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.

Topic for the week...

Each week we thought it might be a good idea to have some more

enthusiastic 'bloggers' join in with some short, snappy comments on a particular topic.

To start off - can we have anyone's comments on their 'funniest dance experience ever!'

Just a bit of fun and please don't mention any names without the person's permission.

Ok - get writing anything short and sweet....This topic will run out on Saturday 7th April.

Birthday Report!

Photos to follow!

As you know it was Sarah's Birthday last night and 22 of us went to an Indian restaurant in Crayford. The night started by 16 of us turning up, seated nicely, and then another 6 people turned up! we had to squeeze in another 2 tables and turned this nice couple out of their seats so we could all sit together.

Sarah was the Birthday Queen with her fluffy tiara and mountains of presents and cards. After musical chairs and lots of yummy food, Sarah received at least 3 heartfelt speeches about what a great girl she is - the tears flowed!

Then I'm going to leave out a bit because, well, we don't know the age of people reading this hee hee.

We then all toddled off to Crayford where 20 of us descended on the venue and I don't think the dancers knew what hit them! There were a few inebriated people!! (not naming names........ok, you twisted my arm......Sarah, Laura, Nick, Pete, Cheryl, Tracy)

After celebrating with Dan on his last night and a few drunken dances, finishing off with a circle of people doing showgirl high kicks! we had lots of photos to commemorate the occasion which will be posted on here as soon as I get them.

Anyway, it was a grand night with good friends and finished off with some dancing - what more could a birthday girl want?

Nicky x

Guest Teacher Mikey tonight at Dartford Acacia Hall

Guest Teacher Favourite Mikey is back tonight at Dartford Acacia Hall.

New Teachers Clem & Tracy will be doing the beginners followed by a fun and cheeky class by the entertaining Mikey - I will be demoing as it's been a while and I'm really looking forward to it.

As you all know Mikey's great as he dances with everyone (men and women!), so make sure you grab him for a dance later.

We look forward to seeing you all there.

Nicky

Broadstairs is CLOSED tonight - Wed 28th March

Broadstairs venue is closed tonight due to a previous charity booking. Please tell any friends that usually go to the venue that aren't on the internet.

Thanks

Dapper Dan's last teaching night at Crayford :-(

It's teacher Dapper Dan's last teaching night at Crayford tonight (ahhhh) as he's moving to Swindon to be with his fiance Viv - ah, love :-)

We'll be very sorry to lose him from the Dance Riviera teaching team, Dan is such a great guy who wants everyone to get the routine and ladies, we know, he's a wonderful dancer.

Support him on his last night at Crayford - there may well be some very boozy happy people there later in the night (after Sarah's birthday bash!).

Thanks once again to Dapper whom we shall certainly miss.

Jim, Nicky & Tracy x

Move It! Article by Dance Coach Joe Eddington

As some of you know I got some free tickets to go up to Olympia for one of the three days of the dance event ‘Move It!’ We went on Saturday March 17th and had a very good day being there from 10 30 am right up to 6 30 in the evening. There were stage demonstrations of various types of dancing from Tango, to Street dancing and Bollywood. We also saw Lindy Hop and Ballet both classical and modern.

There were opportunities to do taster classes in all types of dancing, including Salsa and Argentine Tango and some master classes too. The six workshop areas were very full all day with lots of teenage girls mainly who seemed to have loads of energy and enthusiasm. The classes were pre-bookable on line and I think this is what I will do if I want to go next year as many of the popular classes sold out early if not before the day itself. At £2 a class I think it is very good value.

The stage show included a demo by Lilia and Darren from Strictly Come Dancing. The spectacle was made more enjoyable by the gorgeous colourful outfits of the dancers. The body of the exhibition centre was given over to loads of stalls from dance outfitters, with dresses and shoes and everything a dancer would need. You could buy a pole for your home pole dancing sessions. (was thinking of getting one for Christine but she has got one already!).

My son Martin and I having hung around to see the salesperson demonstrate, felt we should ask questions in case we appeared to be voyeurs. So I asked whether it was exclusively a female pursuit, at which the saleswoman pointed to a young man in sports kit who had a very well developed upper torso. He was that sort of inverted triangle shape which women are said to go for. Now where shall I put my pole in the lounge or the hallway? (Only joking, but it does seem a wonderful way training, but not as good as watching!).

One of the Dance Coaches from Gravesend who has sports injury to her foot was pushed around the exhibition in a wheelchair by her obliging escort on the Sunday. This did not stop her spending on exotic dancewear though! She said that at least she had somewhere to sit down during the long day and seats were in short supply and so that is quite a consideration. There are some quite decent food outlets such as ‘Pret a manger’ with some tables and chairs but if you fancy a beer be ready for extortionate prices-£3 10 for a small lager!

Wendy and I finished the day by watching a brilliant Samba band and dancers. The colourful headdresses and very skimpy costumes meant that I was eventually dragged away in a sort of trance by my wife, eyes still fixed on the stage. Mardi Gras in Rio next year perhaps!

Thanks Joe, what a great article. J,N&T

Happy Birthday!

To our very own Dance Riviera Coach - Sarah. It's her birthday tomorrow (28th)

Sarah coaches at our Swanley venues and is well known for her calls for 'music' during the lessons and cheeky moves!

Just 9 days to go...

...Until our Easter Special Friday Night Freestyle at Maidstone.

Have you all got something yellow to wear? If all else fails - then it's yellow knickers for the girls and yellow boxers for the boys - beware though boys... Nicky and Tracy will be on the door and may need to check!

Princess Park - Tuesday night venue

We just wanted to let everyone know who came to our opening night a couple of weeks ago, that the one or two teething problems with the sound have now been sorted out.
Everyone who came last week had a great evening and Tim played an excellent set list that went down really well.
Here's a few comments from our dancers:
"A great Dance Riviera night as usual- love the new venue"
"We had a good time and it's really good to have a local Dance Riviera class on a Tuesday night"
" I shall be attending every week - parking is easy and the new DJ Tim is an asset"

Happy Birthday!

Just to say a big Happy Birthday for Monday 26th March to our very own teacher Jill.

Jill and Pete will be teaching at Swanley on Monday night so come along and join them for a great class and maybe even some cake!

Oh What a Night!

The Jive Aces played an excellent set last night and for everyone who came along they certainly kept us all dancing!

It was great to see them again with added entertainment value from the boys themselves plus a couple of brilliant swing dancers who had come all the way from Washington DC!

Definitely a night to remember....

Jive Aces

I have to say that the Boys were great last night.

Not only that, but I was allowed a sneak peek at one of their new tracks from the new album.

I have to say it was very good, and slightly different from what I expected.

Can't wait to hear more...

Jim x

Photo's of the night to follow shortly....

Ssh...want to know a secret...

Hot off the press!

The theme for our next Maidstone freestyle evening on Good Friday 6th April will be YELLOW - well it is Easter!

Ladies - wear yellow accessories, tops, dresses, easter bonnets or a combination of all!

Guys - wear yellow T shirts, belts, boxers even!

There will, of course, be some easter eggs around.

Jim, Nicky and Tracy will be hosting the evening.

We look forward to seeing you there.

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

Hey, where's my suggestion that all the women wear Bunny Outfits gone!

Jim x

The Jive Aces at Dartford Acacia Hall - Thursday 22nd March

They're back at Dartford on Thursday, we look forward to a great night's live music and entertainment from the guys. We saw them at the Party Weekender in Warmwell on Saturday night and they were the best band all weekend.

It's £10 on the door - no loyalty card freebies will be accepted on this night.

p.s., don't forget we have our new Dartford venue this Tuesday night at Princes Park with double Loyalty Card stamps

p.p.s., if you attend Gravesend or Crayford for the month of March you also get double Loyalty Card stamps - redeem your free night sooner!

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

I love this band for many reasons, but as a dancer I can recommend them for playing danceable music i.e. you don't need to dance 500 mph to keep up with them!

We've asked them to perform a new spotlight show where, Ken - The bass player and Peter - The drummer, play on the one instrument the bass. It's amazing!

The Boys have a new album coming out soon too, which promises to be their best yet. We'll update you when we know more, but I'm hoping to get a sneak peek this Thursday.

Jim x

Dartford Princes Park OPENING NIGHT TONIGHT!

It's Take 2! After last week's last-minute football match that was organised, we're opening our Dartford Princes Park venue TONIGHT!

Jim & Nicky are teaching and new Dance Riviera DJ Tim O'Brien will be playing for you tonight.
We always love opening nights as so many of you support them, which is fantastic, so we hope to see you and dance with you all tonight.

Don't forget the SPECIAL OFFER of visiting this venue for the first 4 weeks and get an extra Loyalty Card stamp.

If you don't know where it is, check out the FLYER, there's a map on it.

Nicky

Moving House

For those that didn't know, Nicky & I are moving to Sutton at Hone near Dartford this Friday.
Not only are we moving house, but we are moving Dance Riviera, "The Business", too!

Nicky also has to move me. The last time I packed anything I forgot all my underwear..!

I've lived in my house for 11 years...Gulp! and with Nicky for 6 years in the same house.

It's emotional, stressfull, panicky, weird, heart breaking, exciting, fun and bloody hard work.

I'd just like to say that Nicky has handled all this exceptionally well and is doing a great job.

Thanks to everyone for be patient with us during our move and a special thanks goes to all that are helping us through the move.

We lost our internet connection today and probably wont be put back online for a month, at home that is, so Nicky wont be able to read this until she visits someone's house or an internet cafe...hehehe

I'll still be posting from work and Tracy will be checking emails etc. so it's dancing as usual.

Cya soon, Jim x

Two top events this week!

Guest Teacher Nigel Anderson at

Dartford Acacia Hall - Thur 8th March

Come along and see one of the top teachers in modern jive in action! Nigel's been teaching modern jive and other styles of dance for 20 years and is a firm favourite at all the big dance weekenders and holidays.

Flyer

Friday Freestyle at Maidstone - Fri 9th March

The first Friday Freestyle was a great success with great music, lots of different dancers for you from different areas and club. Our DJ Dwain "Dirty D"J will be playing for you all night. Come along early to enjoy your 3 hours of pure freestyle. 8pm - 11pm

Flyer

URGENT NOTICE: Dartford Princes Park opening postponed til 13th March

IMPORTANT NOTICE: DARTFORD PRINCES PARK OPENING NIGHT POSTPONED TIL TUESDAY 13th MARCH

We have just been informed that a last minute football match has been organised for Tuesday 6th March. This means there will be no car parking available to our dancers. We would rather open a week later and enjoy all the facilities at the venue.

Please tell any friends that had intended to come along and hope to see you all next week at the new opening night!

Shelagh starts Work!!!!

Hiya all - just thought I would send you a little photo of me "working" at our new bar - Bo Jangles!!! We had our opening night last Thursday and it went really well with lots of support and positive feedback - we had 5 of Pete's mates arrive from the UK and they certainly helped our takings for the first weekend - we are absolutely knackered mind you, I dont think either of us realised how tiring it would be! - still we are starting to relax into it and enjoy ourselves so hopefully in a few weeks time it will all be running like clockwork and not stressing us out too much!!! Thanks to everyone who signed our Good Luck card - it was a lovely surprise and really meant a lot to me - hopefully I may get to serve some of you in the near future but until then take care and happy dancing - lots of love Shelagh xxx

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

All the best for you Guys.

Were really proud of you and hopefully we'll be able to come over and sample the beer.

Jim, Nicky & Tracy

Interview with Dance Coach Pete

How long have you been dancing?

About 1 year

What made you start dancing?

My partner Nick had been going for about 2 years and encouraged me to give it a try. I went once and have never looked back since!

How long have you been a Dance Riviera Dance Coach?

About 6 months

What made you want to be a Dance Coach?

I wanted to give something back to the beginners in terms of confidence and fun in dancing. I enjoy encouraging the new people.

What makes Dance Riviera different?

The unbelievable friendliness of everybody. You are not made to feel that there are good or bad dancers - we are all just dancers with different levels of experience. You can dance with people that have been dancing for years or someone who has come for the very first time and everyone just enjoys themselves.

What's your day job?

Landscape gardner

Any other comments?

Just want to say that I'm really grateful to Tracy, Nicky and Jim for having somewhere like this that people can go to, have a great time and learn to dance as well!

Move It! Dance Exhibition 16 - 18 March

Be Dazzled by Dance at MOVE IT 2007

In March the UK's biggest dance exhibition will bring together every style of dance under one roof for three amazing days.

• A main stage packed full of 100 fabulous live performances
• 138 exciting dance classes (pre-book online)
• 20 in-depth seminars and masterclasses
• 140 exhibitors offering the latest dance shoes, dancewear, dance products, dance expertise and advice
• Twice as big as last year, twice the number of classes and all of them bookable online, a bigger stage and a new and bigger hall
• Visit MOVE IT 2007 and experience the breathtaking range of dance styles from bollywood to ballroom, jazz to street, ballet to salsa.

So whether you'd like your first lesson in ballroom with Matthew and Nicole from Strictly Come Dancing or you simply can't wait to see ZooNation perform live on stage - save up to a third off the price by booking your tickets and classes.

Visit their website to book your tickets http://www.dance-london.co.uk/. Our Broadstairs Dance Coach Joe is going with his wife Wendy, so he'll be able to give us a first hand report on what Move It! was like. If anyone else is going please report back to us too and we'll blog your report.

Nicky

CANCELLED - Intermediate to Advanced Workshop due to house move

Hi everyone

Unfortunately we're having to cancel the Intermediate to Advanced workshop this coming Sunday as Jim & I are moving next week and in all honesty can't commit the time to the workshop.

We hope you understand, as you know moving is a very stressful time!

Can you tell any friends that might have wanted to attend.

Thanks, Nicky

Maidstone Freestyle a storming success!

We think you'll agree, for those of you who came to our first Friday Freestyle last night that it was a fantastic night, great music by Dwain "Dirty D"J, a friendly atmosphere welcoming all dancers from beginners to experienced.

Everyone was in a good mood and totally up for a great night's dancing, so thank you very much.

Our next Friday freestyle is on Friday 9th March, so we hope to see you then too.

Nicky x

Fancy a SHAG?

The family of shagNational championships are under way in Myrtle Beach

For The Sun News Photo gallery Local stars take the floor with dancers. It was only 7:15 p.m. on a Friday night, but already the joint was jumpin'. It wasn't just any Friday evening, however, but the first of two nights of preliminary competition at the 24th annual National Shag Dance Championships at Studebaker's in Myrtle Beach Jan. 26-27.

There was excitement in the air as the shaggers - ranging in age from the Junior Division I (ages 14 and under) to the Masters Division (females ages 49 and over and males ages 50 and over) - took to the floor. Many came from surrounding states to compete, making a weekend of it. Others came simply to watch. Shortly after 8 p.m., when the official program started, Studebaker's was standing room only.

What is it about the shag, adopted in 1984 as South Carolina's state dance, that gets so many people so fired up?

Barry Thigpen, founder and chairman of the event, said the shag's appeal lies in the fact that anyone of any age can participate in it. "It's something that you can do, like tennis or golf, and continue throughout your life," he said. The evening's youngest competitor was only 7.
Jenna Pummill, 14, of Winston-Salem, N.C., and her 16-year-old partner, Sammy Clelland of Troy, N.C., were gearing up to dance in the Junior II Division. Although her partner has participated in the National Shag Dance Championships before, this was Pummill's first time.
The couple has been dancing together for two years. Pummill said her interest in learning to shag was piqued by the fact that her mother shags and in watching the older juniors perform. She also enjoys the social aspect. "I think it's fun to get out and entertain people," Pummill said. "It's also kind of a stress reliever."
Her partner agreed. "It's really fun," Clelland said. "It's something I'm good at, and you get to go to the beach a lot."
For Susan and Don Evers of Durham, N.C., the shag brings back memories of earlier years. "We grew up with this music," Susan said. Although the two had been familiar with the dance for a long time, they didn't start taking lessons until about four years ago. This was the second year they've come to participate in the competition.
Susan said that learning to shag has affected their lives in a very positive way. "It's something we enjoy doing together," she said. "It's also good exercise. The greatest benefit is meeting lots of great people." She appreciates the fact that the shag is not only for the young, but also the young at heart.
Don said he thinks events like this are important. "It keeps the dance alive," he said. "We do it because it's fun. If you can't have fun doing it, you shouldn't do it."
The shag isn't just a pleasant diversion for Holly and Jason Cagle of Charlotte, N.C., but also a livelihood. The two own a dance studio where they offer the shag, in addition to standards such as tap and ballet. This was the couple's second trip to the competition.
Jason, who has been shagging since the age of 13, said, "The shag definitely gets in your blood. I'm a banker by day and a frustrated dancer. I think it's a combination of the people, the music and the dance. I think the music is really unique."
Holly enjoys teaching people to shag because it's appropriate for all age groups and brings people closer together. She values the time she and Jason spend on the dance floor. "It's our together sport," she said.
The couple's time spent practicing paid off in a big way. They were one of eight nonprofessional couples who qualified to compete in the finals in March, which also will be held at Studebaker's.
Chris and Carrie Hoskins of Greenville were the top winners in last year's nonpro division. This year, they're part of the National Shag Dance Championships Dance Team. Carrie, who grew up in Greenville, began dancing the shag recreationally as a teenager. Christopher was not familiar with the dance at all before being exposed to it by his wife. Now, the two give lessons one night a week.
Making the dance a part of their lives has helped them achieve balance in their personal lives and build a network of new friends. "It's good to spend time together, something besides focusing on work and our child," said Carrie. "It's like a big family outside your own family. People in the shag world are the nicest people."
Chris, a dentist who opened his own practice just days before the preliminaries, said he has definitely enjoyed getting involved in shagging. "We love it, so we do it," he said. "Everyone in the shag community helps you."
Although Angus and Susan Wittschen of Myrtle Beach do shag, they came Friday night merely to watch.
"We grew up with it," said Angus, who moved to the area as a teenager. "It's our pastime."
Susan, a Myrtle Beach native, was happy just to sit back and enjoy the show. "The shaggers are happy people," she said. "It's nice to see the young generations carrying on with it."
Like the swallows return to Capistrano each year, the shaggers will continue to flock to Myrtle Beach.
The final stage of the competition will be held at Studebaker's March 8-10.
For more information, go to http://www.shagnationals.com/.

There's just too many jokes here for my small brain to cope with!

Jim x

Intermediate to Advanced Workshop - Sunday 4th March

Jim & Nicky will be taking an Intermediate to Advanced Workshop on Sunday 4th March between 1pm - 5pm.

If you've been dancing for over a year or are very comfortable with the intermediate classes we teach at our venues, then this workshop is for you.

We concentrate on perfecting your technique with lead and follow exercises, spinning, stylish moves and flow and shape of moves.

Ring Nicky on 08708 03 55 03 to discuss it further or book your ticket. It's £25 for 4 hours at our Dartford Acacia Hall venue.

First Dance a success....read this testimonial

Did you know that Dance Riviera can teach wedding couples their first dance? Jim & I have done quite a few now and we've enjoyed them immensely.

Keith & Frances helped a couple from Canterbury who got married last Saturday, here's their message to them.

One day into married life and it's great, day went fantastic, and we tripped the light fantastic with our first dance. Thank you for all your hard work and making our day special. Love Mark & Karen

Well done to Keith & Fran for doing such a great job.

If you know of any wedding couples that need a first dance (it can be anything including ballroom moves), then contact Nicky on 08708 03 55 03 to have a chat about it.

Stiletto Heel announcement

Ladies - we have a venue announcement for you. Unfortunately last night at Swanley, the floor was damaged at the back of the hall by a stiletto heel, they've asked me to ask you that from now on ladies only wear dancing trainers or ordinary heeled shoes as the stilettos/metal aren't dance-floor friendly.

This really applies to all our venues. Thanks for your cooperation.

Nicky

Great night at Swanley with Mikey.

We had a great night at Swanley last night with Guest Teacher Mikey. He and the lovely Serena did a fun intermediate class that had the dancers in stitches. Nothing too naughty at all, just good ole fashioned rib n tickle type fun :-)

Mikey's back at Dartford on 29th March, so make sure you put it in your diary to come along.

Nicky

NEW! Friday Freestyle this Friday - 23rd Feb at Maidstone

Don't forget! This Friday is the start of our new monthly Friday Freestyles at Maidstone - 23rd February.

It's pure FREESTYLE for 3 hours. 8pm - 11pm. The venue is the Corn Exchange (part of the Hazlitt Theatre), Earl Street, Maidstone, Kent ME14 1PL. FREE parking on the roads or the Fremlin Walk car park is just round the corner.

£9 entrance (whatever time you come along)

DJ Dwain will be spinning the discs for you - we hope to see you there!

Valentine's Night...

A great time was had by everyone at all our Dance Riviera venues that were open on Valentine's Night and Crayford was no exception.

They say every picture tells a story and for that reason I'm only showing the censored ones! For any of the rent a crowd who came later in the evening (you know who you are!!) I can be bribed for the other pictures!

Anyway, it was a great evening full of fun and lots of entertainment!

A few special thank you's to: Christine for the posters and decorations; to Jill and Pete for the excellent teach as usual; to Dwain for the fantastic music and of course to Pete and Dom for their unique dance!

Sexy Dancers

I thought we should put up pictures of great dancers that have contributed to the global popularity of dance...

...Trying to keep a straight face
Can't take the strain any more....

No you got me. I just wanted to put a piccy up of a sexy lady...hehehehe

Jim x

Heather Mills may be dancing with stars

Heather Mills, estranged wife of ex-Beatle Paul McCartney, is in talks to appear on the U.S. reality show "Dancing with the Stars," it was reported.
Mills, 39, is expected to join boxer Laila Ali, former "Beverly Hills, 90210" star Ian Ziering and singer Billy Ray Cyrus in New York on ABC's "Good Morning America" next week, when "Dancing" alum Jerry Springer will announce the new celebrity contestants, the New York Post said Thursday.
In London, Mills met with police Wednesday to discuss "a number of issues," a police spokesman told the Times of London said, E! News said.
Mills' spokesman, Phil Hall, said he thought the meeting may have been related to death threats sent to her since she and McCartney announced their separation in May.
Also, London police are investigating an incident in which Mills allegedly kicked a photographer.

Interesting! Jim x

Just In

SIR PAUL McCARTNEY's estranged wife HEATHER MILLS has slammed reports she has signed up for US reality TV show DANCING WITH THE STARS.Reports that broke yesterday suggested the former model would be a contestant and donate her earnings to an animal welfare charity.Mills' attorney has rubbished the reports, telling American publication Us Weekly they are "not true."Former contestant JERRY SPRINGER will announce the new participants next week. The show debuts in the US on March 19.

WTF

SIR PAUL McCARTNEY's estranged wife HEATHER MILLS has confirmed she will appear on TV show DANCING WITH THE STARS - despite denying any involvement with the show earlier this month.

The Rivoli Ballroom

We usually go there for our Christmas crew do but here's a little bit of history:
The Rivoli started out as the Crofton Park Picture Palace in July 1913.
It showed silent films until the arrival of the talkies in the late 1920s.
It became a ballroom in 1957 and featured performances by acts such as Acker Bilk and Pans People.
It became popular for social dancing events and many met their partners there some 40 years ago.
Over the years, the Rivoli has become a location for film makers, pop videos and TV advertisements.
In the 1980's, pop diva Tina Turner filmed the video for her hit Private Dancer at the Rivoli.
Elton John also filmed there They Call It The Blues and Tracy Ullman Move Over Darling.
Paul McCartney also shot scenes from his film, Give My Regards To Broadstreet, at the ballroom.
Other celebrities have used the venue for photo shoots including: S Club 7, Oasis, Charlotte Church, Kylie Minogue, Vinnie Jones and Westlife.

So now you know...

News Feed

I've added a dance related news feed on the right hand side of this web page to keep you all up to date with what's going on in the world of dance.

It's updated automatically and is there for a bit of fun.

Hope you enjoy it,

Jim x

Happy 60th Birthday to Dance Coach Ray!

It's our Ray's 60th Birthday tomorrow (Friday) but come along to Dartford tonight and enjoy his 60th with us all with some yummy birthday cake and a good ole party atmosphere.

Now's you've seen his picture, ladies, make sure you grab him for a dance and make his night :-)

Nicky

Interview with a Dance Coach...Sue from Crayford

How long have you been dancing? About 3 years

What made you start? My fiance Wes persuaded me. He started as he is a friend of dance teacher Dapper Dan and they both encouraged me.

When did you become a Dance Riviera Coach? About 1 year ago

What made you want to start coaching? I wanted to help people. I remembered how I felt when I first started dancing and wanted to support people.

What do you particularly enjoy about coaching? It's lovely to see peoples faces light up when they get the moves and you can see them progress.

What do you particularly like about Dance Riviera? The good variety of music. The friendly atmosphere with no competition- everyone accepts you at whatever level you are.

What's your day job? PA to the Port of London Authority.

Dance Riviera welcomes 3 new DJs into the fold

I know this is a picture of a women DJ, but we have 3 new guys joining our team

• Kevin Kapp - a modern jive, jango, swing dancer who's turned to music. He will play the favourites but also bring into the mix some musical interpretation tracks. He will be DJing at our new Dartford venue, plus covering in North Kent.

Tim O'Brien - not a dancer, but an experienced corporate and private DJ for nearly 30 years (you'll be surprised at how young he is considering!), plus he's worked in radio, so this is his new challenge! Tim will be at new Dartford plus covering North Kent.

Keith Maisey - son of our teacher Keith! Keith's young, good looking and learning the ropes rapidly from his Dad and other DJs. Keith will be DJing at our East Kent venues. He doesn't dance (yet!) but we look forward to him learning if he's as good as his Dad is :-)

At Dance Riviera, we try and bring a different mix of teachers, guest teachers, DJ, bands and special offers to encourage variety for you all. Keep watching out for our newsletters, flyers and announcements to see what's happening in your area.

Nicky

Save the Dates! Fri 23 Feb and Tue 6 Mar - NEW VENUES!

Maidstone Freestyle Flyer

£9 on the door

The Corn Exchange (part of Hazlitt Theatre), Earl Street, Maidstone, Kent, ME14 1PL

please walk down Market Buildings to the right of the theatre to access the entrance

Dartford Tuesdays Flyer

*Special Offer* Get an extra Loyalty Card stamp for the first 4 weeks

Princes Park Community Stadium, Grassbanks, off Princes Road (next to Next Generation), Dartford, Kent DA1 1RT

Valentines - Chat up lines for fun

This is just for fun, but thought you should know...
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If I could rearrange the alphabet, I'd put U and I together
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Do you know how much a polar bear weighs? Neither do I, but it broke the ice!
***
Okay, so I came over here to ask you to dance, but I'm kind of concerned. I mean, we could hit it off really well, end up having a few drinks, next thing you know you're giving me your number because I'm too shy to ask for it, I finally get up the nerve to call and we take in a movie, have some dinner, I relax, you relax, we go out a few more times, get to know each other's friends, spend a lot of time together, then finally have get past this sexual tension and really develop this intense sex life that is truly incredible, decide our relationship is solid and stable, so we move in together for a while, then a few months later get married, I get a promotion, you get a promotion, we buy a bigger house. You really want kids, but I really want freedom, but we have a kid anyway, only to find that I am resentful, the sparks start to fade and to rekindle them we have two more lovely kids, but now I work too much to keep up with the bills, have no time for you, you're stress! ed and stop taking really good care of yourself, so to get past our slow sex life and my declining self-confidence I turn to an outside affair for sexual gratification. You find out because I'm careless and a lousy liar, you throw me out (justifiably so) and we have to explain to the kids why mommy and daddy are splitting up. That's just too sad. Think about the children. For God's sake, if you dance with me and we hit it off, let's just keep it sexual, because we both know where it's going.

OMG..... I've got to try this one...hehehehe. Oooops, I mean try it on Nicky!
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lick ur finger-touch ur choosen one on their clothing-and say-Can i help u out of those wet clothes?
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Excuse me, I'm a little short on cash, would you mind if we shared a cab home
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Can i borrow ur library card? coz i wanna check u out!!
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Excuse me, do you have your phone number, I seem to have lost mine
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walk up to someone at the bar, if you or they have ice cubes in their glass, put your hand in grab the ice cube and place in front of them, when they are watching you smash the ice on the bar, then simply say......."Now that I have broken the ice, would you like a drink?" works every time!
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"You're just like a parking ticket - you've got 'Fine' written all over you!"
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"You might as well sleep with me, because I am going to tell all mates that you did anyway".
***

Do you know any more?

Jim x Happy Valentines all xxx

It's Valentines & Charity night tonight!

We have 3 venues open on Valentines Day, so if you're not already going out, why not spend the night with your dancing friends.

To make it a little special, we're requesting that people wear something RED and bring an extra £1 to donate to Breast Cancer Research

We hope to see you at Broadstairs, Crayford or Gravesend. Check out the link for venues page on our website.

Nicky x

So you think you can dance.....I think they can!

Next Sunday is the finale of So you Think you Can Dance, the America's Favourite Dancer is chosen.

It's on Living TV Sunday at 6pm and 7pm - last one is next Sunday.

If you've been watching it I'm sure you'll all be amazed at the talent of some of these dancers - they master all styles of dance - sometimes 2 routines in a week and they're spot on.

It's between Heidi, Donyelle, Benji and Travis - I think Benji will win it but Travis is awesome too.

STRICTLY FOR SCARY MUMS AND DADS

AND the award for the most unsettling programme of the week goes to... Channel 4's deeply disturbing documentary, Strictly Baby Ballroom.
It's a ruthless world in the kiddies' dancing game. And only the youngsters with the pushiest parents will survive.
Reflecting on her gruelling life trawling the country with her pirouet t ing eight-year-old daughter Tabitha, Samantha revealed that her magnificent maternal obsession costs more than £6,000 a year.
"Sometimes I think, what am I doing this for?" she said. "Then I realise it's for Tabby." Are you absolutely sure about that? "My mum makes me a dress about, er, every week," sighed Kelsey, before adding: "It's not exactly what I want. It's what other people want - like my mum."
Dancing while their grim mothers and fathers scream at them, the lit tle girls doll themselves up like old slappers.
Meanwhile, their mini male partners grease their hair and look decidedly weird.
It just doesn't seem right - all these children parading as adults.
They should be out get ting ASBOs. Like normal kids.

Dartford and Herne Bay are on TONIGHT!

Despite the snow, we'll still be putting on our Dartford and Herne Bay dance nights.

Teachers, DJs and crew will be ploughing through the snow to put on a great night for you, so hopefully we'll see you there.

Guest teacher Adam will be coming from Brighton, so make sure you come along (in mini skirts ladies) to give him a great Dance Riviera welcome.

Nicky x

In honour of Latin Jive teacher Adam.......this Thursday it's mini skirts for the girls!

Because it's a Latin Jive class this Thursday 8th February with Guest Teacher Adam Maple and Tonia, let's put on the mini skirts girls and make a night of it!

I know that a few of us girls will be doing it, so if you're feeling in the mood ladies, why not put on that dress/skirt that will really go for it when you're spinning or wiggling those hips :-)

Nicky x

Smooth, elegant - and good for the heart

The ballroom dance that scandalised polite English society in the 19th century for its salacious pairing of men and women is causing a ruckus again. The waltz, it turns out, can have health benefits.

In a study of 110 heart-failure patients, presented at a recent meeting of the American Heart Association in Chicago, researchers reported that dancing the waltz three times a week for eight weeks was just as effective in improving cardiopulmonary function as exercising on a treadmill or bicycle for the same period.

That's because the waltz, which looks so smooth and elegant when done well, is deceptively rigorous.

We may not Waltz, but Smooth Jive is certainly good for the heart.
Of course, die-hard aficionados of Dance Riviera already knew this.

Jim x

Dance Coach Interview with .......Christine

Christine usually looks different and doesn't have pink hair but this is a great photo!

How long have you been dancing? About 3 years modern jiving but prior to that I have done foxtrot, quickstep, and 'set' dancing which is the general format of c'eilidh dancing ( the set consists of 4 couples, with each pair facing another in a square or rectangular fomation. Each couple exchanges position with the facing couple, and also facing couples exchange partners, while keeping in step with the beat of the music)

What made you start dancing with Dance Riviera? A friend encouraged me and I've never looked back.

How long have you been a Dance Coach? About 14 months

What do you enjoy about coaching? I love being part of such a great team. It's great to see a smile on the beginners' faces when they realise they can dance. It's especially rewarding when I see my beginners move up to into Intermediate classes and then make me look good on the dance floor.

What do you particularly like about Dance Riviera? The friendliness; the style of dancing; the atmosphere at all the venues and the fact that there is no cliqueness or elitism.

What's your day job? Legal Secreatry/IT Trainer

Teacher Keith becomes a Grandad!

Dance Riviera Teachers Keith & Fran become proud grandparents of baby Riley Keith Maisey who was born on Saturday 3rd February at 11.27am weighing 5lb, he was 6 weeks early but everyone is doing great! Congratulations to Keith's son, also named Keith and partner Shell.

Valentines Ball

Ladies, This is what all the men look will look like under their Tuxedos this Saturday at our Red Black & White V Ball.
I know this to be true because I have been working them all hard on strict keep fit regimes and posing in the mirror techniques.

We have all been drinking Martini's and learning how to play poker and are now in a position to take on any bad guys that wish to take over the world.

I tell you this, to give you Bond Girls, fair warning that we men mean business - Strictly Smooth Business!

007 x

Strictly Baby Ballroom - Tuesday night

Set your Sky Plus or video recorder next Tuesday (6th Feb) for Strictly Baby Ballroom. Channel 4 at 9pm.

Filmed over the course of year, Strictly Baby Ballroom gives a rare and fascinating backstage glimpse into the world of competitive juvenile ballroom dancing. Full of drama and tension, amazing dance, make-up and outfits, the film follows the very best dancers in the UK under-12 age category as they work up to the most important competition of their lives, the World Championships in Blackpool, England. Full of ups and downs; couples that break up, a shortage of male partners and a televised appeal for new dancers, we see the commitment, financial sacrifices and hard competitive spirit required by both the parents and the dancers as they strive to be the very best in the world.

What's frightening is that when I see these stage parents I think it's terrible to push their child like that, but I reckon I'd be just like that if I had kids!!! Jim's god-daughter Jade entered an Irish Dancing contest last year, I did her make-up and then stood up and was telling her to smile smile smile!!! it was so nerve-racking! Anyway, these programme should be good. Nicky

SOLD OUT! Saturday's Ball

Ladies, have you got your dresses ready??

Guys, we know you don't deliberate over what you wore last time or whether it's going to show off your manly curves - but have you thought about your outfit?!

We have SOLD OUT OF TICKETS.

Music
We have the lovely DJ Colin Shaul for Saturday night (pictured here). We have such great comments and feedback about his wide range of music he plays. Colin runs Dorking LeRoc and has been going for over 10 years, so he knows his stuff.

Looking forward to seeing you all on Saturday.

Nicky