Ballroom Dancing in the UK

BBC goes ballroom 'Dancing in the Street'
Friday, June 9 2006, 10:01 BST - by Daniel Saney

The BBC invites budding ballroom dancers to take part in Dancing in the Street, an extravaganza with the celebrities from Strictly Come Dancing. Workshops will be held at six venues across the UK where hopefuls can show their skills to the judges. A selection of the best dancers from each will then return for a masterclass with Come Dancing's Anton Du Beke. One competitor from each location will then undergo two days of training with their celebrity dance partner in London in preparation for Dancing in the Street.

The partners include Erin Bogue, Andrew Cuerdon, Hanna Haarala, Nicole Cutler and Matthew Cutler. The 90-minute show will then be performed in front of a live audience in Trafalgar Square and broadcast on BBC One. Anton said of the event: "Dancing for an audience of millions live on BBC One 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."

BBC Talent stresses that applicants need only enthusiasm and raw talent rather than qualifications. Hopefuls should visit bbc.co.uk/newtalent for further details, or visit one of the following open workshops before 10.30 a.m.:
Monday, June 26 - Belfast, Ramada Belfast
Tuesday, June 27 - Edinburgh, The Hub
Thursday, June 29 - Blackpool, The Globe Theatre, Pleasure Beach
Sunday, July 9 - Cardiff, Cardiff International Arena
Monday, July 10 - Exeter, University of Exeter, Dept. of Drama
Tuesday, July 11- Ipswich, Corn Exchange