (jammy) and we had a great view.
Having never seen Sinatra, but heard all the hype, I was expecting a simple cinema presentation that would not portray the great man in the greatest of light.
How wrong was I...
It actually felt like he was there and we both left feeling we had almost met the man.
I fully recommend it so put it on your to do list...

Jim x

Happy Birthday to me

Happy Birthday to me

Happy Birthday to me

I forgot to mention that it was my Birthday yesterday.....

(No jokes about my memory going already - I'm a man and as you all know I'm hopeless at remebering stuff)

Thanks for all the cards,

Jim x

New look Blog

Well I guess it's pretty obvious that weve changed the look of the Blog. hehehe

Does it work though......

Jim x

New look on our Dance Riviera Website

We've updated the website a little with a slightly different menu and a new page here

We always appreciate any comments..Good or bad (constructive)

Tell us what you think...

Jim x

Picture Competition

OK you lot, no more Mr Nice Guy...

There's 3 people you have to identify in this picture.

***

Clue 1

The lips require Audience Participation

Clue 2

The face scared a lot of children in a famous childrens film with a famous car

***

Riviera Reward for the winner posting all 3 correct actors in the comments

Jim

We have a winner!

Keith, yet again you have worked it out.

Well done. See me for your Riviera Reward.

KGBLondon on 11:29 PM
I think the eyes are Julie Walters and the face is Robert Helpman. The lips I am less sure about but will guess at Tim Curry in Rocky Horror!Keith

Loyalty Card - two dancers claim their FREE night last Thursday at Dartford!

We had our first 2 people claim their FREE night after using the Dance Riviera Loyalty Card system. Our Welcome Host said they were quite pleased with themselves for using it and of course we all love something for nothing don't we!!

Don't forget you must bring it with you on the night to get your stamp.

We like to give something back and say thank you to those who support the Dance Riviera club, so don't forget to tell your dancing friends to come along and get their own card :-)

Nicky

10 Dance things to do before I die

OK, I will start the list off, but I need your help...

In no order:

1. Dance at Blackpool Tower Ballroom

2. Dance Weekender - Camber/Bognor/Warmwell

3. Dance in front of 500 people +

4. Dance on television/film

5. Dance in the Rivoli Ballroom

6. Dance on a Cruise Ship - Titanic...Gulp

7. Dance infront of the Queen/King/Prime Minister

8. Dance on top of a mountain - A high one!

9. Watch/own every Fed Astaire/Gene Kelly movie

10.

Blackpool Tower Ballroom

For all those that haven't yet been to the best ballroom in the world - and it's British! then you should put it in your Diary of "Things to do before I die".

Nicky & I went there last year and it is truly breath taking, so much so Nicky actually shed a tear or two. It was quite emotional...

Seeing it on television really does not do it justice and should be seen by visiting it in all it's splendour.

They also have an in-house Circus, which was excellent and nail biting at times.

Their website is here

Jim

Competition Time

Click on the picture to try your knowledge at Dance related Films...

...

You seem to see different questions every time you click on the picture too.

Jim

Humour

A circus owner walked into a bar to see everyone crowded about a table watching a little show. On the table was an upside down pot and a duck tap dancing on it.

The circus owner was so impressed that he offered to buy the duck from its owner.

After some wheeling and dealing, they settled for $10,000 for the duck and the pot.

Three days later the circus owner runs back to the bar in anger,

"Your duck is a ripoff!"

"I put him on the pot before a whole audience, and he didn't dance a single step!"

"So?" asked the ducks former owner,

"did you remember to light the candle under the pot?"

***

made me laugh... Jim

Jack Vettriano - News

The opening this month of an exhibition of new paintings by Jack Vettriano provides a flashpoint for the debate about whether his is high or low art. The critics and curators revile him, but the public adore him. Five million of his posters have sold and, fuelled by that popularity, the original paintings are the most expensive of any Scotsman. "The Singing Butler" sold at Sotheby's last year for £745,000. Sales are so lucrative that the Portland Gallery, Vettriano's dealer, has moved to larger premises, which include The Vettriano Room, a permanent rotating display of his work.

But the debate about whether or not Vettriano is high art has obscured a more interesting question: why is he so adored? Tom Hewlett, director of the Portland Gallery, says it is because they are "narrative paintings that engage the viewer". "Everybody can read into it something that means something to them," he says.

Read more here

Have a great Bank Holiday

Have a fantastic Bank Holiday everyone.

Dance Riviera

Jim, Nicky & Tracey

***

“All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them.”

Walt Disney

Picture Competition - 2

OK, I think this could be too easy, but you never know.....

Two famous people make up this mug shot....

Which two though?

First to post both names in a single message wins a Riviera Reward

Jim x

We have a winner!

KGBLondon said...
It looks like Antonio Banderas and Dame Julie Andrews to me!
Keith
3:39 PM

Collect your Riviera Reward from Jim, Nick or Tracey

Damn I thought that was a hard one too!

What is Smooth Jive?

SMOOTH JIVE

Smooth Jive uses similar if not the same dance moves/patterns as other partner dances, but are performed and taught with a different style and technique.

The Smooth Jive style can be closely compared to West Coast Swing, but without the need for the slot and the step patterns. It is highly stylish and as the name suggests it is very smooth.

The biggest differences between Smooth Jive and Modern Jive is that the latter is boppy and very undisciplined. Smooth Jive uses body weight, connection, footwork, musicality and is constantly evolving to produce improved technique.

The results are easy to see and we believe, as founders of Smooth Jive, that it will become the preferred way to dance for all those looking to move on from Modern Jive.

We are aiming to provide, time permitting, advanced workshops in Smooth Jive in the near future, but for those that didn’t know, we are already teaching Smooth Jive in our weekly classes.

Jim

Old Japanese Proverb Say...

We're fools whether we dance or not, so we might as well dance

Japanese Proverb

Film - Take the Lead

A new dance film with Antonio Banderas is worth a look.

I've attached a link to a review, but it's worth noting that ALL dance films receive a poor review and then they become classics! Dirty dancing, Strictly Ballrom and Grease etc

Read review here

Jim x

Hurry - Win A Week In Barcelona!

I've found this for you....

Seven days of dancing in sunny Spain, all thanks to the release of the movie Take The Lead...

Go here to find out more

Jim x

Men needed for May Camber by 2 lovely ladies!

We have a plea from two lovely Dance Riviera lady dancers who want to book JiveTime's Camber dance weekender for 5-7th May.

However, there is a now a gender balance booking system, so they need 2 guys to book with (not stay with) in order to confirm their booking.

So guys if you fancy 3 days and nights of workshops, dancing, some sleep and more dancing! then reply to this blog entry with your name and number and I'll pass on your details to our ladies, you can go from there.

It will cost £109 for a twin room that’s for the accommodation and tuition over the 3 days from 5-7th May inclusive. It could cost even less if 4 men booked together and had a two bedroom apartment then it would be £89.

Nicky x

Help Needed - Enquire Within

We Need Your Help

Please help to promote Dance Riviera within your work place and to your friends. This will create a better venue for you with more people to dance with and a better social environment.

Also, more people means more events like Big Bands, Workshops etc.

To help try these:

• Print off a flyer and put it on your notice board - from here
• Simply ask a friend or colleague to come along - Only took Nicky 1 year to get me to go!
• Email a friend with our website address - http://www.danceriviera.com
• Email a friend about this Blog - http://danceriviera.blogspot.com/
• Ask the audience - Ooops, wrong show
• Buy a Charity Car Sticker - Come on it's for Breast Cancer Research
• Take our flyers from the flyer table and give to freinds or local shops to display

Any and all help is always appreciated.

Jim, Nicky & Tracy

Shelagh Update

Hiya, I have just been on the website - it is lovely to hear all your news and keep updated with what is going on - your busking day at Broadstairs looked lovely and sunny - Hope it was a success.

Sam and Cally started school today, bless them, they looked petrified both of them, I felt very cruel leaving them but I have lots of chocolate lined up for when they come out!!!!

We are all settled in now, cant keep the kids out of the pool - I am more of a chicken and have promised I will venture in by 1st May if not before!!!

I got Pete dancing around the Lounge last week, what a laugh that was and it was sooooooo good to be dancing again I just love it - I am on countdown to Camber now - only 4 weeks I think,

Maria has me lined up to dance Wed 3rd, Thurs 4th and then of course Camber - tell everyone to get ready for me as I will be like a "desperate housewife" when I return.

Well take care and keep in touch - love to all, Shelagh xx

**************************************************************

Hey Sheleagh, how about some photo's of the new place....
Make us all sick!

Jim x

Get Involved

If you have any interesting news or events that you think we should be posting here then please let us know. Anything from Birthdays (which reminds me - mine is soon) to news items and opinions e.g. "I've just bought these new Dance Shoes and they're great...."

Send all you news to info@danceriviera.com

We will review it and post it if it's appropriate.

Jim

Broadstairs Opnening

The Broadstairs opening was a huge success and received great support from you the dancers.

It's a fantastic venue and over looks the sea, which means in a few weeks we could be dancing on the patio to the sounds of waves crashing along the beach. Just how cool is that!

The photo's for the opening are here

See you there,

Jim

Competition

The above picture is composed of 2 people (thank god)

Question is: Which 2 people?

Riviera Reward for the 1st correct answer posted in the comments section.

Will it be Marsha that wins again????

Update

We have a winner!

Jane said...
Patrick Swayze and Fred Astaire .....although I still think one looks like Deano
9:23 AM

Quote of the week

The very best Dancers are those that make their partner feel good

(April 2006) Jim Bourgerie

Just For Fun

THE TOP TEN SIGNS YOU DIDN'T DO AS WELL

AS YOU THOUGHT IN THE LAST

DANCE WITH A STRANGER COMPETITION

10. The shoe lady discontinues the style of shoe you dance in.

9. The person who promised to compete with you is standing on a nearby motoraway playing chicken with the lorries.

8. The very worst dancer in the world says you were the only contestant on the beat.

7. The maintenance crew has to repair the floor where you danced.

6. Your partner's spouse gives you a hug and kisses you on both cheeks.

5. Forty minutes have passed and your partner still hasn't come out of the bathroom.

4. You wonder if the noise coming from the judges' area is snoring.

3. After your dance, people point and laugh at whoever is standing behind you; BUT when you turn around, there's no one there.

2. You would have preferred dancing to “Baby Work Out” then learned that you had.

And the number one reason:

1. Pieces of your partner's dress are still in your hand.

Made me laugh, Jim

Shelagh - Update

Morning all in sunny England, good news is Pete has arrived, albeit knackered and grey looking from his Italian adventure!!

We have Xboxes, DVDs and TV's now so kids as you can guess are totally happy!!

Everything is in Gozo time now and we are still waiting for the Internet to be connected at home but the cafes in all the towns have them so we can keep in touch for the moment via that!!

I am missing you all lots and of course the dancing but tomorrow is Thursday and I have Pete lined up for a spot of intermediate moves!!!

Take care all of you and keep in touch if you can

lots of love Shelagh xxx

Guest Teach at Dorking Leroc

Nicky & I are doing a guest teach for our close friends over at Dorking LeRoc tonight.

Colin Shaul, who runs Dorking LeRoc, was kind enough to do a guest DJ slot for us recently and he was brilliant.

Check them out at http://www.leroc-uk.com/

Jim

Friday Freestyle at Deal (7th April)

We've changed our workshop night into a freestyle at lots of people's requests for this FRIDAY at Deal (Landmark Centre - our usual Tuesday night venue but in the Richardson Hall).

So if you fancy a boogie on a Friday night, get yourself down there on Friday, bring your friends and we'll see for you a great night and lots of dances.

£8 on the door, or £7 if you buy a ticket beforehand at our venues this week.

Call Nicky 020 8692 3821 if you require tickets.

Nicky x

Shelagh - Update

Poor Shelagh has had a bit of a nightmare setting up home in Gozo.

She arrived, kids and suitcase in hand, before her husband, so there's no furniture and no Pete.

Pete was driving down with all their worldly possessions in a van, but no one told him there wasn’t a ferry from Italy even though he’d booked one.

The good news he’s now there and reunited with the family.

I’m sure Shelagh will fill us in on all the details when she gets her PC set up.

Our thoughts are with you guys,

Jim

Broadstairs

We have a new venue opening in Broadstairs...

http://www.danceriviera.com/broadstairs.html

It has a fantastic sea view and a great dance floor.

Keith and Frances will be teaching on Wednesday night for your pleasure.
Please go along and support the venue if your in the area.

Photo's of the venue to follow soon.

Jim

Broadstairs Charity Busk

Saturday's Busking went extremely well and we had the best weather of the year so far.

We raised £104 for Breast Cancer Research

Thanks to all those that danced and supported the event and all those that dug into their pockets and donated cash.

One lady that was watching admitted that she currently has breast cancer and donated a large sum to the bucket. Her experience made us all quite emotional and it is why ALL of our busking events are to raise money for Breast cancer research.

Pics of the event are here

Riviera Rewards went to all those that danced.

Thanks again from Jim, Nicky & Tracy