Something for the Ladies

Don't see the appeal myself....

Jimx

Come on England

Check out all the news here for England

Hope we win on Sunday...

Jimx

First Advanced Smooth Jive night a success!

We held our first Advanced Smooth Jive night at Dartford last night and it was a huge success. Jim read out a list of things that we're going to be covering over the 10 weeks we're doing this night and even I baulked at what we can do to improve our dancing style, technique, musicality, connection etc etc...! there were a few gasps from the audience :-)

There were a few men over (which is a first!), so next time THURSDAY 6TH JULY, we're going to a strict gender balance booking system.

If you wish to come along (and anyone who's been dancing for a while and confident with intermediate lessons can come), please call Nicky on 020 8692 3821 to book your place.

PLEASE TRY AND BOOK WITH A PERSON OF THE OPPOSITE SEX -

YOU DON'T HAVE TO DANCE WITH THEM ALL NIGHT,

IT JUST HELPS BALANCE NUMBERS

10 pounds per person and you get the last hour of upstair's freestyle in the ballroom.

Any questions about the class, booking or anything else, please call Nicky

Darent Suite, Acacia Hall, 67a High Street, Dartford, Kent DA1 1DJ

8pm - 10pm

Happy Birthday Jenni!

It's our Jenni's Birthday on Saturday 24th June, so HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

We wish you a lovely day and hope the weather holds up for your birthday BBQ.

Jim, Nicky & Tracy x

No Pants Dance

No Pants Dance Nets Man Fine And Jail

06-22-2006 OCEAN CITY - A Baltimore man who celebrated the town's annual Springfest event in May by pulling his pants down and shaking his manhood for a crossing guard downtown pleaded guilty in Ocean City District Court on Monday.
The resort's popular Springfest event held at the Inlet parking lot each May attracts a diverse audience through food, music and shopping. But, this year's main attraction for some was reportedly watching William Henry Steeg, 48, perform the no-pants dance for a female police officer working a pedestrian detail downtown. Steeg was later arrested for indecent exposure and resisting arrest.
In court this week, Steeg pleaded guilty to indecent exposure, as Assistant State's Attorney Bridget Wyant read a brief statement of facts for the judge related to the charge saying, "While he was exposed, he began to dance to the music playing in the park."
Judge Daniel R. Mumford sentenced Steeg to six months in jail, with credit for 43 days already served. The judge also ordered a $300 fine in the case and recommended work release.
"We're a family resort. We can’t have this in a family resort," said Mumford.
On May 7, at approximately 1 p.m., Ocean City Police Officer Jeffrey Johns was on uniformed bicycle patrol when he responded to South Division Street for an indecent exposure complaint. Johns and Pfc. Sydney Findley arrived in the area and spoke with Gina Casagna, a police public safety aide, who was directing a high volume of pedestrians and traffic downtown. According to court documents, she said Steeg appeared extremely intoxicated as he walked toward her and dropped his pants. Casagna told the officers that crowds of people were drawn to Steeg's actions and he quickly pulled his pants up when police responded.
"Casagna told me that while Steeg's outer and under pants were down and his genitalia were exposed, Steeg began to dance to music that was amplifying from Trimper's amusement park located at the ocean block of South Division Street," court documents read.
When the officers attempted to place Steeg under arrest, he continued to struggle, according to court documents. Johns and Findley escorted the man to the ground, but, due to his extreme intoxication, he hit his head on the concrete, police say. He was treated at AGH.
Steeg testified in court this week arresting officers were overly abusive, and he received a broken nose and four stitches.

I love it....Can't wait to teach this dance at Dartford...hehehehe

Mikey at Gravesend Wednesday 28th June

Just letting you Mikey fans out there that he will be teaching for us at our Gravesend venue next Wednesday 28th June. He'll be doing a normal beginners lesson and then one of his lovely intermediate lessons, plus he's there to dance with you all night!

DJ Steve "the Hitman" Strong will be your DJ for the night, he's getting a huge fan base already due to the variety and beat range of his music. He's at Dartford tonight (Thursday 22nd June) if you fancy coming along to check him out :-)

Click here for details of our Gravesend venue

Mikey & Jive Hive workshop - Saturday 8th July

Dance Riviera supports some like-minded independent dance organisations, Mikey & Jive Hive being a couple, so here's a little plug for a workshop they're doing.......

MIKEY
Special Intermediate & Style WORKSHOP & Freestyle with Jive Hive in Canterbury

Saturday 8th July 2006

Ashford Road Community Association Hall,
151 Ashford Road (A28) Thanington Without, Canterbury Kent CT1 3XR

Entrance in advance please 25 pounds per person

Includes Freestyle entrance with Fun Lesson in the evening
Plus Free Drinks & Snacks During the Workshop Registration 12.15pm

Workshop 12.30pm until 4.30pm approx
To book for the workshop or for more details

Contact Mikey on 07905 800047
Email : Mikey@strictlysinful.com

Includes entrance to: -
Jive Hive’s Modern Jive Freestyle Dance at the above venue with Lesson by Mikey at 8.15pm in the evening. Doors open at 7.45pm- Dancing until 11.30pm.
Please bring your own drinks in the evening

Entrance for Freestyle to those not on The Workshop is 7 pounds. Please contact us if you would like to reserve in advance for the Freestyle only and pay on your arrival

Email dance@jivehive.co.uk Website www.jivehive.co.uk Tel: - 07751 362949

The Evolution of Dance

Check out this video of the evolution of dance over 40 years.

Always good for a laugh...

here

Jim x

Charity Event: Jive Aces Summertime Swing - Sun 2nd July - Tickets available now

The Jive Aces and others are hosting their annual charity concert on Sunday 2nd July. It's called Summertime Swing and starts at 3pm. It's held on the terrace of a beautiful 16th century manor house. The address is: Saint Hill Manor, East Grinstead, West Sussex, RH19 4JY.

We have Terry Elliott DJing, The Jiving Lindy Hoppers doing a display and lesson, vintage vehicles on display, BBQ roasting away and lots more.

You can get tickets and directions by calling 01342 300 075 or emailing fanclub@jiveaces.com. They are £13 in advance or £15 on the day and under 12's come free!

As usual, all proceeds are going to charity and this year we are supporting the Royal British Legion and also a London Police charity.

Privates!

We are now arranging private lessons for those that would like to improve any feature of your dancing.

Available for small groups or individuals with a variety of teachers.

If you want to improve more quickly or want a more one to one experience then contact Nicky on 0208 692 3821 or info@danceriviera.com

See our web page for more details here...


Jim

Photo's for sale

All of the photo's in our Gallery are now for sale in multiple sizes and can even be printed on mugs, mouse mats and canvas.

Email Nicky for more information and sizes and prices.

Jim x

"Busking" this coming Saturday 24th June at Dartford

We'll be "busking" in the Orchard Shopping Centre (East Mall) from 12pm - 2pm this Saturday 24th June.

Busking is a great way of showing new people what we do and encourage them to come along and try it out for themselves.

In order to show them what we do, we need dancers to turn up and dance!!!

Please come along and strut your stuff and get a FREE entry ticket as a thank you for helping to support this event.

Please email Nicky at info@danceriviera.com to let us know if you're coming along. Jim & I look forward to seeing you there.

Click here for the flyer


Nicky

Advanced Smooth Jive this Thursday

For those that didn't know or may have forgotton (easy with all the football on) Nicky & I will be running a weekly advanced Smooth Jive workshop with restricted numbers.

The workshop will include technique, shape, footwork, musicality, blues and much more...

Contact Nicky to book your place: 0208 692 3821 or info@danceriviera.com

Jim

BBC1 to stage dance talent search

Strictly Come Dancing is joining forces with BBC New Talent to offer aspiring performers the chance to appear in a one-off production for BBC1 titled Dancing in the Street.
The Corporation is holding dance workshops at six venues across the country during June and July, in a bid to find the best upcoming talent to appear in the show, which will be performed and recorded for television in front of a live audience in London’s Trafalgar Square. Strictly Come Dancing’s Anton Du Beke is to host masterclasses for those that have been shortlisted from the initial workshops but from these only one dancer from each of the six locations will be chosen to appear in the show.
The winners will have to attend two days of rehearsals with celebrity dance partners including Erin Boag, Andrew Cuerdon, Hanna Haarala, Nicole Cutler and Matthew Cutler, before performing with them at the event on July 22.
Du Beke commented: “Dancing for an audience of millions live on BBC1 is a wonderful experience. I hope we’re going to find some undiscovered talents so we can give a spectacular ballroom performance on stage in Trafalgar Square.”
The show forms part of Big Dance, a nationwide celebration of the artform run in conjunction with Arts Council England. The 90-minute production will be broadcast on BBC1 later in the year and the final six dancers could also receive funding for further training and development.

Happy Birthday Shelley

Please join us in wishing Shelley Many Happy Return for the Day.

She will be 24 on Wednesday, but will be celebrating at Dartford on Thursday. Be sure to ask her for a dance.

All the best, Jim x

Come on England!

I don't follow football except for the world cup and even then only England.

I'm really happy that we've made it to the next round already and regardless of how well people think we are playing we have still won both our games.

Next game could be a toughie though. Any thoughts from you lot?

Also, isn't it great to see all those England flags flying on cars and hanging from house windows. The English aren't known for their nationalism unlike the Scots, Irish and Welsh, but it's looks like we are starting to cotton on.

Nicky bought 2 flags for our car, but I couldn't work out how to fix them on.. I had to look at a car being driven by a woman to realise they fix to the windows. Bet she got a man to fix them on though eh... They will take pride of place tonight when I get in from work.

Have a great weekend all,

Jim x

Herne Bay

Herne Bay celebrations were great last night and Nicky & I really enjoyed our teach.

The dancers are coming on very well and I was more than impressed with the friendly atmosphere. I didn't see a single bopper all night ;o)

Buzz lightyear and Woody were entertaining..... You need to find out who they are!

One thing that bugged me though was those bloomin windmills out to sea. Who's stupid idea was it to spoil the view with those things. At least paint them light blue or something so we can't see them. Apparently they have flashing lights on them too so you can see them at night..... wow how thoughtful! Rant over... Jim x

Hilton and Lohan have dance-off

NEW YORK, June 15 (UPI) -- The New York nightclub Stereo had a new form of entertainment when Paris Hilton and Lindsay Lohan battled on the dance floor.
The impromptu contest began early Wednesday morning, when both celebrities began dancing in the club's VIP section and continued for hours, with both women reportedly waiting for the other to stop first, People magazine reported.
Hilton and Lohan's dancing competition continued until 7 a.m., apparently without either woman acknowledged the other while dancing.
"They were really dancing, non-stop. It was funny," a source told People. "They didn't say a word to each other, but they were literally a foot-and-a-half away from each other the entire time."
The dance-off is the most recent event in what has been an ongoing feud between the celebrities. The incident stemmed from occurrence on Monday where Lohan was confronted by Hilton for dating her ex-boyfriend, Stavros Niarchos, People said.

So You Think You Can Dance?

Group of writers say Fox and cohorts' show stole their idea for reality show. Fox Dances to court.
The reality-show lawsuits continue, and it looks like Fox has been naughty again. A group of four people has filed a lawsuit in Los Angeles Superior Court that claims Fox Broadcasting, Dick Clark Productions, Martin Erlichman Associates, and American Idol production company 19
Entertainment stole their idea for the hit Fox reality show So You Think You Can Dance.

Read more here

Film-makers on film: Whit Stillman

The American independent film writer and director tells Benjamin Secher how Mark Sandrich's The Gay Divorcee (1934) inspired his work

'I'm not sure how this will tie in to your question," says Whit Stillman, adopting the nervous yet determined gaze of a man who is about to give an extraordinary answer to an ordinary question, "but I think some of Fred Astaire's dance performances prove the existence of God."

Read more here

Cosmo wanted me to be a nude centrefold!

FOR Casualtystar and Strictly Come Dancing hotstepper Will Thorp, celebrity is something of a dirty word.
Despite becoming a housewives' heartthrob during his role as Woody on the wards of Holby General, and then winning an army of fans on the TV ballroom dancing phenomenon, Will is adamant that the only thing he wants to be known for is his thespian skills.
And that's all he has to rely on in his new role as a young architect who gets swept into a gruesome plot in the psychological thriller Strangers on a Train,which comes to the Arts Theatre next week.
The star-studded play, which also features Colin Baker, Anita Harris, Emmerdale's Leah Bracknell and EastEnders' Alex Ferns, is based on a novel by Patricia Highsmith, who wrote The Talented Mr Ripley. Alfred Hitchcock made the novel into a film in 1951, but the story was treated in a very different way.
"It's a fascinating play," says Will.
"Luckily it's one that will keep us thinking throughout the whole tour and I think it will develop and get better and better.
"I wasn't sure how I was going to feel when I got back on stage after doing TV for so long, but it was surprisingly painless. After doing Strictly Come Dancing, which terrified me so much, it put it into perspective. That was live in front of 10 million people!"
His involvement in the programme that did the impossible and made ballroom dancing cool again was something he did for fun. Since then he has been in high demand for every kind of celebrity event but, alongside TV work (just last week, viewers saw him being possessed by the Devil in a terrifying episode of Doctor Who) he chose to go back to his stage roots.
"It's great to be back in the theatre. I think it's really important for actors to do because it keeps you sharp," he insists.
"I certainly don't buy into celebrity culture, but people are fascinated by it.
God knows why, because it's just soulless and dreary beyond belief.
Once you've been there for a bit, you realise that it's not that exciting.
"I suppose I'm a celebrity in the sense that I've done a celebrity show and I've been on the telly fairly regularly. But I don't go to any of the parties or premieres.
"Keeping your profile high is very addictive because it means you have a better choice of work and you get more money. But it's really good to take those leaps of faith and say, 'No I don't have to be on TV'. As soon as people see more pictures of you at parties and premieres than they do of you working, then they forget you have a trade, and that's always been important to me.
"Although I did Strictly Come Dancing, I didn't cash in on it. I've been asked to do OKand Helloand just recently the nude centrefold in Cosmopolitan. I just said, 'Don't even tell me about it, I'm not interested'.
"I've already been naked on telly - everyone's seen my bum and they don't need to see any more!"
Despite having a great time on the reality show, Will says his dancing days are firmly over. When you're touring the country to packed out theatres six nights a week or filming round the clock for television, it's difficult to find the time.
"No, I've burnt the shoes," he laughs. "When I was doing it I thought maybe it would be a laugh to take it up as a hobby but I don't have any time really.
"I was doing 11 or 12 hour days on Casualty and then I was going on for about four hours at night rehearsing the dances. I think I've only had three days off since I finished."
Being in the theatre again has given him a taste of what it's like when there's an audience in front of you hanging off your every line. And with a role as tense and taut as the ambitious but troubled Guy Haines, he has a lot of work to do.
"In the theatre you need to sustain a performance and be in character for two hours at a time," he tells scene. "People who work in TV a lot aren't used to that because you have short scenes of sometimes 30 seconds at a time.
"In TV there are a hundred other people involved in the end performance.
What you see in the end product isn't just the actor, there's the editing, the lighting and everything else that goes into making you look good.
"But with theatre it is just down to you and the other cast around you. On TV there are a lot of handrails for you and there's lots of people around you. It's ridiculous the amount of people who are there to make sure you're OK.
"In theatre there's none of that. It toughens you up."

Robot Dance

For my shame I used to do a little robot dancing...

I was never any where near as good as these guys though.

Check out the 3rd guy.. Truly amazing!

Click on the text to see the videos.....

Jim

Were back!

Hi All,

We're back from a 1 week trip to New York. We had a great time even though it rained all week.

We did all the tourist stuff including Empire state, Statue Liberty, Circle line, Shopping and lots of eating (boy do I need to lose weight).

Big thanks goes to Steve Neeren for showing us around and being a great host (Top Geezer).

We will blog individual experiences in more detail, but just wanted to let you know there will be more blogging now were home.

Chat soon, Jim x

Herne Bay's 1st Anniversary this Thursday (15th June)

We can't believe it's been a year since we opened Herne Bay! Time really does fly.

Jim & Nicky will be teaching the classes this week and Keith will be DJing.

There will be a birthday cake (of course) and fun classes to help see you through the night.

AND......more importantly, the football will be finished by 7pm so you can definitely come out for a dance!!

BIG thanks goes to Keith & Frances (and the rest of the Dance Riviera crew who run this night), they've done a fantastic job of creating a lovely friendly atmosphere that everyone enjoys.

We look forward to celebrating with you.

Jim & Nicky

Tuesday at Deal.....DJ and Teacher change

We have a different line-up for you at Deal this Tuesday. John & Linda Ford will be DJing, playing a wide range of music to suit everyone (they're pretty famous in the dance world for their fabulous DJ sets they play at weekenders and their own and other events).

Nicky will be teaching the lessons aided by Clem (one of our dance coaches) who does a brilliant job of trying to listen to everything she says and then demo it!!

Keith & Frances will be back in a couple of weeks, they're teaching and DJing at our other venues.

Look forward to seeing you there. Nicky

Shelagh's News!!!

Hiya everyone - how are you all doing? I hear summer has finally found its way to the UK so I expect the string vests and t-shirt marks are everywhere to be seen!!!! Enjoy the sunshine and make it a Pimms o'clock (have 1 for me!!!)

We have had a very busy few days (well busy for Gozo!!!!) - Pete and I have completed our PADI open water dive course - I feel very proud of myself as I was "slightly" anxious to start off with but our instructor "Groover Graham" was brilliant and made the whole course fun and relaxing and we all managed to overcome our fears and qualify for diving up to 18mtrs - we did our final dive today and went into "The Blue Hole" which was a fantastic dive down under an underwater archway and out into the open sea - I loved it, saw some of the underwater wildlife of Gozo (no sharks anywhere thank goodness!!!!!) and made it back to the surface ready for "beer o'clock". Dapper Dan has just booked his flights over to see us in September and I am glad to say that we will be able to join him in some dive adventures - cant wait!!!!

Anyway that is 1 of my "to do" things that I can tick off, think I deserve some relaxing time now before I embark on any more strenuous activity!!!!! The red wine has been opened, the air is warm and it looks set to be a beautiful day tomorrow - night night everyone and love to all, Shelagh xx

Happy 30th Birthday to Paul (Zoolander!)

A big Happy Birthday to our teacher Paul who celebrates his 30th birthday today. Hope you have a wonderful and special day.

So ladies, this week you've got even more of an excuse to give him a big hug for his birthday :-)

Nicky

Stylish Footwork Workshop & Tea Dance this Sunday (4th June)

We have another one of our popular workshops and tea dances this Sunday (4th June) at Dartford. Jill & Pete will be taking you through some lovely stylish footwork moves. Don't be afraid of footwork!! When taught properly, they can easily be incorporated into your repertoire of moves. Jill & Pete's style of teaching is to ensure that you absolutely get the moves, along with Pete's sometimes terrible but funny jokes!

It's 10 pounds for 5 hours of workshop and tea dance including refreshments (tea/coffee/cake).

If you just want to come to the tea dance it's 5 pounds after 2.30pm with no refreshments - although if there's some spare you could buy it on the door.

Ring Nicky today to ensure your place on Sunday 020 8692 3821. Tell your friends!!

Elton John Tickets

A friend of mine from work "Steve" has two tickets available for this Saturdays Elton John performance in Canterbury. They are the £80.00 tickets, which after a bit of haggling he is letting go for £70.00 each.

The seats are for the front block and very good.

More info here about the concert and seating.

They are only on offer today as I'ts the only day I can pick them up.

email me if your interested: info@danceriviera.com

Jim x

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