The Grand puts International Dance Day in the spotlight with top Strictly Stars!

Strictly Come Dancing 2021 champion Giovanni Pernice performing live is just one of the six sensational dance shows presented by Blackpool Grand Theatre this season

Fill your dance card in celebration of International Dance Day this Friday 29 April with tickets to BBC1’s Strictly Come Dancing stars!

Giovanni Pernice, Vincent Simone and Craig Revel Horwood will all take to the famous Grand Theatre stage this year to show off their fancy footwork and spill some Strictly secrets…

And there’s more than ballroom on offer to help you mark this famous annual dance event. Just announced! Renowned company Ballet Theatre UK will bring an enchanting new production of the family fairytale Beauty and the Beast; Classical Ballet and Opera House return in spectacular style with the magical Sleeping Beauty and the Tap Factory make a dynamic debut with an explosive mix of dance and acrobatics! What a way to celebrate the wonderful world of dance!

International Dance Day is observed each year on 29 April and was founded in 1982 to help make people aware of the value of dance in all its forms, to enjoy dance for its own sake and to share the joy of dance with others, crossing all political, cultural and ethnic barriers and bringing people together with the common language of dance.

Let’s take a closer look at the talented troupe of dance stars on the bill at Blackpool Grand Theatre this season …

The colourful co-host of BBC1’s Strictly Come Dancing, Craig Revel Horwood will foxtrot into The Grand on Sunday 15 May as he packs up his dance shoes and takes to the road with his debut solo tour. Horwood will reveal a wealth of backstage gossip with his trademark wit and candour as he talks about his life from Australia to the West End and BBC Strictly and gives a very special performance of some of the music which has been the soundtrack to his career. Fab-u-lous darling!

Argentine Tango King and Strictly legend, the inimitable Vincent Simone returns to the stage with his brand-new show Tango Passions on Sunday 16 October. Let the original Italian stallion take you on a journey to Buenos Aires and enjoy his dancing, tales and poetry about the history of the Argentine Tango accompanied by world-class specialists. Vincent will also be joined by his professional dance partner, Ksenia Zsikhotska from DWTS Ireland and The Ballroom Boys, along with some original Tango music by the wonderful live band.

Strictly champ and heart throb Giovanni Pernice has packed up his glitterball trophy and invites you to join him on a breathtaking journey to his homeland in Made in Italy on Friday 10 March. Gorgeously gifted Giovanni will be joined on stage by an outstanding ensemble of dancers and singers from the ballroom and theatre world in an Italian themed show featuring an incredible soundtrack, stunning choreography and beautiful costumes.

Don’t miss the captivating new production of Beauty and the Beast from the critically acclaimed Ballet Theatre UK on Friday 14 October. The beautiful Belle feels out of place in her provincial French village and yearns for so much more. When her father is imprisoned in a mysterious castle, Belle’s attempt to rescue him lead to her capture by the grisly and fearsome Beast! Little does she know he is a Prince trapped in a castle cursed by a magical Enchantress. Can they break the spell by finding true love? Set to a magnificent classical score, this wonderful production will showcase exciting new choreography by Artistic Director, Christopher Moore, as well as specially created sets and costumes.

Sleeping Beauty dances into the Grand on Sunday 20 November as Classical Ballet & Opera House bring the charming fairy story beautifully to life set to Tchaikovsky’s sublime score. Stunning choreography, sumptuous costumes, and wonderful sets form the fantasy world in which the Lilac Fairy struggles against the evil Carabosse to save Princess Aurora - cursed at her christening. This ravishing production shimmers like an exquisite dream and will delight both young and old.

Take 12 oil barrels, one stepladder, four bins and a bucket and blend with the breathtaking tap dancing of eight incredible male performers. The result is Tap Factory, a powerfully potent cocktail of dance, acrobatics, music, hip hop and comedy that is a must-see show for all the family on Tuesday 7 February. High-energy dance, explosive percussion and awe-inspiring acrobatics collide in dazzling fusion of live music and choreography, as the company give new life to the most ordinary of objects in a show guaranteed to rattle the senses and set your toes tapping.

What are you waiting for! Best foot forward and book your tickets for this dazzling new dance line-up and celebrate International Dance Day with Blackpool Grand Theatre!

Visit blackpoolgrand.co.uk or call the box office on 01253 290 190 for bookings and further information.

LISTINGS

Craig Revel Horwood - Sun 15 May at 7.30pm

Ballet Theatre UK - Beauty and the Beast – Fri 14 Oct at 7pm

Vincent Simone – Tango Passions – Sun 16 Oct at 3pm

Classical Ballet & Opera House - Sleeping Beauty – Sun 20 Nov at 2.30pm & 7.30pm

Tap Factory – 7 Feb 2023 at Tue 7 Feb 2023 at 7.30pm

Giovanni Pernice – Made in Italy – Fri 10 Mar 2023 at 7.30pm

Grand Theatre, 33 Church Street, Blackpool FY1 1HT

Box Office 01253 290 190

blackpoolgrand.co.uk

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