Strictly Come Dancing - BBC Strictly James

New professional dancer for Strictly 2012

BBC Strictly James BBC Strictly James — Sat, 23 Jun 2012 09:30:58 +0000

Karen Hauer, 30, has been confirmed as a brand new professional dancer for Strictly Come Dancing 2012 when it returns this autumn.

Most recently Karen starred as a principal dancer in the hit show 'Burn The Floor'. She is a ballroom dancer from Valencia, Venezuela who moved to New York when she was eight years old.

Karen is trained as a dancer and choreographer and has worked with some of the biggest stars in the world, including Jennifer Lopez. She has won numerous ballroom awards including World Mambo Champion in 2008 and Professional American Rhythm Rising Star Champion in 2009.

Karen Hauer

Karen on joining Strictly: "If I could dance how I feel about joining Strictly - then you'd be able to see how excited I am!"

Karen completes the sparkling line-up of professionals who are: Aliona Vilani, Erin Boag, Flavia Cacace, Kristina Rihanoff, Natalie Lowe, Ola Jordan, Anton Du Beke, Artem Chigvintsev, Brendan Cole, James Jordan, Pasha Kovalev, Robin Windsor and Vincent Simone.

BBC's Controller of Entertainment Katie Taylor adds; "We welcome Karen to our Strictly family - we're thrilled to have such a fresh and talented professional join us and I can't wait to see what she will bring to the ballroom this autumn."

Strictly - the story so far...

BBC Strictly James BBC Strictly James — Sat, 17 Dec 2011 19:30:00 +0000

Tonight plays host to two of the most tense and exciting shows in this year's series; one has just passed, the other will start at 9pm.

In the meantime, if you still have Strictly fever and you need a remedy, just watch this look-back at Strictly Come Dancing 2011. Side effects include: tapping feet, singing outbursts, severe smiling and goosebumps.

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All Strictly fever symptoms should subside when the Results show starts at 9pm.

Final - Backstage Gallery

BBC Strictly James BBC Strictly James — Sat, 17 Dec 2011 14:00:00 +0000

Strictly Come Dancing 2011 is now at the apex. 14 couples entered the ballroom back in September, but tonight, only one pair will leave as Strictly 2011 champions.

The atmosphere and energy have reached new heights as our final three couples - Chelsee & Pasha, Harry & Aliona and Jason & Kristina - will be dancing up to FIVE different routines. All three celebs will be making their Strictly debut in one of Britain's most prestigious dance arenas - The Blackpool Tower Ballroom - which can only add to the excitement.

The dress rehearsals will start momentarily and we'll have EXCLUSIVE backstage pictures for you...

Best seats in the house?!

The SCD stage is set - are you ready for the Grand Final?

The judges' desk made it to Blackpool! Wonder who'll get the first 10?

What a view! Can you spot Tess' area in the corner?

Just waiting for the dress run to begin -sound check!

Chelsee and Pasha run through their jive

Jason and Kristina try out their Tango

Harry and Aliona Quickstep it round the Blackpool Tower Ballroom

Celebrity supporters

BBC Strictly James BBC Strictly James — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 18:24:40 +0000

The Strictly final is only a few days away! We caught up with some celebrity Strictly fans to see who they thought would be victorious.

Who do YOU think will be crowned Strictly champion on Saturday? Let us know...

Semi-final - Pre-show reactions

BBC Strictly James BBC Strictly James — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 13:00:57 +0000

It's a case of double jeopardy this week as TWO couples will be leaving this year's competition. If that wasn't hard enough, our dancing duos must perform TWICE for a chance to be in next week's final in Blackpool.

As ever, we managed to catch up with some of our 'Famous Five' and filmed an exclusive video, just for you, ahead of tomorrow's big show to find out if their stress levels have gone through the roof...

Tune in tomorrow from 6.30pm on BBC One to see twice the dancing, twice the suspense and twice the drama...

Robbie Savage leaves Strictly Come Dancing

BBC Strictly James BBC Strictly James — Sun, 04 Dec 2011 19:59:41 +0000

Robbie Savage has become the ninth celebrity to leave Strictly Come Dancing. The ex Premier League footballer and his partner, Ola Jordan, found themselves in the bottom two with Jason and Kristina; it was then announced that Robbie and Ola would be leaving the ballroom.

The standard of dancing was high this week, and even though Robbie and Ola received one of their highest scores from the judges, they were still four points adrift at the bottom of the leaderboard.

Bruno on Robbie and Ola's Quickstep: "I love the combination of sharp looks and clear attitude. The way you were strutting your stuff, somewhere in between Kate Moss and Russell Brand."

As ever, we were first on the floor to find out the reactions from the celebs and pros.

Week 10 - Results show

BBC Strictly James BBC Strictly James — Sun, 04 Dec 2011 17:50:34 +0000

Last night's Strictly had as much action as a Hollywood blockbuster; some of the most iconic films were recreated on the dancefloor.

Holly had to settle for the Best Supporting role as Chelsee took the Leading Lady award with 39 points. The rest of our ensemble cast scored very well, but it was Robbie who found himself at the bottom of the leaderboard with 30 points.

Watch the Results show to find out who failed to get a part in next week's show; the professional dancers will also be in action as they revisit the days of the silent movie. All that, tonight, 7.25pm on BBC One.

Week 10 - Backstage gallery

BBC Strictly James BBC Strictly James — Sat, 03 Dec 2011 14:46:48 +0000

Everyone is on location for this week's Movie Special. The lights are in place, the crew are ready, and the leading ladies and men have learnt their lines (well, dance routines).

The couples will be hoping to land a part in next week's semi-final, but first they must impress the judges, who will have a big say in the casting of next week's Strictly.

The remaining duos are now putting the finishing touches on their movie-themed dances, and, as ever, we were on set to see them all in action.

Remember, tonight's feature presentaion starts at 7.00pm on BBC One.

Anton gives Vincent a helping hand

Check our the Strictly movie stage

Robin's back!

Our couples are in place

Harry and Aliona on the floor

Cool cats Robbie and Ola

Holly and Artem during rehearsals

Jason and Kristina - 'Dancing in the Rain'

Chelsee and Donkey...can you see Pasha?

Team Jalex finish off the dress rehearsal

Strictly Movie week trailer

BBC Strictly James BBC Strictly James — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 18:45:34 +0000

Lights! Camera! Action! This year's Strictly has already shot a Broadway and Halloween show, so we thought we'd complete the trilogy with a Movie special.

Harry has proved to be The Godfather in recent weeks, whereas Robbie is Falling Down the leaderboard. Chelsee and Jason are displaying All the Right Moves, while Alex and Holly need to Shine this week.

With so many songs from so many films, what will the couples be dancing to? We'll let you know on Thursday, but in the meantime, why not watch the trailer for Strictly's next blockbuster on Saturday...

...and cut!

Week 9 - Pre-show nerves

BBC Strictly James BBC Strictly James — Fri, 25 Nov 2011 13:00:00 +0000

We are just over three weeks away from the final of Strictly, so the couples are going to have to pull out all the stops if they want to make it to Blackpool.

This week the couples will also take part in the 'Swing-A-Thon' for a chance to win some extra bonus points - will this add to their nerves? We caught up with some of the remaining celebs and pros including new pairing Anita and Brendan to see how they're feeling ahead of this week's Strictly.

Watch the pre-show reactions clip:

Watch the first rehearsal clip.

Russell Grant leaves Strictly

BBC Strictly James BBC Strictly James — Sun, 20 Nov 2011 20:16:54 +0000

Astrologer Russell Grant and Flavia Cacace are the seventh couple to leave Strictly Come Dancing 2011.

The pair finished at the bottom of the leaderboard on Saturday night with 24 points. They were joined in the bottom two by Holly and Artem, but unfortunately Team Flavant bowed out of the competition.

Bruno said on Saturday night: "I tell you the peek-a-boo thing at the end, I thought I was going to bust a gut! It's got nothing to do with Jive but God I loved it!" Russell's final dance was a memorable performance as he was fired out of a cannon.

As ever, we were first on the floor to find out the reactions from the professionals and celebrities.

Week 8 - Wembley Results show - 20 November

BBC Strictly James BBC Strictly James — Sun, 20 Nov 2011 17:48:22 +0000

Last night's Strictly was the biggest we've ever seen, and it didn't disappoint - we saw pyrotechnics, thousands of excited fans and a cannonball astrologer as well.

Alex and James will certainly be the happiest couple going into the Results show as they claimed the top spot - with Chelsee and Pasha - for the first time. Both Harry & Aliona and Jason & Kristina finished a point behind the leaders while Robbie & Ola and Russell & Flavia propped up the bottom of the leaderboard.

So, who will have to say goodbye on the biggest and grandest stage? Stay here and follow along with the show, which starts at 7.25pm on BBC One.

Week 8 - Strictly Live Wembley Show!

BBC Strictly James BBC Strictly James — Sat, 19 Nov 2011 17:43:10 +0000

Enjoy the best seat in the house as we report live from the biggest dance floor spectacular in the history of Strictly Come Dancing! There will be a certain kind of magic in the air as our pro-dancers perform a very special Queen medley, celebrating a very special 'Best of British' themed evening. Stay right here as we update you with exclusive pictures as the couples finish their performances from our curtain-side postition at Wembley Arena!

Anton Du Beke is here!

"With the love" - it can only be Vincent

It's Artem!!

Alex says hello!

Craig Revel Horwood

Len Goodman

Oh, alright then. Here's Harry

Bruce warms up the audience here at Wembley

Some of the audience we can see from backstage

Waiting nervously in the wings

Ola: "What a fantastic reception. That was incredible!"

Alex: "I literally can't believe it. It was just awesome. Craig liked it!"

Holly: "I got through it without falling over. That was amazing!"

Anita: "The atmosphere out there is ELECTRIC!"

Harry: "I'm going to have to try and get James back for ripping off my shirt"

Russell: "I will remember that moment for the rest of my life. It was amazing"

Chelsee: "I got a step wrong a couple of times but it was buzzing out there!"

Jason: "It felt amazing and there's so much energy out there"

Week 8 - Backstage Gallery at Wembley

BBC Strictly James BBC Strictly James — Sat, 19 Nov 2011 13:58:04 +0000

The Wembley show is here! Over 6,000 fans will get to see Strictly like never before, and this week's show celebrates the best of British. The stage is set for one of the best episodes of Strictly Come Dancing ever!

Our eight remaining couples are working hard and rehearsing on the arena dancefloor. As ever, we are right there amongst the action to capture all the backstage gold...

Wembley before the show

This is just behind the main stage at Wembley

Waiting patiently backstage before the rehearsal

All lined up for the staircase entrance at rehearsals

The stage is set!

Everyone is in place

Alex and James setting up for their dramatic rehearsal

Anita and Robin in their brilliant rehearsal

It's true...Harry has his shirt open again

Holly and Artem in their #scd rehearsal if you can see them. This place is HUGE!!

Chelsee and Pasha shimmying their sequins off in their rehearsal

Jason and Kristina. Phew such a fast jive at rehearsals

Robbie and Ola at the start of their energetic rehearsal

Look at Russell fly!

A little nervous, Russell?

Anton in denim!

The raised eyebrow of Vincent Simone

Half-term report with Mr Revel Horwood

BBC Strictly James BBC Strictly James — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 17:00:41 +0000

So, as we're halfway through the Strictly year we thought that it was time for a little half-term report from the Deputy Headmaster, Craig Revel Horwood. We caught up with him at break-time in his office so he could grade the remaining Strictly students - who is the teacher's pet and who needs to stay behind after class? Download the report below to find out...

Strictly_half_term_report.doc