Jay McGuiness and Aliona Vilani appreciation thread - Part 6

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Agrion

21-11-2016

Hi All

Here are some thoughts on seeing KD in Edinburgh - not a review of the show as others have done that much better than I can!
After some worries about getting there last week (junior was on crutches and not very mobile), we finally arrived (me, OH and 12 -year old) in Edinburgh at lunchtime on Saturday and wandered about in the Christmas Fair and art gallery, then headed on to the theatre. First impressions were that it was huge and rather gloomy, quite a contrast to the small and newly decorated GOH in York, where we first saw the show.

We were in the third row back in the stall, so looking up the nostrils of the dancers, but just far enough back to see their feet! The stall and the first balcony looked pretty full to me.
We had seen the show in York, where Chelsee Healey was the guest artist, and thought that the dancers looked much sharper than they did there, probably helped by the much bigger stage and lack of rake on it. We particularly liked the Jive/American swing/Lindy(?) routine. They seemed to have fixed the costumes as well, last time so many feathers came off the blue frocks that the stage looked like a henhouse. Junior was disappointed that there weren't flying shiny beads though.
We were sitting in a group of dedicated Robin fans, which was nice for them, as to us he looked a lot more relaxed and happy than in York. They were happy with the show and only mildly interested in Jay and Aliona.
We loved the Viennese waltz, very quiet and tender, and such a contrast to the other dances. The Q&A was hilarious too, Jay almost back to his Wanted levels of fun in interviews. Junior loved the story about stealing Tess's TV.
In the Interval, I was so happy to be collected by Jayfan - thanks for hunting us out! There were lots of Jalionistas there, it was lovely to meet you all and put some faces to names.
I liked the second half of the show less than the first both times, but did enjoy the singers, they were fab every time. We missed the live percussion section - whatever happened to them - they were great? Also the clapping as well.
The rumba was great too, it was wonderful to see it so close up and finally see some of the moves properly.
I did some thinking on the train on the way home, about why I liked Jay's dancing on Strictly so much, (once I had got over being upset by his lack of confidence at the beginning of the show, so different from Jay in the Wanted). I think, for me, it was because he danced with a much more contemporary feel to his dances, while still aiming for the ballroom technique. The 'show' style dancers are projecting out all the time, even when they are with a partner, while Jay draws you in, concentrating on the dance and on his partner. And interpreting the music for us, he really is such a 'musical' dancer. Since I have watched a lot contemporary dance I loved that style, but I can see how he would wind up someone expecting something like the other dances in KD.
OH said he was pleased to see that Jay came over just the same as on the TV, he loves what he calls Jay's 'randomness' - you are never sure quite what he will say when he is asked a question, or where he will go. 'Have I gone somewhere weird?', is one of my favourite Jayquotes!
So its the end of another part of Jay's career! From the Wanted to Strictly to BIG, I wonder what he will do next?
(And apologies for rambling...)

KorkyTheCat

21-11-2016

Originally Posted by BMLisa:
“Oh I feel all teary about Jay saying it's their last ever dance. Still got my fingers crossed for a Christmas Special

Come on 2018”

http://66.media.tumblr.com/572553672...mgb1o1_500.jpg

💕💖💕

BionicBard

21-11-2016

Originally Posted by Agrion:
“Hi All

Here are some thoughts on seeing KD in Edinburgh - not a review of the show as others have done that much better than I can!
After some worries about getting there last week (junior was on crutches and not very mobile), we finally arrived (me, OH and 12 -year old) in Edinburgh at lunchtime on Saturday and wandered about in the Christmas Fair and art gallery, then headed on to the theatre. First impressions were that it was huge and rather gloomy, quite a contrast to the small and newly decorated GOH in York, where we first saw the show.

We were in the third row back in the stall, so looking up the nostrils of the dancers, but just far enough back to see their feet! The stall and the first balcony looked pretty full to me.
We had seen the show in York, where Chelsee Healey was the guest artist, and thought that the dancers looked much sharper than they did there, probably helped by the much bigger stage and lack of rake on it. We particularly liked the Jive/American swing/Lindy(?) routine. They seemed to have fixed the costumes as well, last time so many feathers came off the blue frocks that the stage looked like a henhouse. Junior was disappointed that there weren't flying shiny beads though.
We were sitting in a group of dedicated Robin fans, which was nice for them, as to us he looked a lot more relaxed and happy than in York. They were happy with the show and only mildly interested in Jay and Aliona.
We loved the Viennese waltz, very quiet and tender, and such a contrast to the other dances. The Q&A was hilarious too, Jay almost back to his Wanted levels of fun in interviews. Junior loved the story about stealing Tess's TV.
In the Interval, I was so happy to be collected by Jayfan - thanks for hunting us out! There were lots of Jalionistas there, it was lovely to meet you all and put some faces to names.
I liked the second half of the show less than the first both times, but did enjoy the singers, they were fab every time. We missed the live percussion section - whatever happened to them - they were great? Also the clapping as well.
The rumba was great too, it was wonderful to see it so close up and finally see some of the moves properly.
I did some thinking on the train on the way home, about why I liked Jay's dancing on Strictly so much, (once I had got over being upset by his lack of confidence at the beginning of the show, so different from Jay in the Wanted). I think, for me, it was because he danced with a much more contemporary feel to his dances, while still aiming for the ballroom technique. The 'show' style dancers are projecting out all the time, even when they are with a partner, while Jay draws you in, concentrating on the dance and on his partner. And interpreting the music for us, he really is such a 'musical' dancer. Since I have watched a lot contemporary dance I loved that style, but I can see how he would wind up someone expecting something like the other dances in KD.
OH said he was pleased to see that Jay came over just the same as on the TV, he loves what he calls Jay's 'randomness' - you are never sure quite what he will say when he is asked a question, or where he will go. 'Have I gone somewhere weird?', is one of my favourite Jayquotes!
So its the end of another part of Jay's career! From the Wanted to Strictly to BIG, I wonder what he will do next?
(And apologies for rambling...)”

Thank you, Agrion - that's really interesting, especially about Jay.

CatO9Tales

21-11-2016

Originally Posted by Agrion:
“Hi All

Here are some thoughts on seeing KD in Edinburgh - not a review of the show as others have done that much better than I can!
After some worries about getting there last week (junior was on crutches and not very mobile), we finally arrived (me, OH and 12 -year old) in Edinburgh at lunchtime on Saturday and wandered about in the Christmas Fair and art gallery, then headed on to the theatre. First impressions were that it was huge and rather gloomy, quite a contrast to the small and newly decorated GOH in York, where we first saw the show.

We were in the third row back in the stall, so looking up the nostrils of the dancers, but just far enough back to see their feet! The stall and the first balcony looked pretty full to me.
We had seen the show in York, where Chelsee Healey was the guest artist, and thought that the dancers looked much sharper than they did there, probably helped by the much bigger stage and lack of rake on it. We particularly liked the Jive/American swing/Lindy(?) routine. They seemed to have fixed the costumes as well, last time so many feathers came off the blue frocks that the stage looked like a henhouse. Junior was disappointed that there weren't flying shiny beads though.
We were sitting in a group of dedicated Robin fans, which was nice for them, as to us he looked a lot more relaxed and happy than in York. They were happy with the show and only mildly interested in Jay and Aliona.
We loved the Viennese waltz, very quiet and tender, and such a contrast to the other dances. The Q&A was hilarious too, Jay almost back to his Wanted levels of fun in interviews. Junior loved the story about stealing Tess's TV.
In the Interval, I was so happy to be collected by Jayfan - thanks for hunting us out! There were lots of Jalionistas there, it was lovely to meet you all and put some faces to names.
I liked the second half of the show less than the first both times, but did enjoy the singers, they were fab every time. We missed the live percussion section - whatever happened to them - they were great? Also the clapping as well.
The rumba was great too, it was wonderful to see it so close up and finally see some of the moves properly.
I did some thinking on the train on the way home, about why I liked Jay's dancing on Strictly so much, (once I had got over being upset by his lack of confidence at the beginning of the show, so different from Jay in the Wanted). I think, for me, it was because he danced with a much more contemporary feel to his dances, while still aiming for the ballroom technique. The 'show' style dancers are projecting out all the time, even when they are with a partner, while Jay draws you in, concentrating on the dance and on his partner. And interpreting the music for us, he really is such a 'musical' dancer. Since I have watched a lot contemporary dance I loved that style, but I can see how he would wind up someone expecting something like the other dances in KD.
OH said he was pleased to see that Jay came over just the same as on the TV, he loves what he calls Jay's 'randomness' - you are never sure quite what he will say when he is asked a question, or where he will go. 'Have I gone somewhere weird?', is one of my favourite Jayquotes!
So its the end of another part of Jay's career! From the Wanted to Strictly to BIG, I wonder what he will do next?
(And apologies for rambling...)”

Love this, Agrion. So in tune with the BIBs

KorkyTheCat

21-11-2016

Originally Posted by Agrion:
“Hi All

Here are some thoughts on seeing KD in Edinburgh - not a review of the show as others have done that much better than I can!
After some worries about getting there last week (junior was on crutches and not very mobile), we finally arrived (me, OH and 12 -year old) in Edinburgh at lunchtime on Saturday and wandered about in the Christmas Fair and art gallery, then headed on to the theatre. First impressions were that it was huge and rather gloomy, quite a contrast to the small and newly decorated GOH in York, where we first saw the show.

We were in the third row back in the stall, so looking up the nostrils of the dancers, but just far enough back to see their feet! The stall and the first balcony looked pretty full to me.
We had seen the show in York, where Chelsee Healey was the guest artist, and thought that the dancers looked much sharper than they did there, probably helped by the much bigger stage and lack of rake on it. We particularly liked the Jive/American swing/Lindy(?) routine. They seemed to have fixed the costumes as well, last time so many feathers came off the blue frocks that the stage looked like a henhouse. Junior was disappointed that there weren't flying shiny beads though.
We were sitting in a group of dedicated Robin fans, which was nice for them, as to us he looked a lot more relaxed and happy than in York. They were happy with the show and only mildly interested in Jay and Aliona.
We loved the Viennese waltz, very quiet and tender, and such a contrast to the other dances. The Q&A was hilarious too, Jay almost back to his Wanted levels of fun in interviews. Junior loved the story about stealing Tess's TV.
In the Interval, I was so happy to be collected by Jayfan - thanks for hunting us out! There were lots of Jalionistas there, it was lovely to meet you all and put some faces to names.
I liked the second half of the show less than the first both times, but did enjoy the singers, they were fab every time. We missed the live percussion section - whatever happened to them - they were great? Also the clapping as well.
The rumba was great too, it was wonderful to see it so close up and finally see some of the moves properly.
I did some thinking on the train on the way home, about why I liked Jay's dancing on Strictly so much, (once I had got over being upset by his lack of confidence at the beginning of the show, so different from Jay in the Wanted). I think, for me, it was because he danced with a much more contemporary feel to his dances, while still aiming for the ballroom technique. The 'show' style dancers are projecting out all the time, even when they are with a partner, while Jay draws you in, concentrating on the dance and on his partner. And interpreting the music for us, he really is such a 'musical' dancer. Since I have watched a lot contemporary dance I loved that style, but I can see how he would wind up someone expecting something like the other dances in KD.
OH said he was pleased to see that Jay came over just the same as on the TV, he loves what he calls Jay's 'randomness' - you are never sure quite what he will say when he is asked a question, or where he will go. 'Have I gone somewhere weird?', is one of my favourite Jayquotes!
So its the end of another part of Jay's career! From the Wanted to Strictly to BIG, I wonder what he will do next?
(And apologies for rambling...)”

BIB... Philistines!

Lovely report and I agree about J's dancing being more internalised. Watching him dance is seeing him whereas with others it's dancing by numbers.

Thanks to all other reviewers.

Whiffle_09

21-11-2016

Thanks for the interview links Korky & Polly💕

Thanks you SeaideLady, jackybob & Agrion for your lovely KD reviews. Great reads & thanks for sharing your adventures

BMLisa

21-11-2016

I've been thinking about J&A too a lot lately and wondering why I'm not loving Danny and Oti when they are also fabulous as a pairing.

I can appreciate what a phenomenal dancer he is technically but he projects a performance outwards. I'll never forget watching J&As Rumba two massive arenas. They drew thousands of people into their world.

Then to the professionals. Oti is fabulous but what Aliona created for Jay was the ability to show off vulnerability, humour, strength,passion.

Otis choreo is all about strength, power, speed and selling a performance. I haven't seen anything vulnerable in their performances. I feel like you never scratch the surface or enter their world.

I think Danny is a great dancer and Oti is a great choreographer but I'm not seeing Anything different from week to week.

Toasted Toad

21-11-2016

Originally Posted by Polly-T:
“Deise Days has been a busy lady today posting more VTS re BIG in Dublin
- Thanks a mill DD

https://twitter.com/daysdeise/status/800771650312609792

https://twitter.com/daysdeise/status/800739657898139649”

When was that first interview? Jay's looking especially fine! But I notice his voice isn't croaky, so I'm not sure if it's before or after his cold.

Polly-T

21-11-2016

Ah loved all your 'thoughts' on KD and Jay and Alionas last show, Agrion.
Felt the same - something about watching Jay and Aliona last dance together - they "Dance like no one is watching" and one feels drawn into their performance.

Must have been great to compare with the show in York too!

Toasted Toad

21-11-2016

Monkseal's blog now up https://monkseal.wordpress.com/2016/...9-performance/

KorkyTheCat

21-11-2016

"Once" is on the iPlayer.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b00yd0hd/once

Quite symbolic, as is this, I thought...

http://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/660/cps...822_833292.jpg

StrictlyRed

21-11-2016

Thank you Seaside Lady, jackybob. and Agrion for your reviews. For those of us who didn't go to KD it's been lovely to read so many different viewpoints and little anecdotes.

Originally Posted by Dfer:
“Hi Red had a really wonderful time at Last a Tango. Just like you I loved it too.”

I'm so happy that you enjoyed Last Tango as much as I did, Dfer. No, I didn't see it in London - I was lucky that the show came to Plymouth when it was touring a few months back.

I smiled at what you wrote about the standing ovation, because I was the same. I'm usually quite reluctant to drag myself to my feet, but on this occasion I literally shot out of my seat - I must have been the very first one, although I admit I'm not one for whooping and hollering.

Spoiler

StrictlyRed

21-11-2016

Originally Posted by BMLisa:
“Oh I feel all teary about Jay saying it's their last ever dance. Still got my fingers crossed for a Christmas Special

Come on 2018”

We can always dream...........

speedtrap

21-11-2016

It took me 6 hours to drive back from my last Jaliona experience in Edinburgh…time enough to reflect on all my encounters with this magical dancing pair. Time enough, also, to reflect on the role that this thread has played in my life for more than a year now. I’ve shared so many wonderful times with friends found here, but also through Twitter, at venues and, as it transpires, encounters with DS lurkers who told me they read this thread “word for word” and were able to quote some of their favourite times…the Jaybus is a thing of legend apparently…Rosedroplet…you better be listening…take care of those keys!! Pitstop, I don’t know about you but I still have 21 months left as a “Speed Awareness” probationer.

Anyhow, I haven’t posted in yonks but suddenly had a yearning to return to the Cosy Attic…where we all could retreat from the madness and harshness of the MF…where we all felt among friends. Good Times!

I think I should put in a disclaimer here…I haven’t lurked since I last posted but I have dropped in to look when a post or theme has reached my ears. So, apologies, there’s a massive chasm in my AT knowledge. Having said that, I thought it prudent to read what might have been reported re Edinburgh before I jumped in…so I did. Bearing that in mind, I haven't attempted to review the dancing or show...others have done that. What did resonate though was the reference to Nellie's toast to Jaliona and the friendships that have arisen. I'm sorry if I've missed anyone...but a shoutout to all who I've met in person and/or have continued to keep in touch by other means.

I don’t know how long it might be before I post again so I think this might act as a summary of past months:

MK

…that was a really special time:
Pitstop, you are a gem, a gem I tell ya! How absolutely lovely to meet you…your crafty talents are part of my family history now. Mwah!
McG, So thrilled you got to meet the man himself. How did we ever drag you away?! Memories forever.
Arnostae…and OH, you Video Ninja, you! Hope we get to meet again…Dublin?
Stella…not DS but a fully paid-up Jalionistasista. This doesn’t end here…just the beginning my dear.
Jnb…partner in crime!!! That first stage door journey; a very revealing shortcut.
Others have caught up with me since to say they were there…sorry we didn’t meet then, but have met a few of you later. x

Dear Jay…what an absolute sweetheart.

Wimbledon…nearly didn’t happen for me. As it was, I missed the matinee and the train that I had tickets for and instead, drove down in time to catch up with folks for the evening show. Great times had before during and after. Left about 11.20pm, got home at 3.30am…TOTALLY WORTH IT!!
Sooo many DS and twitter friends there that night…and Stella too! Sorry for not name-checking everyone (a bit of a blur) but special mention for danceagogo, Fridgesoup and Rosedroplet …lovely, lovely peeps. As luck would have it, there was a spare seat going with a great view and less aroma so jnb joined me…right behind Rosie and Soupy.

Dear Jay…what an absolute sweetheart.

Plymouth…Just as we’d promised Jay at MK jnb and I were going to be there opening night, supporting.
We met Soupy, RosieD, NellieK, Janetshep for a pre-show bite and off we went to experience Jay’s BIG break. WOW! You’ve all had reports, no need for me to comment I suspect.

Met lot’s I’d met before in MK and Wimbledon…twitter (which now includes Stella ) and DS. Stella with her children now...they both got selfies with Jay who was completely adorable with them.

Dear Jay…what an absolute sweetheart.

Edinburgh…Thursday, Friday and 2 shows Saturday:

Thursday…danceagogo and I had planned this one from the start! Was really good to spend some quality time with a thread friend who had been there for me when I needed it. Sharing of grandchild pics and stories. Missed you on the Sat but family comes first. Aliona is radiant. Jay is great…a bit hesitant perhaps, but I’m only saying that with hindsight…I didn’t know what was to come…

Friday…again, long since planned with celloplayer (thank you for being there too cello ) but in the interim the draw of Edinburgh brought in other friends, NellieK, Jelly L , DD and Polly (with sis)... and the ever delightful Stella and lil’un. There were messages flying everywhere trying to connect and co-ordinate! I watched Jay and Aliona with DD and cello (plus her gorgeous hubby) from the circle. Jay was more at ease in the Q&A and the routines. The VW and Rumba were superb. The post show drinkies was hilarious and, no DD, I didn’t have a Shiraz hangover!

Waves to Lurkers

Saturday…more people hitting the city. Gutted jnb was too poorly to make it, get well soon x …Jayfan on her way. Twitter peeps making last minute decisions to see Jaliona dance one last time. Coffee with DD in my swanky hotel. Afternoon drinks in the Theatre Bar…matinee…the show is even better…the cast are putting everything into it…Jay is on fire!!

Waves to more lurkers.

The Swan Song…beautiful, poignant, charismatic, charming, elegant, funny…and very, very sad.

Dear Jay…what an absolute sweetheart.

Dear Jaliona…thank you both for so much.

x

CatO9Tales

21-11-2016

Originally Posted by speedtrap:
“
Dear Jay…what an absolute sweetheart.

Dear Jaliona…thank you both for so much.

x”

Speedy - sorry for clipping so drastically. So lovely to hear from you again and to read your smashing post.

May the journeys continue ... to Dublin and beyond ..... 🎶🎉🌟

speedtrap

21-11-2016

Originally Posted by CatO9Tales:
“Speedy - sorry for clipping so drastically. So lovely to hear from you again and to read your smashing post.

May the journeys continue ... to Dublin and beyond ..... 🎶🎉🌟”

No worries...I went on a bit

Yes, Dublin next...then hopefully the West End. Lots of people in Edinburgh were talking about meet ups in The Smoke.
My 2 girls want to go with me since seeing the trailer.

Are you going Cat?

CatO9Tales

21-11-2016

Originally Posted by speedtrap:
“No worries...I went on a bit

Yes, Dublin next...then hopefully the West End. Lots of people in Edinburgh were talking about meet ups in The Smoke.
My 2 girls want to go with me since seeing the trailer.

Are you going Cat?”

I'm very much hoping to get to Dublin in January - so want to see Big again, it was fabulous in Plymouth and it has so much to it that I want to see it again and drink it all in. Would love to finally meet up with peeps, as well.

ETA Failing Dublin, hopefully the West End!

jnb_7

21-11-2016

I'm up for the WE after our #JaysCheerleaders trip to Dublin!
Are you up for Dublin CatO? Would love you to join our cosy gang of SIstas!

speedtrap

21-11-2016

Originally Posted by CatO9Tales:
“I'm very much hoping to get to Dublin in January - so want to see Big again, it was fabulous in Plymouth and it has so much to it that I want to see it again and drink it all in. Would love to finally meet up with peeps, as well.

ETA Failing Dublin, hopefully the West End!”

We must talk!

CatO9Tales

21-11-2016

Originally Posted by jnb_7:
“I'm up for the WE after our #JaysCheerleaders trip to Dublin!
Are you up for Dublin CatO?”

Fingers crossed! Have started looking at flights and so on for the last night (will probably go from Brum). Will have to be January as have too much on at work (boo hiss!!) in December.

I love Dublin, which is a bonus!

ETA yes, would love to join sistas

speedtrap

21-11-2016

Originally Posted by CatO9Tales:
“Fingers crossed! Have started looking at flights and so on for the last night (will probably go from Brum). Will have to be January as have too much on at work (boo hiss!!) in December.

I love Dublin, which is a bonus! ”

Now there's a thing...we may well be on the same plane!

janetshep

21-11-2016

Originally Posted by CatO9Tales:
“Love this, Agrion. So in tune with the BIBs ”

Seconded!

Polly-T

21-11-2016

Woke up Friday morning - the day of the trip and show that I had booked last April had finally arrived. To say I was a bit excited …well would be an understatement. 😝Not only was I finally going to see Jay and Aliona dance live for the first time

but also I was going to finally meet face to face with a lot of virtual friends (for the first time) 👭👭👭who I had got to know through a mutual love and respect of Jaliona.

So my sister and I get to Dublin Airport ✈️where we met Deise Days (well actually she found me) and we shared a coffee and a catch up before boarding our flight
We checked into our Hotel and I collected my tickets at the Box Office which was just across the road. After dinner at a pleasant Italian restaurant DD, my sister and I crossed over to The Playhouse 🎭and met up with Speedtrap, Nelliek and JellyL in the foyer. Warm hugs 🤗were exchanged and we chattered away with ease.

We then made our way to our seats. I had centre seats in Row G and had a fabulous view of the stage. I have to say I really liked the inside of the theatre.
I was feeling nervous

but tried not to show it as I hadn’t quite ‘confessed’ to my sister the actual extent of my excitement that this show was about to begin and “Jaliona are going to be up on that stage dancing in front of me LIVE”😍😝😆

The Show
Lots of lively dancing and it was clear how much Robin Windsor loves being up there dancing on stage – I was very impressed with Anya Garnis too – I had always liked her on Strictly. While all the dancers were good – once Robin and Anya were on stage you were drawn to them. I particularly loved their Waltz to “A Thousand Years” and their Argentine Tango. I loved the ‘hand jive/clapping’ in the second half. The singers, particularly Lisa Marie Holmes and Harriet Mullen were great. 🎶🎤
They announced/introduced the
“Reigning Strictly Come Dancing Champions Jay and Aliona”
and excitement rippled through the audience. Jay wearing dark trousers, white shirt and yes…braces with Aliona wearing a floaty lemon dress (similar style to the one she wore for the VW on SCD) danced their VW ‘like no one was watching’ , round and round to “This Years Love” – (I adore that song) – I was drawn in and it was over too soon.
They returned later, wearing the same clothes, for the Q & A section which was ably compered by one of the fabulous singers Lisa Marie Holmes.
The 5 questions have been covered in detail already by a number of others– I loved Jays humour and his singing of The Proclaimers ‘500 Miles’ . 🎤 They also explained very well why they were not performing The Jive and Jay then jokingly quipped that Aliona was expecting ‘twins’ which invited an elbow from her in response.

The crowd appreciated the jokes and how Jay described Strictly as ‘Unforgettable’ You really can't help but warm to him. 😍

The second half of the show had more lively dances which contrasted nicely with Jalionas Rumba. Jay now wearing dark jeans and a checked shirt while Aliona was dressed the same as in SCD their music was Leonas “Light Up Light Up” and they floated – Aliona smiled widely at one stage mid dance – some of the choreography differed from their Once version but again fabulous. At the end they both smiled broadly to rapturous applause.

By the end of the show we were all up on our feet dancing and there was a lot of whoops for the final ovation 👏🏻👏🏻when Aliona and Anya encirculed Jay and danced round him.

After the show, we met again in the foyer, I enquired about you Celloplayer but unfortunately you and your OH had already left – it was a pity but we will just have to arrange another meet Cello!

The rest of us retired to Holiday Inn bar where we consumed a few drinks, 🍷🍷🍷and chatted away like people who knew one another for years.
The following morning DD, Nelliek, my sis and I enjoyed breakfast together. After a day spent at Christmas Market, in the shops and wandering around Edinburgh my sis and I made our way back to the Playhouse to meet with Speedtrap, Nelliek and Jayfan after the Matinee. We had the added pleasure of meeting with Stella, her daughter Saskia and Linda too as well as bumping into Kate and Amelia on the street for a short chat.
I was sorry to miss Paddy & Norma (who I know from twitter) but hopefully as with you Celloplayer another opportunity will arise. Jnb sooo sorry you couldn't make Edinburgh - you were missed - mind that back and looking forward to meeting you in Dublin – Fingers Crossed🙏🏻🍀

Then DD and I had to say our goodbyes 😪and make our way to the airport. Our trip was over way too soon – if I had thought it through properly last April I would have booked two days and two shows but c’est la vie. Ok I didn’t get to meet with Jay..but I think I may have a BIGger opportunity (pardon pun)to do so in Dublin

and after all my first BIG experience is in just over 2 weeks!!!

Really delighted that the trip met and exceeded my expectations. I was delighted to finally meet with Speedtrap, Nelliek, JellyL, Jayfan, Stella & Saskia, Linda as well as Kate and Amelia. Some of you are already booked for Dublin - JellyL - yes there is a sauna in that hotel

and Nelliek -have to say I stand in admiration of your organisational skills

Deise, last but certainly not least, thank you for being great company on the trip and also among your very many talents, I have discovered your excellent navigation and detection skills.👍👍

Looking forward to meeting up with you all and more Jalionistas again in January 2017

Apologies for rambling…I could write a lot more but will end by saying:
Go raibh míle maith agat Jay and Aliona for EVERYTHING and Good Luck 🍀to both of you wherever your future paths take you. I hope someday we may see your ✨magic on the dancefloor ✨again.🙏🏻

StrictlyRed

21-11-2016

Just dropped in before lights out, and brilliant to see your posts speedy after what seems like ages.

My how you have been travelling far and wide in support of lovely Jay, and lots more to come by the looks of it! So nice that you have met up with so many from this thread.

Jnb - fingers crossed for you that you are recovered enough to join your partner in crime for the next leg....

Edit - no lights out for me yet, I've just noticed that there is another report to read - thanks for the bedtime reading, Polly!

jnb_7

21-11-2016

Originally Posted by Polly-T:
“Woke up Friday morning - the day of the trip and show that I had booked last April had finally arrived. To say I was a bit excited …well would be an understatement. Not only was I finally going to see Jay and Aliona dance live for the first time but also I was going to finally meet face to face with a lot of virtual friends (for the first time) who I had got to know through a mutual love and respect of Jaliona.

So my sister and I get to Dublin Airport where we met Deise Days (well actually she found me) and we shared a coffee and a catch up before boarding our flight
We checked into our Hotel and I collected my tickets at the Box Office which was just across the road. After dinner at a pleasant Italian restaurant DD, my sister and I crossed over to The Playhouse and met up with Speedtrap, Nelliek and JellyL in the foyer. Warm hugs were exchanged and we chattered away with ease.

We then made our way to our seats. I had centre seats in Row G and had a fabulous view of the stage. I have to say I really liked the inside of the theatre.
I was feeling nervous but tried not to show it as I hadn’t quite ‘confessed’ to my sister the actual extent of my excitement that this show was about to begin and “Jaliona are going to be up on that stage dancing in front of me LIVE”

The Show
Lots of lively dancing and it was clear how much Robin Windsor loves being up there dancing on stage – I was very impressed with Anya Garnis too – I had always liked her on Strictly. While all the dancers were good – once Robin and Anya were on stage you were drawn to them. I particularly loved their Waltz to “A Thousand Years” and their Argentine Tango. I loved the ‘hand jive/clapping’ in the second half. The singers, particularly Lisa Marie Holmes and Harriet Mullen were great.
They announced/introduced the
“Reigning Strictly Come Dancing Champions Jay and Aliona”
and excitement rippled through the audience. Jay wearing dark trousers, white shirt and yes…braces with Aliona wearing a floaty lemon dress (similar style to the one she wore for the VW on SCD) danced their VW ‘like no one was watching’ , round and round to “This Years Love” – (I adore that song) – I was drawn in and it was over too soon.
They returned later, wearing the same clothes, for the Q & A section which was ably compered by one of the fabulous singers Lisa Marie Holmes.
The 5 questions have been covered in detail already by a number of others– I loved Jays humour and his singing of The Proclaimers ‘500 Miles’ . They also explained very well why they were not performing The Jive and Jay then jokingly quipped that Aliona was expecting ‘twins’ which invited an elbow from her in response. The crowd appreciated the jokes and how Jay described Strictly as ‘Unforgettable’ You really can't help but warm to him.

The second half of the show had more lively dances which contrasted nicely with Jalionas Rumba. Jay now wearing dark jeans and a checked shirt while Aliona was dressed the same as in SCD their music was Leonas “Light Up Light Up” and they floated – Aliona smiled widely at one stage mid dance – some of the choreography differed from their Once version but again fabulous. At the end they both smiled broadly to rapturous applause.

By the end of the show we were all up on our feet dancing and there was a lot of whoops for the final ovation when Aliona and Anya encirculed Jay and danced round him.

After the show, we met again in the foyer, I enquired about you Celloplayer but unfortunately you and your OH had already left – it was a pity but we will just have to arrange another meet Cello!
The rest of us retired to Holiday Inn bar where we consumed a few drinks, and chatted away like people who knew one another for years.
The following morning DD, Nelliek, my sis and I enjoyed breakfast together. After a day spent at Christmas Market, in the shops and wandering around Edinburgh my sis and I made our way back to the Playhouse to meet with Speedtrap, Nelliek and Jayfan after the Matinee. We had the added pleasure of meeting with Stella, her daughter Saskia and Linda too as well as bumping into Kate and Amelia on the street for a short chat.
I was sorry to miss Paddy & Norma (who I know from twitter) but hopefully as with you Celloplayer another opportunity will arise. Jnb sooo sorry you couldn't make Edinburgh - you were missed - mind that back and looking forward to meeting you in Dublin – Fingers Crossed

Then DD and I had to say our goodbyes and make our way to the airport. Our trip was over way too soon – if I had thought it through properly last April I would have booked two days and two shows but c’est la vie. Ok I didn’t get to meet with Jay..but I think I may have a BIGger opportunity (pardon pun)to do so in Dublin
and after all my first BIG experience is in just over 2 weeks!!!

Really delighted that the trip met and exceeded my expectations. I was delighted to finally meet with Speedtrap, Nelliek, JellyL, Jayfan, Stella & Saskia, Linda as well as Kate and Amelia. Some of you are already booked for Dublin - JellyL - yes there is a sauna in that hotel and Nelliek -have to say I stand in admiration of your organisational skills

Deise, last but certainly not least, thank you for being great company on the trip and also among your very many talents, I have discovered your excellent navigation and detection skills.

Looking forward to meeting up with you all and more Jalionistas again in January 2017

Apologies for rambling…I could write a lot more but will end by saying:
Go raibh míle maith agat Jay and Aliona for EVERYTHING and Good Luck to both of you wherever your future paths take you. I hope someday we may see your magic on the dancefloor again.”

Ahh Polly, as you know I was heartbroken to miss you and my Sistas at the weekend, hearing more from you all almost makes up for missing it.
Crossing my fingers I make the Dublin weekend......still not great but seeing Jay and my fellow Cheerleaders is great motivation. I'm still in lots of pain.

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