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    <title>Strictly Come Dancing Feed</title>
    <description>Welcome to the Strictly Come Dancing blog, we'll be sharing the latest news and backstage gossip from the nation's favourite dancing competition. This is the place to get your daily dose of dance floor drama and training room trials. </description>
    <pubDate>Thu, 26 Sep 2013 16:53:17 +0000</pubDate>
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    <link>https://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/strictlycomedancing</link>
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      <title>Julien and Janette: First Steps</title>
      <description><![CDATA[Top fashion designer Julien likes life to be ‘happy and fun’, so how will he cope with the gruelling physical hard work needed for Strictly success? Pro-dancer Janette loves spending time with Julien, but admits he has the attention span of ‘a five-year-old’, how can she get the Welshman to concentrate on the dance steps he really need to learn?]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 26 Sep 2013 16:53:17 +0000</pubDate>
      <link>https://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/strictlycomedancing/entries/2f3699ee-5573-3a6f-be31-c83ade1b4010</link>
      <guid>https://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/strictlycomedancing/entries/2f3699ee-5573-3a6f-be31-c83ade1b4010</guid>
      <author>BBC Strictly Simon</author>
      <dc:creator>BBC Strictly Simon</dc:creator>
      <content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="component prose">
    <p>The final instalment of our ‘First Steps’ training clips features Julien and Janette.</p><p>Top fashion designer Julien likes life to be ‘happy and fun’, so how will he cope with the gruelling physical hard work needed for Strictly success? Pro-dancer Janette loves spending time with Julien, but admits he has the attention span of ‘a five-year-old’, how can she get the Welshman to concentrate on the dance steps he really need to learn?</p><p>WATCH our exclusive clip to find out…</p><p> </p>
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      <title>Ashley and Ola: First Steps</title>
      <description><![CDATA[Ashley and Ola's First Steps]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 25 Sep 2013 17:43:55 +0000</pubDate>
      <link>https://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/strictlycomedancing/entries/2f0a67f6-4b84-35a7-8761-044c052b0405</link>
      <guid>https://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/strictlycomedancing/entries/2f0a67f6-4b84-35a7-8761-044c052b0405</guid>
      <author>BBC Strictly Adrian</author>
      <dc:creator>BBC Strictly Adrian</dc:creator>
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    <p>Today is the turn of Ashley and Ola to take their first tentative steps into the training room. Ola has a novel way of keeping Ashley on his toes, filming the routine on her phone. Will this soap star get into a lather or can he bring a little Strictly drama to the dance floor? Watch our EXCLUSIVE clip and find out...</p><p></p>
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      <title>Tony and Aliona: First Steps</title>
      <description><![CDATA[Golf legend Tony is joined by his Strictly dance partner Aliona at his home in Florida, but their training doesn’t get off to a good start when Tony realises he’s left his dance shoes in London and will have to practice in his ‘sockettes’. Aliona realises she needs to go back to the basics of ballroom dancing.    ]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 24 Sep 2013 15:40:31 +0000</pubDate>
      <link>https://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/strictlycomedancing/entries/78244f7c-2ef3-35b7-ab57-ed638eadc4b1</link>
      <guid>https://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/strictlycomedancing/entries/78244f7c-2ef3-35b7-ab57-ed638eadc4b1</guid>
      <author>BBC Strictly Simon</author>
      <dc:creator>BBC Strictly Simon</dc:creator>
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    <p>Our Tuesday instalment of our EXCLUSIVE ‘First Steps’ training clips features Tony and Aliona.</p><p>Golf legend Tony is joined by his Strictly dance partner Aliona at his home in Florida, but their training doesn’t get off to a good start when Tony realises he’s left his dance shoes in London and will have to practice in his ‘sockettes’. Aliona realises she needs to go back to the basics of ballroom dancing. With Tony finding it difficult to balance on his tip-toes how will she turn his golf swing, into a Strictly win? </p><p></p>
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      <title>Deborah and Robin: First Steps</title>
      <description><![CDATA[Businesswoman Deborah is accustomed to hard work in the boardroom, but now the penny has dropped that dancing also needs blood, sweat and tears, will the tough ‘Dragon’ survive? Robin is impressed with Deborah’s dedication, but can’t get her to stop looking at him like a ‘little lost kitten’.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 23 Sep 2013 12:48:08 +0000</pubDate>
      <link>https://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/strictlycomedancing/entries/e7b22f99-e254-386c-9701-5856ec32b9e6</link>
      <guid>https://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/strictlycomedancing/entries/e7b22f99-e254-386c-9701-5856ec32b9e6</guid>
      <author>BBC Strictly Simon</author>
      <dc:creator>BBC Strictly Simon</dc:creator>
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    <p>The Monday instalment of our EXCLUSIVE ‘First Steps’ training clips features Deborah and Robin!</p><p>Businesswoman Deborah is accustomed to hard work in the boardroom, but now the penny has dropped that dancing also needs blood, sweat and tears, will the tough ‘Dragon’ survive? Robin is impressed with Deborah’s dedication, but can’t get her to stop looking at him like a ‘little lost kitten’. Watch the video and let us know what you think….</p><p> </p>
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      <title>Abbey and Aljaz: First Steps</title>
      <description><![CDATA[Abbey admits to being a ‘very impatient’ person, so how will she deal with the frustration and hard work involved in becoming a ballroom dancer? Aljaz is confident that he can get the best out of Abbey especially as she has ‘good body awareness’, despite the model feeling like a ‘fumbling wreck’.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Sun, 22 Sep 2013 06:00:58 +0000</pubDate>
      <link>https://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/strictlycomedancing/entries/b6a1e8b3-dfbb-3032-a455-435f1862ae78</link>
      <guid>https://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/strictlycomedancing/entries/b6a1e8b3-dfbb-3032-a455-435f1862ae78</guid>
      <author>BBC Strictly Simon</author>
      <dc:creator>BBC Strictly Simon</dc:creator>
      <content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="component prose">
    <p>The Sunday instalment of our ‘First Steps’ training clips features Abbey and Aljaz!</p><p>Abbey admits to being a ‘very impatient’ person, so how will she deal with the frustration and hard work involved in becoming a ballroom dancer? Aljaz is confident that he can get the best out of Abbey especially as she has ‘good body awareness’, despite the model feeling like a ‘fumbling wreck’. Watch the video below and let us know what you think…</p><p></p>
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      <title>Ben and Kristina: First Steps</title>
      <description><![CDATA[Watch rugby star Ben Cohen TRY-ing to dance.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Sat, 21 Sep 2013 06:01:16 +0000</pubDate>
      <link>https://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/strictlycomedancing/entries/3361150b-ca53-3da6-9c89-54043633aa1a</link>
      <guid>https://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/strictlycomedancing/entries/3361150b-ca53-3da6-9c89-54043633aa1a</guid>
      <author>BBC Strictly Simon</author>
      <dc:creator>BBC Strictly Simon</dc:creator>
      <content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="component prose">
    <p>Our tenth EXCLUSIVE ‘First Steps’ training clip features <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p01ghfzg">Ben and Kristina</a>! </p><p>Rugby ace Ben is a self-confessed dance novice, who compares his moves to a ‘gorilla on a trike’. How will partner Kristina turn the burley sportsman into a ‘beautiful swan’? And despite years of rugby training, will Ben manage to get his legs into those awkward Cha Cha Cha positions? Watch the video below and tell us what you think…</p><p> </p>
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      <title>Mark and Iveta: First Steps</title>
      <description><![CDATA[Mark's Strictly journey begins! The actor enjoys Iveta's firm but fair training session.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 20 Sep 2013 10:19:56 +0000</pubDate>
      <link>https://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/strictlycomedancing/entries/b7a64ea7-3881-325a-997d-6a0151d8a108</link>
      <guid>https://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/strictlycomedancing/entries/b7a64ea7-3881-325a-997d-6a0151d8a108</guid>
      <author>BBC Strictly Adrian</author>
      <dc:creator>BBC Strictly Adrian</dc:creator>
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    <p>Our Friday ‘First Steps’ training clip features Mark and Iveta!</p><p>Watch Mark get to grips with Tango steps, whilst trying to discover his hidden ‘macho’ side. Up for the challenge and under the tutorship of Iveta’s firm but fair training methods, her tips and words of encouragement seem to be pushing the Waterloo Road Star to give it some real welly!</p><p>Let us know if you think this couple can go the distance.</p><p></p>
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      <title>Susanna and Kevin: First Steps</title>
      <description><![CDATA[Reid all about it!]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 19 Sep 2013 09:01:32 +0000</pubDate>
      <link>https://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/strictlycomedancing/entries/c3d2401c-750b-3994-84b4-736cbb00ef61</link>
      <guid>https://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/strictlycomedancing/entries/c3d2401c-750b-3994-84b4-736cbb00ef61</guid>
      <author>BBC Strictly Simon</author>
      <dc:creator>BBC Strictly Simon</dc:creator>
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    <p>In our eighth instalment of our EXCLUSIVE ‘First Steps’ training clips, it’s Susanna and Kevin!</p><p>BBC Breakfast’s Susanna Reid and dance partner Kevin Clifton are getting on famously as they begin to practice for the first live Strictly show. But has new boy Kevin thrown Susanna in at the deep end with a ‘very tricky’ first dance? Susanna admits she has a ‘memory like a goldfish’, so what ingenious method will she use to memorise all those fast dance steps? Watch the video and let us know what you think…</p><p></p>
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      <title>Patrick and Anya: First Steps</title>
      <description><![CDATA[Watch Patrick and Anya's first training session.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 18 Sep 2013 13:45:02 +0000</pubDate>
      <link>https://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/strictlycomedancing/entries/116a5e59-4255-3b28-9c7f-f42561261225</link>
      <guid>https://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/strictlycomedancing/entries/116a5e59-4255-3b28-9c7f-f42561261225</guid>
      <author>BBC Strictly Adrian</author>
      <dc:creator>BBC Strictly Adrian</dc:creator>
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    <p>Patrick Robinson and Anya Garnis, are the next Strictly couple to feature in our EXCLUSIVE ‘First Steps’ training clips!</p><p>Patrick is already showing he has the pace to keep up with Anya’s training regime. This pro-dancer is impressed, admitting that Patrick is a “great mover” already!</p><p>The Casualty Star hopes his body can stay out of the recovery room and go the distance, one step at a time. Let us know what you think of Patrick’s moves so far!</p><p></p>
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    <p>Come back here for more EXCLUSIVE Strictly content every day!</p>
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      <title>Dave and Karen: First Steps</title>
      <description><![CDATA[Is Hairy Biker Dave Myers cooking up a storm with dance partner Karen Hauer?]]></description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 16 Sep 2013 14:50:37 +0000</pubDate>
      <link>https://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/strictlycomedancing/entries/31d5742d-b11d-3ca8-9f45-a62e7175cc6c</link>
      <guid>https://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/strictlycomedancing/entries/31d5742d-b11d-3ca8-9f45-a62e7175cc6c</guid>
      <author>BBC Strictly Simon</author>
      <dc:creator>BBC Strictly Simon</dc:creator>
      <content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="component prose">
    <p>Here’s our fifth instalment of our EXCLUSIVE ‘First Steps’ training clips, and next to take to the floor is <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p01ghhml" target="_blank">Hairy Biker Dave Myers with Karen Hauer</a>.</p><p>Dave and Karen have been cooking up a storm in the dance studio, with the couple using culinary terms to help Dave remember the steps to the Cha Cha Cha. But feisty New Yorker Karen has a particularly feline technique when Dave does something wrong.</p><p>Will Dave learn to mix his Latin flavours or will this couple go off the boil?  Watch the video and let us know what you think?</p><p></p>
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      <title>Fiona and Anton: First Steps</title>
      <description><![CDATA[Watch Fiona and Anton's first day of training.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Sun, 15 Sep 2013 07:46:19 +0000</pubDate>
      <link>https://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/strictlycomedancing/entries/9290abe5-c679-3785-9b9f-65b35bb8030b</link>
      <guid>https://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/strictlycomedancing/entries/9290abe5-c679-3785-9b9f-65b35bb8030b</guid>
      <author>BBC Strictly Simon</author>
      <dc:creator>BBC Strictly Simon</dc:creator>
      <content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="component prose">
    <p>It's day four of our EXCLUSIVE training footage and next up is <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p01ghq9t">Fiona Fullerton and her new leading man Anton Du Beke</a>. The former Bond Girl believes if she can just learn to walk forwards and backwards she’ll have this ballroom dancing sussed. It’s obvious that the partnership is blossoming, with Fiona already giving Anton the nickname ‘Mr Wonderful’.</p><p>Does this couple have a licence to thrill on the Strictly dance floor let us know below...</p><p></p>
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      <title>Patrick and Anya: First Steps</title>
      <description><![CDATA[Watch Vanessa and James' first training session]]></description>
      <pubDate>Sat, 14 Sep 2013 08:25:18 +0000</pubDate>
      <link>https://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/strictlycomedancing/entries/19b138fe-8073-3f71-a478-c8910b727a8d</link>
      <guid>https://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/strictlycomedancing/entries/19b138fe-8073-3f71-a478-c8910b727a8d</guid>
      <author>BBC Strictly Adrian</author>
      <dc:creator>BBC Strictly Adrian</dc:creator>
      <content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="component prose">
    <p>Patrick Robinson and Anya Garnis, are the next Strictly couple to feature in our EXCLUSIVE ‘First Steps’ training clips!</p><p>Patrick is already showing he has the pace to keep up with Anya’s training regime. This pro-dancer is impressed, admitting that Patrick is a “great mover” already!</p><p>The Casualty Star hopes his body can stay out of the recovery room and go the distance, one step at a time. Let us know what you think of Patrick’s moves so far!</p><p></p>
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            <em>Team Patanya are in full swing! Anya is impressed by Patrick&#039;s rhythm on the dance floor.</em>
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    <p>Come back here for more EXCLUSIVE Strictly content every day!</p>
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      <title>Natalie and Artem: First Steps</title>
      <description><![CDATA[Natalie and Artem: First Steps]]></description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 13 Sep 2013 10:57:02 +0000</pubDate>
      <link>https://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/strictlycomedancing/entries/78e906c6-b82c-3149-bcd4-5ff87fada406</link>
      <guid>https://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/strictlycomedancing/entries/78e906c6-b82c-3149-bcd4-5ff87fada406</guid>
      <author>BBC Strictly Sarah</author>
      <dc:creator>BBC Strictly Sarah</dc:creator>
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    <div>Good news! Our second EXCLUSIVE training clip is ready for your beady eyes to watch RIGHT NOW!</div><div>We became the fly on the wall in <a title="Natalie and Artem intro clip" href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p01ghmvp">Natalie and Artem</a>’s first rehearsal as they started their Strictly journey together. Artem takes Natalie back to basics as they prepare to perform in a little over two weeks’ time. Although he seems happy, Natalie thinks she’s “got a long way before I become a swan!” Watch the video and let us know what you think. </div><div></div><div></div>
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    <div></div><div>We’ll have footage of a new couple every day on our website, so make sure you come back for more! </div>
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      <title>Sophie and Brendan: First Steps</title>
      <description><![CDATA[Waltzing into the training room today are Sophie and Brendan who'll be performing this Ballroom classic in a little over two weeks’ time. We've caught a fascinating insight into Brendan's rather unusual training technique; it involves an imaginary wall and ball. See for yourself!]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 12 Sep 2013 15:33:33 +0000</pubDate>
      <link>https://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/strictlycomedancing/entries/c75ed297-82ff-3fb1-aeb2-af2576b6f766</link>
      <guid>https://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/strictlycomedancing/entries/c75ed297-82ff-3fb1-aeb2-af2576b6f766</guid>
      <author>BBC Strictly Nora</author>
      <dc:creator>BBC Strictly Nora</dc:creator>
      <content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="component prose">
    <p>From now until the first shows on the 27th and 28th of September, we'll be sharing EXCLUSIVE training footage of each couple on this very site, EVERY day. </p><p>Waltzing into the training room today are <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p01ghj49">Sophie and Brendan</a> who'll be performing this Ballroom classic in a little over two weeks’ time. We've caught a fascinating insight into Brendan's rather unusual training technique; it involves an imaginary wall and ball. See for yourself!</p><p></p>
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            <em>Pop star Sophie Ellis-Bextor begins her Strictly training with partner Brendan Cole.</em>
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