I don't care as long as they aren't trained in ballroom or Latin.

I don't even care if they've done some salsa. I mean who hasn't done a little bit of salsa. Most pubs had salsa nights 10-15 years ago.

But yes I agree just get it all out in the open.

I think most people don't care nowadays, anyway

We get these kind of newspaper articles every year.

In fact, it could almost be the same article with the names changed.

Last year, dance experience was shown on the BBC celeb bios, and yet it was still spun as though people were trying to hide it. Haven't looked at this year's bios yet.

I haven't.

Danny Mac also attended Arts Ed, as did Darcy, it has a great reputation within the stage school circuit.
Worth noting that as with most stage school, it is triple threat, singing, dancing and acting, and yes, students will have taken classes in all subjects. However, they will be stronger in some subjects than others, but yes, will have a basis in all. (Tho I've yet to find a triple threat stage school that teaches either ballroom or Latin).

I agree the stick that Nat was a disgrace imo.

And being a politician gives an advantage with spinning.

That sounds like a touch of MRDA.

You beat me to it. I was just going to say that Natalie was quite clear about her extensive dance training in her launch show VT, but it made no difference. Those who are determined to slam anyone who has any sort of previous dance training will do so regardless of how open they are about it -- although I do think Denise's "I sat on a chair," was a very ill-advised thing for her to say, and part of the reason she was attacked so strongly. Personally, I don't care if the contestants have previous dance training, as long as it's not in latin/ballroom.

If anything, the bile would only start earlier than usual.

Couldn't care less what dance experience someone has so long as they've not done extensive Ballroom & Latin.

Will dances regularly. His 2004 winter tour consisted of many dance routines choreographed by Ashley Wallen, and many of his videos/live performances are choreographed.

Most of the gymnasts that I've seen on dwts for example were so stiff for the most part and had like no personality whatsoever; almost robot -like.

I personally don't care too much about this dance training malarkey. I believe that everyone has some kind of advantage and disadvantage.

This gets trotted out every year and, frankly, it is ridiculous. Yes, some of the celebs have more dance experience than others. The chances of any of the contestants having significant expertise in all of the disciplines, however, is minimal. Some will do better in ballroom, some in Latin, some in jive. The no hopers won't do well in anything, regardless of how much training they get.

Secondly, ringers are good! They set the standard in the early weeks, while those with less experience, but talent and a willingness to learn, catch up. Without them, the first few shows would be embarrassing as we watch them tripping over their own feet. Once the no hopers have been eliminated and the journeys have caught up with the ringers, the real contest begins.

Thirdly, the competition is usually won by a journey contestant, rather than a ringer.

I know that. I have been to several of Will's concerts but none of them featured ballroom or latin.

Same goes for all the others with some form of dance training.

I enjoy the more experienced dancers, I loved Jill, Kara,Natalie and last year Jay. They do set the standard and give the others something to work towards and quite honestly I doubt I could even watch the show with all duffers and mediocre dancers.

Strictly has something for everyone and those who constantly complain about ringers are obviously taking what is essentially an entertainment show based around dancing far too seriously imo, some of the name calling towards percieved ringers has become far too nasty and personal.
The abuse that Natalie recieved was disgraceful and yet she was very honest from the start about her previous, also Jay last year came in for some pretty awful hate comments too............so glad he won regardless.

I am hoping this year we don't get more of the same because it ruins the forum imo.

Great post Pices!

I used to care about dance training but I don't anymore because you need a mix of contestants on the show. Also dance training may help you technically but not with the public. I think that there are a range of things that give advantage to the ballroom dances whether latin or standard. Rhythm, core strength and being able to learn and execute the choreography are helpful but not enough. There has to be specific technique, feeling for the dance and feeling between the partners. Dance or performance training does not guarantee these latter qualities.

There are very few people who honestly care less about dance training. Unless, it's a celeb they dislike ... then it's a stick to beat them with.

Yep.

I get what you are saying but, to me, the point of SCD is learning how to dance ballroom and latin. Now does that mean learning to dance those disciplines from scratch, transferring previous skills, learning to improve on what latin & ballroom training you've acquired in the past or learning so that you move from semi-professional to professional level?

To me, it is coming completely out of one's comfort zone to learn a totally new skill. That way, one could really see who is learning and improving and be rewarded (Glitterball) on their 'journey' (sorry, but necessary here) as opposed to watching the Jay's of this world improve on some pretty solid training. I mean, you say you don't want 15 Jeremy Vines - so would you want 15 Jays instead? Fine if you do but the whole emphasis on learning to dance is lost, as is the competitive side of things.

Let's be frank, Jay didn't learn to dance last year...Aliona simply showed him how to improve his very noticable talent for dance - and was rewarded for doing so...

Just my two-penneth worth...

Horses for courses I suppose, I have loved and voted for both the good and the bad in the past as for me it's who I find likeable and entertaining no matter what their experience or lack of, and I would love to watch 15 Jay/Natalie type celebs.

It is in the open...it's on thier BBC profiles.

Do not believe sour grapes from the Jordan.

Maybe I spent too much time in pubs 😂😂

Same here. I've voted for Journey contestants, the partnership, the best dancer overall and sometimes I've decided on final night.

I'd love the show if they had a mix of Jays and Jeremy's and I'd watch the show if they were all Jay's. I wouldn't watch if they were all Jeremy's though

Celebrities won't be happy if their dance training is out in the open. There's too much rain!