On BBC2 Tuesday 9pm "You make me feel like dancing" is a programme based around social dance as opposed to competitive dancing or Strictly. Jack Murphy who produces the show, a great man and extremely knowledgeable, aims to reopen for the 1 night a disused venue in the hopes, I think, of showing the appeal of social dance, and proving that it is something for everyone to enjoy.
You Make Me Feel Like Dancing
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This could be interesting.
Unfortunately it's up against some opposition on other channels at the same time, so I'll watch it on i>Player.
Unfortunately it's up against some opposition on other channels at the same time, so I'll watch it on i>Player.
Watched both programmes and it was quite enjoyable although I cannot see social dancing gaining the popularity it once had . I was amazed to see there was no alcohol at the venue and I cannot see today's younger crowd going out socialising unless alcohol is involved .
Thoroughly enjoyed both programs , a real delight. I'm guessing the lack of alcohol would have been down to licensing problems for a single night.
I watched from about half way through as I didnt realise it was on and it just made me miss my dancing and made me want to get back to class!
I meant to put a mention of this series in here earlier in the week but never got around to it, might be of interest as an attempt to revive 'partner dancing'. Some archive clips of the dancehall in the 1950s were shown. The two episodes will be on iPlayer.
BBC Two to revive the dance hall glory days in Bolton
New documentary series aims to revive dance hall glory days at Bolton's Palais de Danse
Quote:
“DOCUMENTARY: You Make Me Feel Like Dancing
On: BBC 2 HD
Date: Tuesday 5th January 2016 (Already shown)
Time: 21:00 to 22:00 (1 hour long)
Series following Jack Murphy, choreographer to the stars, as he swaps movie sets for Bolton, home to the once glorious dance hall, the Palais De Danse. From 1928 to the 1960s, ballroom was a national pastime, but can it be again? Jack tracks down the original Palais patrons, now in their 70s, and his dream to reopen the Bolton Palais for one night only is met with scepticism and lashings of Lancashire wit. His big idea to get a new generation to dance cheek to cheek involves getting his Bolton pensioners to dance in front of 20,000 footie fans... But can a group who haven't danced in half a century impress the Bolton home crowd?
(Stereo, Widescreen, High Definition, Subtitles, Audio Described, Episode 1)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Marked By: 'Favourite: You Make Me Feel Like Dancing' marker
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Excerpt taken from DigiGuide - the world's best TV guide available from http://www.getdigiguide.tv/?p=1&r=7346
Copyright (c) GipsyMedia Limited.”
“DOCUMENTARY: You Make Me Feel Like Dancing
On: BBC 2 HD
Date: Tuesday 5th January 2016 (Already shown)
Time: 21:00 to 22:00 (1 hour long)
Series following Jack Murphy, choreographer to the stars, as he swaps movie sets for Bolton, home to the once glorious dance hall, the Palais De Danse. From 1928 to the 1960s, ballroom was a national pastime, but can it be again? Jack tracks down the original Palais patrons, now in their 70s, and his dream to reopen the Bolton Palais for one night only is met with scepticism and lashings of Lancashire wit. His big idea to get a new generation to dance cheek to cheek involves getting his Bolton pensioners to dance in front of 20,000 footie fans... But can a group who haven't danced in half a century impress the Bolton home crowd?
(Stereo, Widescreen, High Definition, Subtitles, Audio Described, Episode 1)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Marked By: 'Favourite: You Make Me Feel Like Dancing' marker
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Excerpt taken from DigiGuide - the world's best TV guide available from http://www.getdigiguide.tv/?p=1&r=7346
Copyright (c) GipsyMedia Limited.”
BBC Two to revive the dance hall glory days in Bolton
New documentary series aims to revive dance hall glory days at Bolton's Palais de Danse
I watched both of those programs and thought that they were interesting.
These are the iPlayer links to the two episodes:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode...cing-episode-1
http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode...cing-episode-2
A lot of money was spent renovating a dance hall in Bolton. As far as I am aware, it was used for one night only, and then abandoned. I heard that it may be turned into a restaurant.
The program said that a local dance studio would be organising a future event 'at a local night club'. So why not at the renovated ballroom? I don't know whether that actually happened, either at the ballroom, or at any other venue.
Two night-club owners on the program did not seem to be that enthousiastic about the idea. I can understand why. If they make most of their profits from alchohol sales, then there's no advantage in trying to introduce ballroom dancing. My feeling is that any impetus should come from other directions.
The program felt very much like Gareth Malone's effort to get the nation singing. That was very successful, and resulted in several follow-up series, and numerous choirs were formed, throughout the country, as a result of that program.
These are the iPlayer links to the two episodes:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode...cing-episode-1
http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode...cing-episode-2
A lot of money was spent renovating a dance hall in Bolton. As far as I am aware, it was used for one night only, and then abandoned. I heard that it may be turned into a restaurant.
The program said that a local dance studio would be organising a future event 'at a local night club'. So why not at the renovated ballroom? I don't know whether that actually happened, either at the ballroom, or at any other venue.
Two night-club owners on the program did not seem to be that enthousiastic about the idea. I can understand why. If they make most of their profits from alchohol sales, then there's no advantage in trying to introduce ballroom dancing. My feeling is that any impetus should come from other directions.
The program felt very much like Gareth Malone's effort to get the nation singing. That was very successful, and resulted in several follow-up series, and numerous choirs were formed, throughout the country, as a result of that program.
I recorded this and watched bits of it.
I would imagine that the reasonably impressive number of those attending (other than the people who were being taught some basic steps of a period of time) would have been aware that the "night" was to be televised for a TV programme.
I'd suggest that would have added to the number attending.
Did people pay to get in? I didn't notice any mention of it.
It would have been impossible to make this a paying proposition. Alcohol sales at "club prices" would be essential.
Look at the size of the orchestra, the BBC might have got them at a cut rate with the promise of a bit of "free publicity," for one night. But to pay for an orchestra of that size on a weekly basis?
This was a non-starter on this scale from the start.
I would imagine that the reasonably impressive number of those attending (other than the people who were being taught some basic steps of a period of time) would have been aware that the "night" was to be televised for a TV programme.
I'd suggest that would have added to the number attending.
Did people pay to get in? I didn't notice any mention of it.
It would have been impossible to make this a paying proposition. Alcohol sales at "club prices" would be essential.
Look at the size of the orchestra, the BBC might have got them at a cut rate with the promise of a bit of "free publicity," for one night. But to pay for an orchestra of that size on a weekly basis?
This was a non-starter on this scale from the start.
Not sure how much the work would have cost, much seems to have been done as it would be done for a film set with fittings on hire.
I would have thought there must be some dance classes in the area so surprised he did not involved them, but he did seem to want to keep it a Bolton event - though in its heyday people would go to dances in the surrounding towns.
The recruitment on the street seemed very random but probably done mainly for the cameras.
A lot was glossed over, presumably the building would have had to comply with things like fire regulations - particularly important as the UK's worst nightclub fire happened in the town.
I would have thought there must be some dance classes in the area so surprised he did not involved them, but he did seem to want to keep it a Bolton event - though in its heyday people would go to dances in the surrounding towns.
The recruitment on the street seemed very random but probably done mainly for the cameras.
A lot was glossed over, presumably the building would have had to comply with things like fire regulations - particularly important as the UK's worst nightclub fire happened in the town.
Originally Posted by lundavra:
“...I would have thought there must be some dance classes in the area so surprised he did not involved them....”
“...I would have thought there must be some dance classes in the area so surprised he did not involved them....”
There are, and he did.
Many of the dancers who appeared in the final scene in the program were invited participants from Phil Hurst's dance studio in Bolton.
http://www.hurstdance.co.uk/
Odd on so many levels - but eventually got into its stride and the feel good finale made me glad I stuck with it.
Oddest of all, I don't recall any acknowledgment of SCD in the programme, from the organisers, the club owners, or the participants, don't they have telly in Bolton?
Still I've always been puzzled by the lack of interest in this forum, about actually doing it - y'know the social dancing thing. I joined a ballroom class some years ago, as I wanted to have a bash, but it struggles to attract enough learners on a regular basis and it sustains itself only as a labour of love by the instructors, which we're all grateful for.
I'd be surprised if it's any different in Bolton.
Oddest of all, I don't recall any acknowledgment of SCD in the programme, from the organisers, the club owners, or the participants, don't they have telly in Bolton?
Still I've always been puzzled by the lack of interest in this forum, about actually doing it - y'know the social dancing thing. I joined a ballroom class some years ago, as I wanted to have a bash, but it struggles to attract enough learners on a regular basis and it sustains itself only as a labour of love by the instructors, which we're all grateful for.
I'd be surprised if it's any different in Bolton.
Originally Posted by Englishspinner:
“Odd on so many levels - but eventually got into its stride and the feel good finale made me glad I stuck with it.
Oddest of all, I don't recall any acknowledgment of SCD in the programme, from the organisers, the club owners, or the participants, don't they have telly in Bolton?
Still I've always been puzzled by the lack of interest in this forum, about actually doing it - y'know the social dancing thing. I joined a ballroom class some years ago, as I wanted to have a bash, but it struggles to attract learners on a regular basis and it sustains itself only as a labour of love by the instructors, which we're all grateful for.
I'd be surprised if it's any different in Bolton.”
“Odd on so many levels - but eventually got into its stride and the feel good finale made me glad I stuck with it.
Oddest of all, I don't recall any acknowledgment of SCD in the programme, from the organisers, the club owners, or the participants, don't they have telly in Bolton?
Still I've always been puzzled by the lack of interest in this forum, about actually doing it - y'know the social dancing thing. I joined a ballroom class some years ago, as I wanted to have a bash, but it struggles to attract learners on a regular basis and it sustains itself only as a labour of love by the instructors, which we're all grateful for.
I'd be surprised if it's any different in Bolton.”
I kept expecting a reference to SCD, it was almost as if he deliberately avoiding mentioning it. He seems to be from a theatrical background, perhaps he has had an argument with Horwood or Tonioli at some time and got a bit of a grudge against them?
Definitely have TV there, even got running water in some parts of the town.
Many of the views over the town showed the Winter Hill TV mast in the background.
When SCD were trying to teach the country to 'Do The Strictly', Joanne Clifton, and Natalie were both involved in promoting the idea, and it had plenty of coverage on ITT.
Yet, not one of the Strictly professionals, nor anyone else connected with Strictly, seemed to have anything to do with that program.
If Jack Murphy was half serious about getting the nation dancing, then you would have thought he would have wanted Strictly onboard.
Yet, not one of the Strictly professionals, nor anyone else connected with Strictly, seemed to have anything to do with that program.
If Jack Murphy was half serious about getting the nation dancing, then you would have thought he would have wanted Strictly onboard.
There was a review of the program in the Daily Telegraph...
"never once did he mention – not once in the entire programme – the BBC’s hugely successful Strictly Come Dancing, which might at least have opened a door to a wider interest."
"Murphy may be a "choreographer to the stars" but he didn’t give off much of an air of starriness, or screen presence, himself. As one participant rather pointedly said: “I never heard of him, but who has?""
Full article here:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/t...w-painful.html
"never once did he mention – not once in the entire programme – the BBC’s hugely successful Strictly Come Dancing, which might at least have opened a door to a wider interest."
"Murphy may be a "choreographer to the stars" but he didn’t give off much of an air of starriness, or screen presence, himself. As one participant rather pointedly said: “I never heard of him, but who has?""
Full article here:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/t...w-painful.html
I know a few local Bolton teachers were not overly pleased at the way the programme was done - there is a big social dancing scene in the area and some long running and very accomplished dance schools. None of them were approached about the show and the so called choreographer was actually teaching a cha cha with in accurate steps
Originally Posted by bendymixer:
“I know a few local Bolton teachers were not overly pleased at the way the programme was done - there is a big social dancing scene in the area and some long running and very accomplished dance schools. None of them were approached about the show and the so called choreographer was actually teaching a cha cha with in accurate steps”
“I know a few local Bolton teachers were not overly pleased at the way the programme was done - there is a big social dancing scene in the area and some long running and very accomplished dance schools. None of them were approached about the show and the so called choreographer was actually teaching a cha cha with in accurate steps”
Interesting and does not surprise me.
Originally Posted by martyboy:
“When SCD were trying to teach the country to 'Do The Strictly', Joanne Clifton, and Natalie were both involved in promoting the idea, and it had plenty of coverage on ITT.
Yet, not one of the Strictly professionals, nor anyone else connected with Strictly, seemed to have anything to do with that program.
If Jack Murphy was half serious about getting the nation dancing, then you would have thought he would have wanted Strictly onboard.”
“When SCD were trying to teach the country to 'Do The Strictly', Joanne Clifton, and Natalie were both involved in promoting the idea, and it had plenty of coverage on ITT.
Yet, not one of the Strictly professionals, nor anyone else connected with Strictly, seemed to have anything to do with that program.
If Jack Murphy was half serious about getting the nation dancing, then you would have thought he would have wanted Strictly onboard.”
Jack was interviewed on Breakfast tv at the beginning of the week and specifically said he wanted to promote social dancing as opposed to competitive dancing - be it "proper" competitive or Strictly.
This programme was entirely separate SCD so there is no reason why he should have mentioned it in any way whatsoever, or that any of the Strictly pros should have had anything to do with it.
Originally Posted by bendymixer:
“I know a few local Bolton teachers were not overly pleased at the way the programme was done - there is a big social dancing scene in the area and some long running and very accomplished dance schools. None of them were approached about the show and the so called choreographer was actually teaching a cha cha with in accurate steps”
“I know a few local Bolton teachers were not overly pleased at the way the programme was done - there is a big social dancing scene in the area and some long running and very accomplished dance schools. None of them were approached about the show and the so called choreographer was actually teaching a cha cha with in accurate steps”
I think the presenter just wanted all the glory.
Seems that an awful lot of money was spent for just a couple of programmes.
I think that in reality they would have been disappointed with the turnout. Nowhere near enough young people were interested.
Originally Posted by bendymixer:
“I know a few local Bolton teachers were not overly pleased at the way the programme was done - there is a big social dancing scene in the area and some long running and very accomplished dance schools. None of them were approached about the show and the so called choreographer was actually teaching a cha cha with in accurate steps”
“I know a few local Bolton teachers were not overly pleased at the way the programme was done - there is a big social dancing scene in the area and some long running and very accomplished dance schools. None of them were approached about the show and the so called choreographer was actually teaching a cha cha with in accurate steps”
I don't think Jack's intention was to get Bolton, as such, social dancing, but to try and get people generally social dancing, and Bolton just happened to have a venue he could use, hence nothing to do with Bolton schools.
I know Jack, and can assure everyone he is far more than a "so-called" choreographer. He is, in fact, extremely accomplished, and has taught dances used by the National Theatre, through to Broadway; plus many film stars such as Daniel Radcliffe, Daniel Craig, Emily Blunt, Gwyneth Paltrow, to name but a few for their roles in various films.
His knowledge is vast; his "repertoire" includes dances from the 17th century, through all the different genres, up to the latest "fads".
Maybe he was teaching the cha cha cha inaccurately, but he could only teach those people what they had the ability to learn in a very short time, without making it stressful by insisting on the right technique, etc.
[quote=katt;81007658]I watched from about half way through as I didnt realise it was on and it just made me miss my dancing and made me want to get back to class![/QUOTE]
Jack would be really happy to know that as it is the sort of reaction he was hoping for.
Jack would be really happy to know that as it is the sort of reaction he was hoping for.
Originally Posted by Paace:
“Watched both programmes and it was quite enjoyable although I cannot see social dancing gaining the popularity it once had . I was amazed to see there was no alcohol at the venue and I cannot see today's younger crowd going out socialising unless alcohol is involved .”
“Watched both programmes and it was quite enjoyable although I cannot see social dancing gaining the popularity it once had . I was amazed to see there was no alcohol at the venue and I cannot see today's younger crowd going out socialising unless alcohol is involved .”
I was told that the Palais never had a licence when it was a dancehall in the 50s and 60s, the only time they had alcohol was when a local company or organisation held a dance there and got a licence for the night. So people made sure they had a few drinks before going there!
Originally Posted by tallulahula:
“Thoroughly enjoyed both programs , a real delight. I'm guessing the lack of alcohol would have been down to licensing problems for a single night.”
“Thoroughly enjoyed both programs , a real delight. I'm guessing the lack of alcohol would have been down to licensing problems for a single night.”
I go to Ceroc classes and social evenings and also go to Rock & Roll dances. Both of these dance types are partner based and widely available both to take lessons in and to enjoy socially. Ceroc can be danced to any type of music so far more useful than the ballroom dances taught in the programme. On the whole, participants tend not to drink much alcohol as it obviously affects your concentration, balance and memory of moves
Originally Posted by Mighty Zed:
“I go to Ceroc classes and social evenings and also go to Rock & Roll dances. Both of these dance types are partner based and widely available both to take lessons in and to enjoy socially. Ceroc can be danced to any type of music so far more useful than the ballroom dances taught in the programme. On the whole, participants tend not to drink much alcohol as it obviously affects your concentration, balance and memory of moves”
“I go to Ceroc classes and social evenings and also go to Rock & Roll dances. Both of these dance types are partner based and widely available both to take lessons in and to enjoy socially. Ceroc can be danced to any type of music so far more useful than the ballroom dances taught in the programme. On the whole, participants tend not to drink much alcohol as it obviously affects your concentration, balance and memory of moves”
Ceroc?
Isn't that just a posh name name for the trad jive we "teens" did in the late fifties at the Eel Pie Island Hotel Jazz Club to bands like that of Acker Bilk?
It's always looked the same to me.
Originally Posted by Paace:
“Watched both programmes and it was quite enjoyable although I cannot see social dancing gaining the popularity it once had . I was amazed to see there was no alcohol at the venue and I cannot see today's younger crowd going out socialising unless alcohol is involved .”
“Watched both programmes and it was quite enjoyable although I cannot see social dancing gaining the popularity it once had . I was amazed to see there was no alcohol at the venue and I cannot see today's younger crowd going out socialising unless alcohol is involved .”
In the first programme Jack met some youngsters out and about in the evening and all they wanted to do was to get drunk and then maybe get off with someone.
It's so sad that the joy of dancing has been lost, whether with a partner or just in a group together.
Funnily enough I empathise a lot with Jack because I had a "sort of" similar idea of my own. I want to hire a nightclub in my area for an evening (every now and then) for 40plussers to dance to 60s,70s and 80s hits that we love. Partners wouldn't be needed for this, so pressganging wouldn't be needed! It's still a pipe dream for me, but if it was in your area would you go to such a thing?
Originally Posted by lundavra:
“I was told that the Palais never had a licence when it was a dancehall in the 50s and 60s, the only time they had alcohol was when a local company or organisation held a dance there and got a licence for the night. So people made sure they had a few drinks before going there!”
“I was told that the Palais never had a licence when it was a dancehall in the 50s and 60s, the only time they had alcohol was when a local company or organisation held a dance there and got a licence for the night. So people made sure they had a few drinks before going there!”
In the 30s,40s,50s and even into the 60s women did not frequent bars and pubs so the dance hall was a great place to meet members of the opposite sex and enjoy some dancing . As was said in the programme most learnt their dance moves from friends .
It was an interesting project by Jack but he needs to pursue it longer then 2 months so all those newcomers don't give up .
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