(L-R) Chris Colfer, Heather Morris, Cory Monteith, Lea Michele and Mark Sellig, Glee Live 2010, California. (c) Kevin Winter/Getty Images North America)
Less than a month to go now until Glee Live lands on our shores, taking over the O2 for a week in June. Naturally, I’m going.
For those attending who wish the set list to remain a surprise until the day, look away now.
For the rest of you Gleeks, let the excitement commence:
Main set with featured performers and original artists
Don’t Stop Believin’ (Journey)
The Dog Days Are Over featuring Amber Riley and Jenna Ushkowitz (Florence + the Machine)
Sing (My Chemical Romance)
I’m a Slave 4 U featuring Heather Morris (Britney Spears)
Fat Bottomed Girls featuring Mark Salling and Ashley Fink (Queen)
I Want to Hold Your Hand featuring Chris Colfer (The Beatles)
Ain’t No Way featuring Amber Riley (Aretha Franklin)
PYT featuring Kevin McHale (Michael Jackson)
Born This Way (Lady Gaga)
Fireworks featuring Lea Michele (Katy Perry)
Teenage Dream featuring the Warblers, a rival glee club including Darren Criss (Katy Perry)
Silly Love Songs featuring the Warblers and Criss (Wings)
Raise Your Glass featuring the Warblers and Criss (Pink)
Happy Days Are Here Again/Get Happy featuring Michel and Colfer (Barbra Streisand & Judy Garland)
Cheerobics, the fun alternative to aerobic fitness (with poms), has been around in Richmond and Covent Garden for some time, but for those who remain unconvinced of its true benefits, a handy little interview with its founder (the gorgeous Jess Rossi) has emerged, which I thought worth sharing:
Jess hasn’t convinced you? A little more on the programme:
Those of us who have cheered always knew it was a tough work-out, and now the sceptics can be initiated. Still don’t believe us? Well how about you put your £8 where your mouth is and get involved!
It is no secret to this blog that I’m a big advocate of cheerleading. As a former cheerleader myself – in support of our American football team at University, and competitively in London squads for the three years following – this is perhaps no surprise. I don’t pretend to offer an unbiased viewpoint, but I do hope to offer an informed one.
Long-standing has been the debate over whether cheerleading can be deemed a ‘sport’. Yesterday, in a strongly voiced opinion piece for The Guardian, Victoria Coren (daughter of Alan, brother of Giles, star poker-player and one-time porn star) made her position on the point crystal clear. She’s entitled to her opinion, but I wanted to respond – if only to expand on the rantings from many a disgruntled cheerleader who posted some of the 300+ comments in response to the original piece.
What provoked Coren’s opinions was a news story that ran two weeks ago, presenting the latest statistics that show cheerleading has become the fastest growing physical activity picked up by school P.E. departments across the UK. In a nation of growing obesity, where the inactivity of our children regularly hits the headlines, one would think the discovery of a discipline that engages children in this way would be celebrated. Apparently not.
(c) Ascension Eagles Cheerleaders
For me, focusing on the sport question tends to overlook the inherent values of the discipline, but more on that later. For now, let’s entertain the harshest critics for a moment and deal with the debate at hand, which requires two distinct definitions: firstly, which section of cheerleading is being referred to and secondly, the definition of sport being put forward.
Let’s talk about sport for a moment. The Olympics, generally considered the ultimate global representation of sporting excellence, makes a discernment between sports (a single or group of sports represented by an international federation) and disciplines (multiple events that can fall under the same sporting umbrella). Thus Aquatics is a sport, fielding activities in the disciplines, swimming, diving, synchronised swimming and water polo.
Now, don’t mistake me here, I am not for one moment purporting that cheerleading should be made an Olympic sport (or, for that matter, convinced that synchronized swimming should be classed as such either). But take a closer look at the IOC’s catalogue and you will find that not only is Gymnastics and its three disciplines (artistic, rhythmic and trampoline) on the official list of Olympic sports, but that ‘Dance Sport’, while not included in the Olympic program is fully recognized by the IOC and therefore could be added to the Olympic program at any given time if sufficiently supported by IOC membership vote.
What I am certain of is that competitive cheerleading represents the ultimate combination of Dance Sport and Gymnastics (artistic, rhythmic and, given the impact of a sprung floor on which all competitions are held, arguably trampoline). Just take a look at the most recent World Championship holders (for the fourth year in a row) and see if you disagree:
And this brings us to our second definition – what sector of cheerleading are we considering here? The competitive squads like the Stingray Allstars are a different kettle of fish entirely to the NFL dancer cheerleaders who bring glitz and sizzle to the football sidelines every Sunday and Monday night. But both have their value – on and off the field of performance. The point of the NFL girls on game day is to entertain the crowd – by their own admission they are first and foremost dancers – and do not enter into the gymnastic stunts of competitive cheer.
However, not even NFL cheerleaders should be cast aside with the aspersions so forthcoming from Ms. Coren in yesterday’s unfounded diatribe against cheerleaders the world over. NFL cheerleaders are a combined force of college students and professionals who give up their evenings, weekends and annual holidays to support their football team, fundraise for charity events, promote local businesses, teach cheer camps to local kids, entertain the forces abroad and promote their game around the world. Quite apart from the commitment to honed athleticism and the upkeep of physical excellence that is required to keep their appearance and performance up to the standard required.
NFL cheerleaders, New Orleans' Saintsations, visit Kandahar Airfield in 2009
Whether their activities combined could be deemed a sport? Even I find that hard to argue. But to focus solely on the ‘ass-shaking’ of their poms in scantily clad costumes and over-sexualised dance numbers, is an easy observation to make, but is also a crass devaluation of their role and responsibilities.
But when it comes to the competitive cheerleading that I know so well, it is an entirely different story. It is a form of cheerleading that, sadly, seems to have escaped the research of Ms. Coren. I have seen firsthand this incredible discipline inspire thousands of youngsters to dedicate years of their lives to routines that display such athletic excellence – in the quite astonishing synchronisation of gymnastics and dance – that arguing the case for it to be classed a sport is, frankly, a pretty easy task.
Of course, British sensationalist press, the narrow-minded opinions formed from limited exposure to American high-school movies and a British viewpoint partial to condescension of our American cousins for their brash lack of culture means it is all too easy to make the ‘boots and hot pants’ picture the prevailing image of the cheer world. There follows the outrage of parents who (rightly so) find the concept of their child being taught to shake their booty in hotpants and boots quite horrendous. As would I, were that what was being taught in schools. Obviously, it isn’t.
And therein lies the problem, wrought by stereotype and informed by press exposure of the most commonly portrayed ‘cheerleader’ – that we overlook the athletic, competitive form that can indeed be classed as a sport.
Were these folks to turn up to any one of the several weekly training sessions of a UK cheer squad – national champions AEC a primary case in point – they would see a rather different world. Children who happily sacrifice listless evenings in front of the TV, weekends at the local park with friends; not to mention their adult coaching staff who volunteer their own spare time to inspire them – all in the name of athletic excellence.
AEC were selected to perform at last year's NFL game at Wembley
Perhaps the solution is to take a lead from the IOC, deeming cheerleading as a whole to be a discipline, but discerning the divisions that fall within it – the sport, the competitive/gymnastic cheer (the likes of AEC and the Stingrays), and then the pom dance (the NFL variety) – a system of division that already effectively provides the structure for cheer competitions all over the country.
Cheerleading teaches them teamwork, trust and commitment and gives them a cause to focus on, learning that with enough dedication and practice, great outcomes can be achieved. And with this, combined with the tough athletic program that cheerleading requires, what more could we want to teach our kids?
To find out more about UK cheerleading – in schools, universities and beyond – visit BCA, UKCA and Future Cheer.
And head down to Trafalgar Square on 30th October to see the 49ers Gold Rush in action ahead of the NFL International Series at Wembley on 31st.
So, there are a LOT of Ali and Brian fans out there. Big thanks to all who got involved on here, and on Digital Spy. Y’all tripled my daily traffic and then some!
Just to even the score slightly, as promised, I want to share a review taking another angle on things, by guest blogger Emma Ellis @emmabtvs. You can read the original, and more, here.
8:09 p.m. – 2010-07-27
BURN THE FLOOR REVIEW
Cameras from every angle point at Ali Bastian as she greets the press on the opening night of Burn the Floor. She’s used to the glare of the cameras after an almost twenty year career in acting, but tonight she’s no actress, she’s a dancer…
After a successful run on BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing Ali and her professional partner Brian Fortuna (and now boyfriend) are part of this summer’s must see West End production. With only 55 shows on the West End, Burn The Floor was originally conceived as a birthday present for none other than Elton John and since then has gone on to be the little show that could, and has wowed audiences around the world.
Featuring a 20 strong cast, this show covers every dance style you could dream of from a sexy salsa to a raunchy rumba. You are transported from a Fred and Ginger style waltz to a vibrant Harlem club where the men are fighting for the feisty women’s attention. There is no other way to describe these dancers other than amazing, they are truly mesmerising and from second row I was glued to everything that was going on, every turn and every lift, I was taken in completely by this incredible cast.
Highlights included a beautiful Rumba by Sarah Hives and Jeremy Garner who completely sold to me the story of a couple’s burning desire to be with each other amongst distance and a sensuous samba that has Karen Hauer leading five of the male dancers into her arms blindfolded.
This is dance completely stripped back and what helps with this is the excellent live band beyond the stage. Two experienced natural singers guide you through the various dance styles and a live band mirrors your heart beating to every movement. A fantastic rendition to ‘I just wanna make love to you’ performed by Rebecca Tapia makes you want to get up at of your chair and sing along with her and Ricky Rojas takes you to Latino surroundings with his beautiful vocals.
Our guest stars Ali and Brian prove they are worthy to be part of the show with a beautiful lyrical performance to Nights in White satin in the first half of the production but it’s the latin where Bastian excels. Known for her ballroom in the show, Ali delivers her latin with confidence, skill and charisma. Even though she is the only non professional dancer in the company, in the group dances you would be hard pressed to point her out as someone that has been dancing for less than a year. With her American professional by her side, the chemistry is undeniable and you can see their genuine affection for each other in every movement. Fortuna, who has just come off the back of a gruelling 88 show tour with the other Strictly professionals also shines with the natural spirited enthusiasm that made so many Strictly fans fall in love with him on the show. This is Fortuna at his best and thus proving that he has a bright and successful future to look forward to.
Fans of the couple should be made aware that as guest stars they do not dominate the production but the company as a whole more than makes up for this. The show is ideal for a great nights entertainment, dance fans or non dance fans, everyone will be satisfied and maybe slightly hot under the collar when the show ends. This show has a limited run until September 4th so make sure to get your tickets now. Visit www.burnthefloor.com for more information
Happier now folks? All publicity and all that…
End of the line is that this show ROCKS. Go see it. All of you.
The Shaftesbury Theatre stage was scorched to a crisp on Monday night as dance sensation Burn The Floor sashayed into London’s West End to a rapturous audience, deserving every moment of the standing ovation that greeted its prolonged curtain call.
Dancers from all over the world – Cuba, Russia, Australia and the US – performed an incredible high energy set, combining fiery Latino beats with the sultry swing of the jazz era, breaking fresh ground in the arena of professional dance. And it’s infectious. I was almost salsa-ing down the office to get my morning tea yesterday, humming Proud Mary as I went.
I’m not sure I’ve ever seen such a powerful display of dance – it’s evolution through the ages, its traditions and the deconstruction of such – ever before on the stage. For any dance fans it’s a no-brainer. But the sex that exudes from each couple and dance group throughout every number (and the general hotness of all the cast members) also guarantee it to be a great date night (boys, take note. You won’t be disappointed).
The history of the show is interesting. Having enjoyed an unexpected extended run on Broadway – a planned 6-week set turned into a 6-month long party – my knowledge of the show stemmed from its New York performance, but as I learned last night the roots of Burn The Floor are actually a lot closer to home.
Bournmouth was its starting point as a dance show, but its inception came about from the birthday party of a certain Sir Elton John. There, a group of dancers took ballroom to a whole new level, breaking down the barriers of tradition and setting new standards of combination dance. Producer Harley Medcalf saw a spark of brilliance in the concept, and Burn the Floor was born.
For me, and for the majority of the folk I spoke to in the bar afterwards, the second half is definitely a great deal stronger than the first, as most good shows should be. It’s faster, tighter and more highly energised. Aside from some cute swing numbers – particularly where one unstoppable fellow bites off more than he can chew, aiming to woo several women at the same time with his incredible dance moves – all my highlights fell in Act 2.
A rendition of Cariño is belted out by the female vocalist, followed by some fierce Spanish flamenco. The pace then drops for the achingly beautiful modern piece, set to male vocals of ‘I Burn For You’. The peace is promptly shattered by the thundering drum beat that directly follows, where the stunning girls whip up a frenzied section in Chicago-style costumes, leading their leather pants-clad male counterparts in a chair-based routine.
The effect is a full on acceleration to the final numbers, which begin with a rousing rendition of Proud Mary – which, as all good Glee fans know, makes a guaranteed show-stopping number (and, Burn the Floor even features a Glee principal dancer, Janette Manrara, who opens the show).
The costumes are sensational, the music is foot-tappingly good. The band – hidden in shadows on a raised platform at the rear of the stage for most of the show – do an incredible job and the vocalists are a powerful addition. There were questions asked as to the live quality of all the music, given that at curtain call only a violinist, saxophonist and drummers were invited forward to take a bow, rather raising the question that some audio may have been a track. But not to the detriment of the performance.
For me (and, it seemed, most of the audience) the traditional ballroom bits were the least engaging, with the notable exception of an impressive mirroring number in the second act, where two perfectly synchronised pairs dance as one thanks to a cleverly placed mesh screen. But in a show that deconstructs the very traditions of ballroom, perhaps this is as it should be.
Although I couldn’t finish without a mention of the stars, Strictly‘s Ali Bastian & Brian Fortuna, it does rather speak volumes that I find myself getting this far with a need to mention their involvement. Talented they clearly are, and yes they make a (somewhat sickly sweet) cute couple – so much so in fact, that I couldn’t help feeling their waltz numbers served more to indulge and celebrate their much-publicised romance that burgeoned under the Strictly glitter ball than they did actually contribute to the show.
As Prince & Princess of Strictly, they may rule the floor, but against the backdrop of immense dance ability and experience that Burn The Floor offers, one couldn’t help but feel they were rather superfluous to proceedings. For me, leading men and ladies need to lead, and last night they couldn’t help but follow – not from a lack of talent per se, but simply because the bar was already raised so high.
That said, if their involvement speaks to Strictly fans and provides bums on seats, then I wish them well. And there are reasons a plenty to go and see this show, entertainment TV star names aside.
Burn the Flooris enjoying a limited run at The Shaftebury Theatre until early September. Book now through Ticketmaster or by calling the theatre on +44 (0)20 7379 5399
As part of the NFL Bucs cheer girls‘ UK tour this week, they dropped by three primary schools in three different cities to teach youngsters all about the sport.
As a former cheerleader, it was hugely rewarding to be able to set up these school camps, and show young kids first hand what cheerleading can bring. I was only given the opportunity at uni and I wished so much that squads had been active and available when I was little too.
But what was most heart-warming was Head Teacher of Newcastle’s Wingrove Primary, Denise Harland’s glowing endorsement of the girls when they came to visit the school – hopefully dispelling the renowned air-head myths surrounding the cheer community:
“It’s a great opportunity to have the cheerleaders come into the school and show the children a different side of sport. These girls are very fit, articulate and fun, and it’s gives our children an idea of what sport can offer. They need to see and experience as broad a range of activities as possible and are very fortunate to have been part of the Buccaneers tour.”
(Click on the image to see the full Flawless Britain's Got Talent performance)
Now I’m not normally a huge fan of the red-top tabloid fodder that is Britain’s Got Talent (will we HAVE to endure Amanda Holden on the front page of every such paper for the next two months?), but this weekend’s opener held within its midst an absolutely blinding act.
And boy can they dance. I’ve never seen anything like it. Think Into the Hoods, meets Save the Last Dance meets Step Up and you’re probably still only halfway there. They are a supremely talented bunch of young guys, and I deeply hope that ITV’s merciless talent show manages to provide a platform to catapult them to the super-stardom that they clearly deserve. As their own little mantra states:
‘Chase the dream, not the competition.’
Cute.
If these guys don’t have their own sell-out show by this time next year, I’ll eat my hat. Or some such more suitable street equivalent. And judging by Simon Cowell‘s rather overly pious commendation following their act, he’s already signed them:
I’ve always believed that we, in this country, have talent. And where we are in the world right now – it’s a horrible, tough time, particularly for young people right now. But you’re an example of a group of people, who are obviously great friends… and the example that you’ve just shown, which is that with a focus, with commitment, with a confidence, but with hard work – you can achieve something. This is one of the best things I’ve ever seen in my life.
