I can’t believe I am saying this but…. Summer finally seems to be here!!! The sun is out and so are a fair few translucent legs. Soon we will be able to ditch the Strictly spray tan for an actual sun kiss glow and start eating strawberries at Wimbledon and sipping Lemonade at the proms. Music won’t be the only thing, however, to be celebrated at the Royal Albert Hall in the coming months. This November, after all this sunny weather has gone, there will still be a little sunshine in our lives as London will be once again hosting the Dance Proms and now is your chance to influence what acts will be included in the line-up.
Following in the footsteps of the Music for Youth Schools Proms, the Dance Proms were set up in 2011 in order to showcase the talents of young dancers worldwide. From Ballet to Street Dancing dance teachers and students from all over the UK and the world are encouraged to participate, share ideas and just enjoy dancing. This year, the proms started in April with an online Dance Festival where dancers were required to upload videos of an original dance piece using any style of dance. Entries have come from Greece, Norway, Belgium, Italy, Malta, Sweden and New Zealand as well as across the UK and now the line-up has been selected. Although those lucky enough to have been selected to perform at the Albert Hall won’t find out until July 1st, the Proms’ patrons have been announced. Prima Ballerina and Strictly judge Darcey Bussell will be joined in the audience by fellow judge Len Goodman, choreographer and director Wayne McGregor, Strictly star Lisa Riley, the Dancing Queen Arlene Phillips, actress Bonnie Langford, BBC Breakfast presenter and Strictly 2009 winner Chris Hollins, dancer Matt Flint and broadcaster Angela Rippon- the list is never ending! There is still space for one more dance group on Sunday 3rd November, and it is now the public’s turn to decide. Three fantastic performances have been chosen and we have to vote for our favourite. The selection includes Danscentre from Aberdeen with their performance My Space, Expressions Theatre Arts from Leigh-on-Sea with Garden of Eden and All Star Dance from Thessalonika, Greece with Gold. It’s got to be said, however, it is going to be really difficult to decide- here are Dancewear Central we are still arguing about it! Voting closes on Sunday though, so make sure you have your say.