Nice to see you....

Britain's Queen Elizabeth II has awarded a royal medal of honour - a CBE - to English entertainer Bruce Forsyth.

The 78-year-old presenter was handed the prestigious award to mark his 64 years in showbusiness.

The veteran entertainer - who was accompanied by his two daughters and his third wife - described the occasion 'overwhelming' and 'nerve-wracking'.
He told Britain's BBC news: 'The occasion is overwhelming, but of course rewarding. I've been in showbusiness for 64 years. It makes it a very special occasion for me and a great honour.'

The TV star was already awarded an OBE - an abbreviation of Officer of the Order of the British Empire - in 1998.
Forsyth added: 'The Queen said she didn't realise she would be seeing me quite so soon again. I said: 'Yes Ma'am. Where are we going next week?'
Forsyth - who presents a TV show called 'Strictly Come Dancing', which pairs celebrities with professional ballroom dancers - launched his career in 1958.

He found wide-spread fame as the host of popular gameshows - 'The Price Is Right' and 'The Generation Game'.

Now a great-grandfather Forsyth lives on British countryside with his 48-year-old wife Wilnelia - who is a former Miss World.

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

Anyone who promotes people to dance is alright in my book!

Jim

Advanced Smooth Jive Workshops

Nicky & I will be teaching an advanced Smooth Jive weekly workshop in Dartford on a Thursday evening in the Darrent Suite.

Numbers will be strictly limited and gender balanced. Bookings will only be confirmed with payment.

The workshop will be aimed at experienced dancers wishing to progress in technique and style and will include footwork, musicality and blues.

Each workshop will follow with a Questions & Answers session covering any topic.

Dates, pricing and more info will follow shortly.

Jim x

1,000 Dancers

1,000 dancers are to compete in Taiwan ballroom dancing championship

The 2006 Taiwan Ballroom Championship will begin July 1 at the Taipei municipal stadium, with more than 1,000 Taiwan and overseas ballroom dancers competing in the event, according to media reports reaching here from Taipei on Saturday.

Liu Shun-i, chairman of the Taiwan's International Dance Sport Association, said dancers from 15 countries and regions -- including Russia, Britain, Slovenia, Italy, Japan and Latvia -- will take part in the race.

The prize money totals 600,000 new Taiwan dollars (about 20, 000 U.S. dollars).
The oldest dancer, 81-year-old Sun Yu-ting, and the youngest dancer, 11-year-old Wei Ming-you, both from Taiwan, formed an extremely eye-catching couple and displayed their outstanding dancing skills at the news conference.

The competition will be held in two categories -- one for international aficionados and the other for professionals from Asia, Liu said.

Birthday Time!!!!

Some of you should recognise Jo (the one on the left) - she is a regular on Thursday nights and one of my best friends - it was her birthday yesterday (21 again!!!!) and all the girls (minus me!!!!) will be celebrating with her tonight at Dartford - if you see her, grab her for a dance, dont let her sit in the corner drinking as she sometimes likes to do!!!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DORY - have a brilliant time tonight, sorry can't be with you, and enjoy your birthday weekend xxx lots of love Shelagh xxx

In Contrast

I'd just like to say that we are not going to let this bloody awful weather get us down!
Were used to it and it really doesn't bother me that Shelagh can't even go outside c'os it's so hot in Gozo.

At least we can dance inside....

Remebmer last years Summer Soire Ball at Dartford... Boy did it rain that night.
A lot of fun though.

Jim x

Picture Competition

Guess the 3 people behind my latest love child...

First correct post with all 3 people wins a Riviera Reward

Jim

Various (Ministry Of Sound) - Funky House Sessions 06 (2CD)

If your looking for something to dance to in your car or living room then try this....

Most songs are dancable, but remeber that it is club music.

Jim x

Shelagh's News!!!!!!

Hiya everyone, I have been given my very own blog now!!!!! Not sure exactly how it works so this is a bit of a test run.

It was lovely seeing you all when I was home and fitting in as many dances with you all as I could, I was hyper the whole week - then of course we had Camber which was totally brilliant as always, I think we managed to get to sleep around 5 every morning!!!!! I shared the chalet with Maria, Mick and Terry and another friend Lizzie - we had such a laugh and Mick and Terry were perfect gentlemen!!!! (poor things had to put up with all our toilet humour!!!!). I am def going to the next one in November - Maria - get booking!!!!!!

On May 10th I flew back to Gozo with my little sis, Cathleen and her little boy Harry who is 4 months old, such a sweetie, he adapted to our lazy life very well, sleeping most of the day which was a right result for Cath who could sunbathe during each "nap". She flew home this morning with my mum and dad who were also over for a holiday - the place feels very quiet now!!!!!

Last night we went with some friends to see Da Vinci Code, I had heard such bad reviews about it that I was a bit sceptical but actually we all enjoyed it much more than we thought we would - we were surrounded by rebelious teenage Gozoians (it is a Catholic country and probably not many of the older generation would agree with the film!!!!) and we had a good night out.

I have begun my search for a suitable Dance Riviera "Gozo" venue - there are no "dance clubs" over here and from what people have been saying it is just what this island needs (and also what I need!!!!!) - our friends have a couple of possible venues in mind, haven't been to see any yet but will def do that in the next week or so - but who knows, maybe by the autumn/winter I may be able to dance again!!!!! Jim/Nicky - can you rotate your teaching schedule to include Gozo once a week (flights are very reasonable!)

So thats today's news!!!! - enjoy your dancing, and have fun Thursday with the film crew in!!!!!!Keep in touch - lots of love Shelagh xx

My foot hurts

My foot still hurts. Any offers to kiss it better?

Jim x

Filming at Dartford

We want to do some filming this Thursday at Dartford.

We will be filming the lessons and some free style, so feel free to smile at the camera when it's pointed at you.

See you there...

Jim x

What the....

Why are these 2 still in the Strictly Dance Fever competition?

I'm begining to think their going to win it with the amount of canvasing for votes that's going on.

Ok, so they have improved more than any other couple, but I hope they don't think they can perform on stage in the west end.

OMG, I'm starting to sound like Arlene.... ACK Nooooooooo!

Jimx

Quote

Dancing is like dreaming with your feet! ~Constanze

I concur, Jim x

Although I'm often being chased....What does that mean?

The Waltz

History - Waltz
The forerunner of the waltz was the Boston, which had been imported from the USA in 1874. However, only from 1922 onwards did this dance become as fashionable as the Tango.

The strange thing about the Boston was that couples danced next to each other and not like we are used to doing now. Immediately after World War I the Waltz got more shape. In 1921 it was decided that the basic movement should be: step, step, close.

When in 1922 Victor Sylvester won his championship English waltz his programme consisted of not more than a right turn, a left turn and change of direction (Less than what is learnt by a present beginner). In 1926/1927 the waltz was improved considerably. The basic movement was changed into step, side, shut.

As a result of this, many different variations were now possible to dance, which were standardised by the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing (ISTD). Many of these variations are still danced.

My Grandad "Big Jim" often talks about Victor Sylvester and his dance steps that you used to be able to buy. Boy! I'd love to see one of those books.

History lesson over, have a great weekend, Jim x

Dance Competition

My God Daughter "Joey" who is about 10 years of age (give or take a couple of years) is entering an Irish dancing competition this Sunday.

I'll take some photo's and post the best here to show you.

I must say I'm very proud of her, but for some strange reason she looks up to me for inspiration. I reckon in about 3 years time she'll be showing me a thing or two.

Good luck Joey,

Uncle Jim x

Gravesend opened last night with a fabulous response and crowd of dancers!

Teachers Jill & Pete taught great lessons and as always made the night special for our dancers. DJ Steve Strong was especially popular playing a wide range of music suited to brand new and experienced dancers. He's at Dartford tonight by the way!

The rest of the crew made everyone feel welcome and it looks like it's going to be popular venue.

The Gravesend Rugby Club is just off Milton Road, here's a link to the map

Hope to see you there one Wednesday.

Nicky

New DJ debuts at Crayford

Our new DJ Claire debuted at Crayford last night. After the two of us getting all the equipment working, Claire did a wonderful job of playing music to suit everyone's taste. Lot of people commented on the range and said how good the night was. Despite the football keeping some people away, we had a great night.

Come down and see her and show your support to our newest crew member (photo of Claire to follow!)

My thanks to Wes and David who demoed (first timers!!) with me last night, they were thrown in at the deep end but did me proud - thanks guys.

Nicky

Singing in the rain

Alex from the Jive Aces has emailed to say...

You've probably heard about our single that's coming out soon. Last year our "White Cliffs of Dover single got to number 27 in the UK Indy charts, largely due to the help that a lot of people gave us in promoting it.

If you like the single then please help to support us again by buying it before the release date. This helps to jump it up the charts.

Cheers, Alex - Jive Aces

PS
The Jive Aces are going to be on this weeks episode of "Strictly Dance Fever" too. It's on Sunday evening at 8pm (usually on Saturdays but this week is the Eurovision Song Contest) on BBC 1. They brought all the contestants down to the 100 Club on Monday night and filmed them dancing to the band!

HMV

I'm going to order my copy now,

Jim

60 Second Interview

As you know Joseph & Sadie are coming to town, so we thought we would put them under the grill and ask some questions about....

Well that's up to you. What would you like to know?

Post your question for Joseph and Sadie here and we'll pass it on for you.

Jim x

Joseph & Sadie at Dance Riviera

Put this in your Diary!

Joseph & Sadie are doing a lesson and cabaret for us at Dartford on Thursday 29th June.
For those that don't know, they won Strictly Dance Fever last year.

It will be a ticket only event and they will be limited. You have been warned....

Equal numbers of male and female tickets will be available soon from the venues, but if you want one now email us info@danceriviera.com

News just in...

We have just confirmed that we will be able to dance until 11.30 pm on Thursday 29th June.

Jim

Strictly Dance Fever Result

We were a little dissapointed about the SDF result this weekend. Paul & Pamela were sent home and I think a little too early.

I'm not sure they would have won the competition, but they were cerntainly better than JP and Stacey.

My favourite judge "Arlene" didn't dissapoint with the usual erratic scoring. What is she on!

Still, it's all good telly. Jim

It's Almost Here....

Big Brother is almost upon us and Nicky & I are huge fans of the show.

Did you know they are doing a Charley & the Chocolate Factory type Golden Ticket that may win you entry into the house.

Just imagine opening your Kit Kat and finding a Golden Ticket...

Can't wait!

Jim x

Competition - Very Hard!

This is for KGB Keith, but also anyone else who thinks they're up for the challenge.

3 people 1 comment = 1 Riviera Reward! for the first correct answer.

Jim x

Camber Photo's

Has anyone got any Camber photo's we could post up on the website?

We didn't take any, so if you have some email us and we'll post em.

Jim x

Competition Time

OK!
3 people make up this picture. One is easy the other 2 are harder.

First correct answer in comments with all 3 people wins a Riviera Reward.

Keith (KGB and winner of the last 2 comps)- I'm going to set you a different competition just for you, since you seem to get these far too easily.

Jim x

Jive Aces

Hi there,
The Jive Aces have just got back from the Derry Jazz and Big Band Festival in Northern Ireland and what a festival it was! The band, booked there for the fourth year running, played six shows in four days (each one totally sold out) as well as three radio shows, a newspaper shoot that made the front page and a TV spot for the evening news. The logo for this years festival, on all of the festival posters, ads and brochures, was a silhouette of Jive Aces frontman Ian Clarkson.
The highlight was a special reception with the Mayor of Derry, who presented the band with the prestigious "City of Derry International Music Award". Previous recipients of this award were Van Morrison and Jools Holland, so the Jive Aces are in very good company! Thank you very much to all of our friends at the festival and look forward to seeing you again soon.
As Summer draws near the Jive Aces have a lot of festival apperances coming up including: Wychwood, Rhythms of the World, Silda, Bude, Upton-upon-Severn, Glenn Miller Festival and opening for Status Quo at Henley Festival.
And on the recording front, for those eagerly awaiting a new Jive Aces album there's good news: The band has managed to squeeze the time needed to finish their new masterpiece into their very busy tour schedule! This means that The Jive Aces will be at the Mad Hatter Studios, Hollywood in early June and while in California will be the featured band at "Swing Out Pasadena", one of the USA's biggest annual swing events.
And last, but certainly not least, the new single "Singin in the Rain" can be ordered from now from http://www.hmv.co.uk/ and is released on 5th June.
Cheers, PeterPeter Howell - Jive Aces Bookings Manager

Profile - Jim

Name: Jim Bourgerie

Age: Cough 21

Been Dancing: 6 years (feels like 2)(except Camber at 4 in the morning then it feels like 25)

Reason for starting to dance: Nicky nagged me for 1 year (she's not very good at nagging)

Favourite venues: Black Pool Tower Ballroom, Rivoli Ballroom, Herne Bay

Favourite Music: All of it except Country & Western (cringe). Slow tracks allow for more style, but faster tracks get the heart pumping. I'm lucky, I like them all...

Hates: Dancing in competitions and in front of a camera... They both scare me!

Loves: The smile on someones face when they dance. You just can't beat that look.

Future: This would have to be Smooth Jive and making it the best partner dance with style, elegance, coolness etc. And teaching more people to learn to dance.

Regrets: Not listening to Nicky 1 year earlier!

Comments: Thanks for all the support we've had from everyone at every level. It means a great deal to us and makes all the hard work worthwhile.

John & Linda Ford Guest DJing at Dartford this Thursday 11th May

John & Linda Ford (www.jivehive.co.uk) will be guest DJing at Dartford this Thursday 11th May. They're known on the jive circuit as the "Sultans of Swing" because of their fantastic swing and blues sets they play at freestyles, dance weekenders etc. They'll be playing a popular modern jive set on Thursday to please everyone, but please email them at dance@jivehive.co.uk if there's particular track you'd like played.

Don't forget it's a late start and finish at Dartford this week. We're hoping to be in the hall at 8pm, so doors open at 8.15pm, Beginners Class at 8.30pm and finish at 11.30pm.

Nicky

Shoes for Sale on Monday at Swanley

Sue from Kingdom of Dance will be at Swanley this Monday 15th May.

She will be bringing a wide range of shoes (and sizes) for sale, so if you're in the market for new shoes then bring your cash/credit card with you on Monday.

Sue provides an excellent service, is very helpful and can give advice depending on your requirements.

Nicky

First Timer Demo!

Clem did a wonderful job of demoing for me for the first time at Swanley this week. It was his first time and I sprung it on him in the afternoon, so he had a few hours to feel the nerves!!

Clem's one of our Dance Coaches in Broadstairs and has only been dancing since September. He was complimented on his dancing by lots of people about how smooth and flowing his dancing is - so well done Clem!

Thanks for stepping in and being so good, you didn't let me down (even though I did start teaching the wrong move hee hee!)

Nicky

Quote

Dance is the hidden language of the soul. ~Martha Graham

You dance like a builder! ~Arlene Phillips

I love these quotes.... Jim x

Camber Routines

The 2 routines we did for Camber are now up on our website for all to see.

Go here to see them.

Jim

Friday Freestyle going on til 1am in the morning!!

Our Friday Freestyle is now going on til 1am!!! Just think how much dancing you can do :-)

Tickets are 8 pounds if you buy in advance - available at all venues or ring Nicky (020 8692 3821) to reserve if you're sure you're coming. 10 pounds on the door.

Tell your friends!!

Acid Tongue

For those of you that watched Strictly Dance Fever this weekend you will have seen the Arlene Phillips launch into yet another attack on the competitors that almost brought a tear to my eye let alone theirs.
How someone of her experience can justify the verbal abuse she easily dishes out is beyond me. And what really grates me is that most of it is gibberish e.g. I want more, more, more
Errm more what exactly...
Oh, I just realised that we made contact with Joseph and Sadie this weekend, last years winners, so I am going to make a point of asking them what she is really like off camera.
I will let you know
Incidentally, Joseph & Sadie did a gala dance that was just awesome. Gratz to you both.
Jim

Dance Floor Dreams, Monday, BBC1 NI, 10.35pm

THIS locally produced documentary focuses on two couples to whom dance plays a major part in their lives.
Rahmi Akoyl is Northern Ireland's self-styled King of Salsa and the film follows his efforts, with his new Maltese partner, Maria Camilleri, to get to the finals of the BBC's Strictly Dance Fever.
The other pair, Tom and Sally chart their love affair with each other and with ballroom dancing over the guts of 16 years.
The main problem here is that there are two films struggling to get out and neither of them, really, manages it.
If the production is intended to describe the dreams and passions that dancing can inspire in general, then we need to see more than these two very different partnerships.
We need more cement to glue the thing together.
Either that or make two films - one featuring Tom and Sally, which would be sweet and nostalgic, and one with Rahmi and Maria, full of passion and frustrated ambition.
Rahmi, who is Kurdish, arrived in Northern Ireland 12 years ago, set up a successful business and then gave it all up for his love of dance. Maria is a student, from Malta, who has the formal training in Latin American and ballroom dancing that Rahmi lacks.
We follow them through the first round of Belfast auditions for Strictly Dance Fever and discover, once they make it to the London auditions (the last 25) whether they will make the finals.
They train like Trojans, they fall out in front of the judges and have spectacular rows both off and on camera. Rahmi has the passion and raw talent while Maria has the technique.
At the end, they fail, but Rahmi decides he will leave Northern Ireland for London and get himself properly trained. His dreams and fierce ambition are undimmed.
If this pair had had the luxury of an entire documentary to themselves, there might have been more space for a hard-headed assessment of Rahmi's chances of making it.
We are not told how old he is but he certainly looks, from where I'm sitting, a tad long in the tooth to begin training as a professional dancer.

Congratulations to Dance Coaches, Ray & Dwain!

Congratulations to two of our Dance Coaches, Ray and Dwain. They both became finalists at a recent dance competition.

Ray & Patricia got in the finals of the Over 45s. Dwain & Carla reached the finals of the Advanced section.

We're very proud of all of them as we know how much work, time and effort they've spent on their dancing to reach that level.

Next time you see them, give them a pat on the back, hug and a dance!

Well done you guys!

Nicky

p.s. Just found out that our dear friend Ken also reached the finals of the Lucky Dip! congratulations to him too, he deserves to be there.

Camber Routines

We've put together our Camber routines for both Bump & Grind & Strictly Smooth Jive. This was quite difficult as Nicky had pulled her back out on Saturday morning and could hardly move.

We are hoping to film them on Thursday night at Dartford and then post them on the website for all to see next week.

If this works we will be posting other video clips on the main website, which should give a flavour of things to come.

Jim

Dirty Tricks!

We need to get this off of our chest...

Someone is telephoning all of our Dance Riviera venues and informing the organisers that we are being sued for teaching Modern Jive and that the forthcoming legal action will prevent us from running our dance nights. This is NOT true now and we have never been sued in the past for ANYTHING.
Aggressive tactics like these to try and open a competing dance night in our venues is under hand and shameless.
Dance Riviera supports good competition in the market place, but evidence of these dirty tricks is mounting up and will be publicised for what they are.

Other dirty tricks by this person include:
Telling venues that we will fail to pay them - We have never failed to pay on time!
Ruin the venues dance floor - Never happened!
Steal items from the venue - Outrageous!
Contacting Big Bands and attempting to stop them from playing for us and you
Successfully stopping free-lance teachers from teaching workshops and doing guest appearances for us and you

What separates us from the Perpetrator is that we are in this for the dancers and not the money!
This is why we raise money for charity
Created loyalty cards and Riviera Rewards
Put on Bands
And for those that know us personally - much, much more

We work very hard with our customers and venues to create a great night out for everyone and it is frustrating when someone clearly lies about us to anyone that will listen.

WELL GET THIS STRAIGHT

WE ARE NOT AFRAID OF THE BIG BAD WOLF!

Jim