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