Well done Maura!

Competition Winner Maura with Mikey

Well done to Maura who demo'd with guest teacher Mikey last night at Dartford. Showing no nerves, she professionally demo'd with style and attitude for what was a lovely little cheeky routine.

She got a huge round of applause at the end which was well deserved.

Let us know if you want us to run the competition again so that you have a chance of demoing with Mikey next time he's here.

Nicky

Camber - Rendevous

For those that are going to Camber this weekend....

Nicky and I will be teaching at 10:00 AM Saturday and Sunday... Ack!
Way too early for me, but it gives us the afternoon off.

On that note, we normally meet up with whoever wants to join us for a drink in Rye.

If the weather is good we normally go in the really old hotel at the top of the hill (can't remember the name) for about 13:00 PM on Saturday.

Chat to Nicky if you want to come with us or simply show up.

Hope you all have a great weekend there,

Jim x

Gravesend Charity "Dance Experience" Saturday 5th May 12pm - 2pm

We are running a Charity Dance Experience at Gravesend's St George's Shopping Centre (outside Marks & Spencer) on Saturday 5th May between 12noon and 2pm.

Our Dance Experiences are a great way of showing everyone what Smooth Jive's all about, encouraging new people to join, so that you have more people to dance with.

It's also a great way for us to give something back, by raising as much money as we can for Breast Cancer Research.

*** Come along and dance, hand out flyers, or collect
money for charity ***

We'd love to see you there and to make it look professional, if everyone could wear black & white, that'd be great.

We'll give a free entry ticket to everyone that turns up, as a thank you for supporting this event.

Any questions, please call Nicky on 08708 03 55 03.

Happy Birthday!

Wishing Dance Coach Julie (Jules) a very Happy Birthday today.

Love,

The Dance Riviera Team x

COMPETITION WINNER! Demo with Mikey this Thursday at Dartford

And the Winner is........Maura

Maura is the lucky lady who will be demoing with Mikey this Thursday (26th April) at our Dartford Acacia Hall venue - click here for venue details.

Thank you for all the ladies that entered, we did a fair and square draw, with 3 of us present at the time of picking the winner.

We'll be doing similar competitions over the next few months.

Is there anyone you'd like to demo with??? let us know by email Nicky at info@danceriviera.com

Bets on Heather's Leg

An online gambling website is offering bets on whether Heather Mills' prosthetic leg will fall off during America's Dancing With The Stars TV show.

The site Bodog.com has invited punters to lay money on the estranged wife of Beatles bassist Sir Paul McCartney having such a mishap.

Mills lost her leg in a 1993 traffic accident.

The website, based in Antigua, made a 'No' outcome the heavy favourite.

It said the ex-model's leg "must fall off, not be purposely taken off, during a dance routine for all 'Yes' wagers to be graded a win".

The TV show involves couples - a star and a professional dancer - competing in a variety of ballroom performances.

Its fourth season in the US is scheduled to begin on March 19, with a line-up of 11 celebrities.

Mills told celebrity TV show Extra that she wanted to show people that "even with a prosthetic leg you can dance".

She said: "It's very unlikely my leg's going to fly off even though it would be quite funny to knock one of the judges out."

Danny and Sandy Finalists Revealed

The final 16 in the ITV1 show Grease is the Word have been revealed - and they include the daughter of the actor who starred as Brookside legend Sinbad.

Hayley Clarke's father is Brookside turned Coronation Street actor Michael Starke. Hayley, 18, is a student and waitress from Liverpool.

Other names to make the final 16 include Susan McFadden, 24, the sister of former Westlife singer Brian. Susan, a performer, is from London. She was born and raised in Dublin and is currently single.

Unknowns include Richard Morgan, 20, a plasterer, from Rotherham, and Vicky Hoyles, 22, a beauty therapist, from Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire, as well as Danny Rhodes, 22, a student and waiter, from Southend-on-Sea. who suffers from a stammer.

They will compete for the West End roles of Sandra and Danny, made famous by Olivia Newton John and John Travolta.

Thousands of people auditioned in front of judges including theatre producer David Ian, I'm a Celebrity...star David Gest, and Eighties pop icon Sinitta.

The 16 will have to perform in couples to win the public vote. Others include:

Anthony Kavanagh, 29, a singer, from Manchester, has been singing for as long as he can remember although he's never had any training. Anthony had a record deal with Virgin Records.

Michelle Antrobus, 24, a student from Winchmore Hill. She was born in Plymouth and raised in Gosport, Hampshire, and is currently studying musical theatre.

Joanna Power, 22, a pub singer, from Essex, was was dubbed as the "unconventional Sandy". She lives with her parents and her brother. Joanna has been with her boyfriend Lee for just over a year.

Home for Camber!!!!!

Hiya everyone, hope you are all well - Birthday wishes to both Jim and Tracy - have a great weekend!! All is going really well over here in Gozo, the bar is keeping us busy but we are having fun which is the main thing! As you might have guessed, I have been given a "weekend pass" to fly home for Camber - I am so excited, cant wait to get my dancing shoes back on and get dancing again - hopefully I will see some of you down there and have a chance to catch up in between dances!!!! So have a good week and see you next weekend - lots of love Shelagh xxx

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Can't wait to see you Shelagh,

Jim Nicky & Tracy xxx

Happy Birthday

Wishing Jim Mr Smooth (Dance Riviera Director and Teacher) a very Happy Birthday for tomorrow (20th April) and Tracy (Dance Teacher with Clem) a very Happy Birthday for Sunday (22nd April).

Love From

The Dance Riviera Team x

Avoid the Rush...Save £££

Tickets are selling out fast for our Black, White and Bling Night.

Save some money by buying your tickets at any of our venues or by ordering from Nicky in advance. Just telephone:08708 035503. Tickets are £10.00 or £13.00 if purchased on the door or if reserved.

See you there!

Friday Freestyle at Maidstone - 4th May - 11.30pm finish - FLOWER POWER!

Last month's freestyle was fantastic with so many dancers from our club and other local clubs, it was good to mix up the dance styles and get people mingling.

Here's one quote from a newbie to Dance Riviera:

"It was my first time to a Dance Riviera freestyle night and I have to say how pleasantly surprised I was. They were so friendly considering I was new and I didn't stop dancing all night. It was like going to a family party (where everyone gets on!), I will definitely be back for the next one and will be coming to your weekly classes too. Thanks for a great night". Sally W

This month's theme is FLOWER POWER, so that means wearing either a really loud flowery shirt or piece of clothing, or ladies, you can wear flowers in your hair, as an accessory etc. Be creative!

It's also a later start 8.30pm and finishing at 11.30pm (this is due to your feedback).

We hope to see you there. Jim, Nicky & Tracy

WOW! Moves Workshop - Sunday 13th May at Dartford

We're always asked to teach dips/drops/seducers etc in our weekly night routines. We will teach some leans but to be honest, it's difficult to ensure that nearly 100 people are getting the move and we don't want any injuries.

A dedicated workshop is the best way of teaching those WOW moves you see people do on the dance floor.

So if you want to learn how to dip, lean, twist, sliders, incorporating correct technique and lots of style, then this is the workshop for you.

Keith & Fran will be teaching and giving individual attention ensuring that all moves are well taught and then danced.

Check out the flyers at the venue, or click on the picture above.

Ring Nicky on 08708 03 55 03 for more details.

Black, White and Bling Night

Everyone's getting very excited about the forthcoming BWB night at Herne Bay on the 21st April.

Girls and Guys are really looking forward to the 'bling' to bring on the Wow Factor!

Wev'e found some cheap, costume jewellery works best, unless you have the real thing - either will work for us!

Look forward to seeing you there...

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Or we can have a proper photo of BLING

Jim x

"Dancing in Kent" visits Dance Riviera at Dartford this Thursday

We have some guests from the new magazine "Dancing in Kent" coming to our Dartford Acacia Hall venue on Thursday 12th April. Andy & Jill have recently started the magazine and website to help people find dance classes, partners, clothes, holidays etc in Kent.

They're doing a review of Dance Riviera, so make sure you smile for the camera and ensure they feel welcome as you normally do with everyone. We are known as the "Friendliest Venues in Kent", let's show them it's true!

Check out their website www.dancinginkent.co.uk to see what they do. Or click here for a sample of their magazine.

Nicky

This pictures says it all!

Pete's a lucky man! with bunny girls, Laura, Nick, Laura and Sarah lining up for him!

This was taken last Friday night just before Dance Riviera's Friday Freestyle at Maidstone. The theme was Easter and wear something yellow, of course the girls had to go that one step further and what a lovely treat it was!

We had a fantastic night, with Dwain "Dirty D"J playing an excellent set. We had a lot of new dancers who roam around the place, they couldn't believe how friendly and the level of our dancers was so great. It's nice to please dancers from other clubs.

So, next month's freestyle on Friday 4th May will be FLOWER POWER! this means anything, flowers in your hair, on your clothes (or bring some flowers for the girls on the door - hint hint:-)

Nicky

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Flower Power means.... Mini Skirts!

Yes please

Jim x

Quiz Time

Have a go at this little quiz...

1. This famous British ballet dancer dances for the Royal Ballet and is one of the most famous dancers of our time. She has received many awards for her dancing and also has an OBE. Who is she?
a. Aurora Trust
b. Yolanda Perth
c. Anna Pavlova
d. Darcey Bussell

2. This famous American dancer of musical comedy films was known for his graceful, sophisticated dance-style and is most remembered for dancing on the big screen with dance partner Ginger Rogers. Who is he?
a. Gary Hunt
b. Fred Astaire
c. Gene Kelly
d. James Wells

3. This American expressionist dancer based her style on the dances of the Ancient Greeks and is one of the founders of 'Interpretive' dance. Who is she?
a. Isadora Duncan
b. Marie Clover
c. Mata Hari
d. Samantha McDonald

4. This famous exotic dancer used her talent to become a spy for Germany during the First World War. Do you know who she is?
a. Gina Tse
b. Isadora Duncan
c. Mata Hari
d. Marie Clover

5. This Russian ballerina is the most famous classical ballerina ever, having danced many of the major ballet roles. Who is she?
a. Joanne Bungay
b. Yolanda Perth
c. Anna Pavlova
d. Marita Kensington

6. This famous British ballet dancer was president of the Royal Acadmemy of Dancing and was awarded the title of 'prima ballerina assoluta'. Do you know who she is?
a. Darcy Bussell
b. Dara Pierce
c. Dame Margot Fonteyn
d. Lady Annabelle Yates

7. This American man was a famous tap and ballet dancer, choreographer, actor and director. He was mostly known for his contribution to musical films. Who is he?
a. Fred Astaire
b. Bing Crosby
c. James Wells
d. Gene Kelly

8. This man is a famous Spanish dancer and choreographer of the modern-day who has developed an original take on the tradition of flamenco. Do you know who he is?
a. Christobal Reyes
b. Juan Niaton
c. Joaquin Cortes
d. Federico Havort

9. This American choreographer, dancer, and teacher, has been a major and one of most influential figure in American modern dance for more than 50 years. Who is it?
a. Joanne Bungay
b. Martha Graham
c. Dame Margot Fonteyn
d. Marita Kensington

10. This American choreographer and teacher, developed a dance theatre of abstract forms, colours, and lights. Do you know who it is?
a. Gary Hunt
b. Alwin Nikolais
c. James Wells
d. Joaquin Cortes

Answers in the comments section...

Cold weather puts chill on dancers trying to break Twist record

LAKE GENEVA, Wis. If there was a whole lot of shakin' going on in Lake Geneva this weekend, it was only to stay warm.Hundreds of people hoped to twist and shout their way into the record books yesterday. But their attempt fell short because of the cold.
Kathy Fraser was the organizer of the Largest Twist Dance. She says the group will have to try again next year.
But they'll need plenty more people to show up. There were 227 participants this year, ready to twist for five minutes in the style made famous by Chubby Checker in 1960.
But the record is just under 17-hundred people.
Ten-year-old Madison Gagliardi was looking forward to flaunting her special form that her grandma taught her. She says she just pretends she's drying off her bottom with a bath towel.

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I'm sure we could get 1700 people together to beat the record!

How cool would that be...

Jim x

New Topic of the Week...

Thanks to everyone who contributed to last week's topic.

This time it would be good to know what was your most sexiest dance experience!

Again, please leave out the names unless the person has given you permission!

Win an Easter Egg! Friday Freestyle at Maidstone - 6th April

Don't forget our Friday Freestyle this Friday (6th April) at Maidstone, wear something Yellow and you could win yourself an Easter Egg!

So many of our dancers and crew aren't going away for the Easter break, so we look forward to seeing you all for a lovely dance night.

Dwain "Dirty D"J will be there on the night - a popular DJ he's become.

Jim, Nicky & Tracy will all be there too and will be inspecting for Yellow everything!

See you there.

Nicky x

Just one 2 more days to Maidstone Easter Freestyle night

Hope everyone is looking forward to our special Easter Freestyle tomorrow night at Maidstone.

Jim, Nicky and Tracy will be hosting and our very own Dirty Dwain will be your DJ.

Here's a mini profile on Dwain... more to follow over the next few weeks!

Hi, let me introduce myself, the name is Dwain AKA “Dirty D”. Why? A nick name given to me because of my Dirty Dancing style of dancing, or so I’ve been informed. I’m sure many of you have your own suggestion for what the D stands for, and no doubt I will see a few of them on this blog. Dirty D then evolves to “Dirty D”J when I’m DJing and I’m playing the tunes.

Modern Jive was the dance I stuck with, simply because the hospitality of Dance Rivera is second to none, from my first night when I started and it’s still the same today. The Dance Rivera team also put in 110% effort on their themed freestyle nights ensuring all of their nights are a huge success. Even having danced across the country and witness other organisers freestyle event, few others come close.

Swanley is Open Bank Holiday Monday

For those of you who go to Swanley (or those that fancy dancing on Bank Holiday Monday), Swanley is OPEN, so tell and bring all your friends!!

NEW! Membership & Loyalty Card Wallets

We have NEW Membership & Loyalty Card wallets. For existing members they're only £1. For new members, they come as part of their membership pack. Our welcome hosts will have them at every venue, so why not put all your Dance Riviera cards together, save losing it all at the bottom of your bag/purse/pocket!

Nicky

Beginners Plus Workshop this Sunday - places available

Sunday 8th April (Easter Sunday)

1pm - 5pm

Beginners Plus Workshop

Dartford Acacia Hall venue

Workshops are a great way of enhancing your dancing with personal teacher attention, small groups to work with, questions and answer time, informal setting and of course confidence building.

Any beginners that have done a few lessons would benefit this, as would someone who's been coming a while but needs the extra boost before going into intermediates.

If you'd like to discuss whether it's suitable for you or not, please call Nicky on 08708 03 55 03.