The Kevin Clifton Show

Kevin is back with a bang, and in the company of not just the community, but also his fellow co-stars of the Burn The Floor dance show extravaganza! Listen as Kevin and three of his extraordinary his co-stars answer the burning questions about Burn The Floor itself, and discuss the incredible success of theatre itself as it rebounds into prominence once more. KEY TAKEAWAYS There has been much doubt since COVID, about what the state of theatre and live entertainment would look like. Therefore, it has been gratifying to see that so many people have flown back to venues in order to enjoy live shows and help support the industry. Burn The Floor's motto is "Be brave, be bold with no boundaries". This sums up the general feeling about the show. It has become a comfortable space in which creatives can express themselves completely. The performing community have pulled together across the last two years, collectively inspiring and motivating each other, and keeping the spirit of theatre alive. BEST MOMENTS  'I wasn't sure how we were going to top the 2019 tour, but it feels like we are' - 1:21 'My three words to describe Burn The Floor would be Best Experience Ever' - 5:50 'The thing that kept me going was knowing how hard people were trying to get the show up and running again' - 15:56 'Burn The Floor is such a good training ground for all of these dance legends!' - 17:32 VALUABLE RESOURCES The All New Kevin Clifton Show Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/TheKevinCliftonShow ABOUT THE HOST Kevin Clifton is a professional dancer who has been performing & competing at the highest level for over a decade. Kevin has worked on shows like 'Burn the floor' & 'Rock of Ages' to 'Strictly Come Dancing' one of the biggest TV shows in the UK which Kevin won in 2018.  CONTACT METHOD Kevin Clifton Instagram Kevin Clifton Facebook Kevin Clifton YouTube

It's a very festive special this time round, as Kevin and his father, Keith, along with the community, celebrate the coming of the yuletide season by taking a deep dive into the thrills, spills, drama and splendour of the Strictly Come Dancing Grand Final, as well as the annual Strictly Christmas Special! KEY TAKEAWAYS Britain has been in need of a little brightening up. Regardless of the eventual outcome of the competition itself, no one can deny that Strictly has had a rejuvenating effect upon the nation's spirits. When professionals have acted as judges, the perspective they take as an audience member becomes drastically different to that of a regular viewer. It focusses upon technique rather than entertainment value. The magic of Strictly Come Dancing is amplified at Christmas time, but because it is a one-off special, the scores tend to be slightly skewed and more generous because of its annual nature. COVID has done its best to derail the Strictly season, but through the hard work and determination of those taking part, the series became a beacon of resilience and hope. BEST MOMENTS 'It was a great feel-good factor. Britain wanted a good Strictly final and they got it' - 5:00 'The judges are looking for technique as well as emotional connection' - 13:16 'He has a very annoying habit of being right, my son...' - 24:52 'I always love having a bit of Strictly magic at Christmas' - 28:23 VALUABLE RESOURCES The All New Kevin Clifton Show Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/TheKevinCliftonShow ABOUT THE HOST Kevin Clifton is a professional dancer who has been performing & competing at the highest level for over a decade. Kevin has worked on shows like 'Burn the floor' & 'Rock of Ages' to 'Strictly Come Dancing' one of the biggest TV shows in the UK which Kevin won in 2018.  CONTACT METHOD Kevin Clifton Instagram Kevin Clifton Facebook Kevin Clifton YouTube

The competition has entered a truly nail-biting final phase, and this weekend saw a thrilling semi-final. Joanne is on hosting duties this week alongside father, Keith Clifton, and the community to reflect upon the series so far, to speculate upon which dances the remaining couples should perform again in the final, and to discuss the ever-nearing climax to this incredible series. KEY TAKEAWAYS The series this year has provided a much needed element of escapism and glamour to a year that many assumed would be brighter, but which has proved to be equally as troublesome as 2020. Strictly has been a tonic for the nation. With such an array of talent, and with such improved celebrity partners, the final is set to be an explosion of creativity and invention, and picking a winner will be extra tough this year. With the announcement of the new COVID measures, many are fearful that their lives may be impacted once more. Hopefully, this is not the case. With nothing left to prove, it is now incumbent upon the dancers to give everything they have and enjoy the fact that win or lose, they have made it to the final week of the show. BEST MOMENTS   'I don't know about you but this has gone really, really fast!' - 1:26 'The final's going to be really close in terms of how well they're going to dance' - 8:34 'You have to go at it thinking "I'm going to have the best time of my life"' - 37:28 VALUABLE RESOURCES The All New Kevin Clifton Show Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/TheKevinCliftonShow ABOUT THE HOST   Kevin Clifton is a professional dancer who has been performing & competing at the highest level for over a decade. Kevin has worked on shows like 'Burn the floor' & 'Rock of Ages' to 'Strictly Come Dancing' one of the biggest TV shows in the UK which Kevin won in 2018.    CONTACT METHOD Kevin Clifton Instagram Kevin Clifton Facebook Kevin Clifton YouTube

The Glitterball trophy is almost in sight! This past weekend saw a thrilling quarter final, and here to unpack the best of the weekend's action, are Kevin and Joanne Clifton, as well as the Strictly fan community, each with their own insights and perspectives! KEY TAKEAWAYS With so much negativity in the world right now, this series if Strictly Come Dancing has been a much needed tonic, bringing joy, happiness and glamour to the world. Dance moves, such as the lift, can help to elevate a piece of choreography by providing a sometimes surprising climax to an otherwise gentle performance. The remaining couples in the show, after some analysis, were found to have garnered almost exactly the same number of points across the series, going to prove how high the quality has been this year. BEST MOMENTS  'What a start to the show!' - 1:57 'I want that dress, by the way!' - 8:01 'This would have been a good final, wouldn't it?' - 24:05 'No one wants to go out in the semi final, because it's within reach!' - 58:38 VALUABLE RESOURCES The All New Kevin Clifton Show Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/TheKevinCliftonShow ABOUT THE HOST Kevin Clifton is a professional dancer who has been performing & competing at the highest level for over a decade. Kevin has worked on shows like 'Burn the floor' & 'Rock of Ages' to 'Strictly Come Dancing' one of the biggest TV shows in the UK which Kevin won in 2018.  CONTACT METHOD Kevin Clifton Instagram Kevin Clifton Facebook Kevin Clifton YouTube

Kevin and the community take a deep dive into the dramatic events of Strictly Come Dancing's tenth week, including a tango to the top of the board, a very tens dance-off, and the glitz and glamour of November's final edition, as we march ever closer towards the thrilling series finale... KEY TAKEAWAYS As the weeks progress, so too do the dancers and their skills. The gap has closed between those who have the talent to be in the final, and so the choices become far more difficult. The best dances are the ones that move us to such an extent that technique becomes invisible. We are simply caught up in the storytelling and emotional moment. High energy dances are far more effective when the dancers look as though they are enjoying themselves and focussing far less upon the technique. Joy is a huge factor. Emotional connection plays a huge part in the way we appraise a dance. If we love it, then we will find reasons for loving it. If we dislike it, we sometimes look for reasons why that maybe do not exist. BEST MOMENTS 'We're at a stage in the competition where no one is failing' - 5:38 'She doesn't want to see the dance, she just wants to be lost in it in terms of a dance to move you' - 15:01 'She's not a performer and yet she always gives good performances' - 32:45 'We watch a dance and we get a general sense and feeling inside of whether we love the dance or not' - 1:07:51 VALUABLE RESOURCES The All New Kevin Clifton Show Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/TheKevinCliftonShow ABOUT THE HOST Kevin Clifton is a professional dancer who has been performing & competing at the highest level for over a decade. Kevin has worked on shows like 'Burn the floor' & 'Rock of Ages' to 'Strictly Come Dancing' one of the biggest TV shows in the UK which Kevin won in 2018.  CONTACT METHOD Kevin Clifton Instagram Kevin Clifton Facebook Kevin Clifton YouTube

Strictly Come Dancing Week 9 has just taken place, and as ever, it was packed with emotion, invention and high drama! Join Kevin, Joanne, and the community, as they waltz you through a complete look at Musicals Week - the narrative opportunities that arise from performing in a selection of storytelling music numbers - as well as the highs and lows that made this such a memorable weekend. KEY TAKEAWAYS As the show continues with each successive week, the talents and skills of the celebrities begins to refine, and therefore the competition becomes harder to call. Musicals week is an even better opportunity for couples to engage in a dance narrative - a form of expressive storytelling - as most musical numbers tell their own story. As a viewer, we must see only the dance, and feel the way that it is meant to make us feel. If we are seeing the technique involved, then we are being taken out of the dance. Sometimes our feelings can be invalidated when we hear the judge's remarks following a performance. If a performance makes you feel a certain way, then it's okay to disagree if it doesn't strike a judge in the same way. BEST MOMENTS  'That is how you go about doing a jive!' - 5:52 'It's a chance for them to play a character that already exists. There's a story laid out in front of them' - 12:00 'It's so hard this year because everybody is so good!' - 36:43 'This was such an improvement on last week. It's great to see her back on top where she belongs' - 50:25 VALUABLE RESOURCES The All New Kevin Clifton Show Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/TheKevinCliftonShow ABOUT THE HOST Kevin Clifton is a professional dancer who has been performing & competing at the highest level for over a decade. Kevin has worked on shows like 'Burn the floor' & 'Rock of Ages' to 'Strictly Come Dancing' one of the biggest TV shows in the UK which Kevin won in 2018.  CONTACT METHOD Kevin Clifton Instagram Kevin Clifton Facebook Kevin Clifton YouTube

Strictly Come Dancing reached its eighth week, and it certainly was an emotional rollercoaster. From the tension of the dance-off and the thrills of the routines and some controversial scoring, to a show-stopping tribute dance to Remembrance Sunday that many are already earmarking as the highlight of the season, Strictly Week 8 took us on an emotional ride, one that's sure to live on in the memory. As ever, join Kevin, Joanne and the community as they take a tour through this powerhouse of an episode. KEY TAKEAWAYS The tribute dance from Rose has proved to many that dance as an art form can be used to communicate directly with the emotions of an audience. It was a masterclass in storytelling. There seems to be some controversy about the scoring, and many are calling for clarification as the scores seem to be based upon differing criteria. Many see this as unfair. When we as professionals pour everything into attaining perfection, it can provide an extra level of stress when things do not live up to expectations. BEST MOMENTS   'It's been interesting to see how life has changed' - 1:14 'I don't know what I would do as a judge, it must be very hard' - 7:27 'Rose and Giovanni, the moment they came together, I was tingling' - 17:30 'AJ's Charleston set me on fire. I was excited watching it!' - 18:07 'The drama and the focus was great. The big dramatic drop at the end was incredible' - 44:37 VALUABLE RESOURCES The All New Kevin Clifton Show Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/TheKevinCliftonShow ABOUT THE HOST   Kevin Clifton is a professional dancer who has been performing & competing at the highest level for over a decade. Kevin has worked on shows like 'Burn the floor' & 'Rock of Ages' to 'Strictly Come Dancing' one of the biggest TV shows in the UK which Kevin won in 2018.    CONTACT METHOD Kevin Clifton Instagram Kevin Clifton Facebook Kevin Clifton YouTube

In this very celebratory episode, marking the incredible milestone of 100 episodes, Kevin has invited a very special returning guest - his mentor and friend, Rob Moore. In a special twist upon proceedings, Kevin is the one in the hot seat, as Rob interviews him upon a wide range of fascinating, insightful subjects, such as how life has changed since the inception of the podcast, and how Kevin's career has extended into arenas previously unexplored, as well as how he has developed the mind-set in order to conquer the challenges before him, how he deals with criticism and being a celebrity, and why you should never stop chasing dreams as sometimes they come true... KEY TAKEAWAYS Life has changed considerably since the podcast began. Kevin's career has transitioned from Strictly Come Dancing to a full-fledged stage career. It has been a surprising journey, and one that has required a new, stronger mind-set, but ultimately the journey has been a truly rewarding one. No one really knows what tomorrow will bring. Everyone in life is hoping for more or better, or has dreams they chase. When we follow our hearts toward our calling, it is a huge step into the unknown, and requires bravery. Criticism usually stems from a place of pain or regret. When people stab at our confidence through words, it is generally because they feel the shadow of their own failings. Challenge is what keeps us fresh and inspired. When we stagnate, or feel as though we have plateaued, we must look within ourselves and decide if it time to move on to challenges anew. No dream is ever unreachable. Even the ambitions we assume are elusive, are attainable if put our heart and soul into doing so. BEST MOMENTS 'I feel like I'm a different version of me' - 1:38 'I'm a lot more excited about things than scared, and I think back then I think I was lot more scared than excited' - 10:54 'Two years ago I really cared about what everyone thought about me. Now I care about what I think about me' - 12:29 'If you really like yourself, no one can change your mind about yourself. But if you don't like yourself, you're going to be more vulnerable. The more sure you are of yourself, the more sure you are that your critics are wrong' - 21:42 'If you don't risk anything, you risk everything' - 33:37 'Today, we're sat here on episode 100, and I've done it! I've performed at Sadler's Wells as Cosmo in Singin' In The Rain. This dream part. As a tap dancer. Which is something I couldn't do on episode 1' - 44:10 'Know that it's okay to like what you like and be interested in what you're interested in. Anyone who criticises is telling you more about themselves than they are about you' - 1:08:30 ABOUT THE GUEST Rob Moore is an author of 9 business books, 5 UK bestsellers, holds 3 world records for public speaking, entrepreneur, property investor, and property educator. He is also the author of the global bestseller “Life Leverage”, and is the host of UK’s No.1 business podcast “The Disruptive Entrepreneur” “If you don't risk anything, you risk everything” Rob’s official website: https://robmoore.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/robmooreprogressive/?ref=br_rs LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/robmoore1979 VALUABLE RESOURCES The All New Kevin Clifton Show Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/TheKevinCliftonShow ABOUT THE HOST Kevin Clifton is a professional dancer who has been performing & competing at the highest level for over a decade. Kevin has worked on shows like 'Burn the floor' & 'Rock of Ages' to 'Strictly Come Dancing' one of the biggest TV shows in the UK which Kevin won in 2018.  CONTACT METHOD Kevin Clifton Instagram Kevin Clifton Facebook Kevin Clifton YouTube

Kevin and Joanne are once again joined by the community as they discuss the dramatic events of Strictly Come Dancing Week 7, including this week's elimination, what might be replacing the famous Blackpool week this year, everyone's picks for who may lift the glitterball in 2021, and the all-important question: what exactly does AJ have to do in order to score a perfect 40? KEY TAKEAWAYS Judge's scores are often mystifying. We have seen perfect dances that do not seem to be rewarded as such, and so personal feelings must come into it, which is unfortunate. Professionals are truly just that. Despite the effects of COVID and restrictions stemming from it, they just endeavour to continue while also creating routines and inspiring their non-professional partners. There is no Blackpool this year, but already rumours are swirling about what may take its place. The prevailing rumour seems to be that another themed week is on the way. The fanbase of a celebrity plays a huge part in who progresses from one week to the next, as they mass together to vote, meaning that their celebrities may continue in the competition. This may be why musicians and actors do very well. BEST MOMENTS 'I don't know what more AJ could have done to get a 10 from Craig' - 4:41 'She takes no prisoners from her celebrities - no question!' - 8:48 'We're not here to criticise, but it's a bit difficult now' - 28:43 'I always think of the kicks in a jive as being like a sewing machine' - 54:23 VALUABLE RESOURCES The All New Kevin Clifton Show Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/TheKevinCliftonShow ABOUT THE HOST Kevin Clifton is a professional dancer who has been performing & competing at the highest level for over a decade. Kevin has worked on shows like 'Burn the floor' & 'Rock of Ages' to 'Strictly Come Dancing' one of the biggest TV shows in the UK which Kevin won in 2018.  CONTACT METHOD Kevin Clifton Instagram Kevin Clifton Facebook Kevin Clifton YouTube

One of the highlights of Strictly Season comes at the close of October and with the show's infamous Halloween Week! This week, Kevin, Jo and the community take you through the best of the weekend's entertainment, the dances, the drama, the tricks and all the treats! KEY TAKEAWAYS There is always a fault to be found if you go searching for one in a dance. However, if the smaller details all click, especially when it comes to storytelling, then it can paper over any cracks. Judges do not always add criticism that seems valid, especially in terms of the dancer's journey. It may be possible that baggage is being brought over from previous dances, which hardly seems fair. When celebrities take part in ballroom dancing on the show, they have a tendency to move smoothly, but with small steps. Striding as movement takes extra effort, but can be a risk worth taking. The way a dancer holds their frame communicates a certain energy. This is why many recommend keeping elbows and chins high. BEST MOMENTS 'I thought this was sensational! I thought it was really, really good!' - 6:33 'This set my heart on fire' - 8:18 'The footwork was exquisite' - 23:01 'I was mesmerised by the choreography - no question!' - 52:26 VALUABLE RESOURCES The All New Kevin Clifton Show Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/TheKevinCliftonShow ABOUT THE HOST Kevin Clifton is a professional dancer who has been performing & competing at the highest level for over a decade. Kevin has worked on shows like 'Burn the floor' & 'Rock of Ages' to 'Strictly Come Dancing' one of the biggest TV shows in the UK which Kevin won in 2018.  CONTACT METHOD Kevin Clifton Instagram Kevin Clifton Facebook Kevin Clifton YouTube

This week, Kevin and Joanne are joined again by their fabulous community members to discuss the highs and lows of the incredible fourth week of Strictly Come Dancing - everything from the live show itself, to the results show, from the dancers to the judges, and everything in between! KEY TAKEAWAYS Sometimes costumes are not just applied with the routine in mind. They can often be used to mask certain areas of the performance that may need work, such as tassels to hid hip action. Strictly Come Dancing employ the use of standby contestants, there to fill in for a celebrity if they have to drop out of the competition. But there is a cutoff point. Once the show is past its first few weeks, this can no longer be done. Professionals have a lot to do when they create a routine. They are not just imagining and designing steps, but creating characters and a narrative that must fit with the music, the partner and the ambience. BEST MOMENTS 'I did have to laugh at the tassels on Rose's trousers' - 3:02 'You guys put us properly to shame with all your knowledge' - 6:00 'They create such beautiful characters with their dances' - 29:38 'You expect wham, bam, thank you ma'am!' - 38:12 VALUABLE RESOURCES The All New Kevin Clifton Show Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/TheKevinCliftonShow ABOUT THE HOST Kevin Clifton is a professional dancer who has been performing & competing at the highest level for over a decade. Kevin has worked on shows like 'Burn the floor' & 'Rock of Ages' to 'Strictly Come Dancing' one of the biggest TV shows in the UK which Kevin won in 2018.  CONTACT METHOD Kevin Clifton Instagram Kevin Clifton Facebook Kevin Clifton YouTube

This weekend past saw the Strictly stars take to the floor for the now legendary movie week! In this episode, Kevin and the community discuss the highs and lows, the dances, the vote, how the process of constructing the performances during themed week is different from other weeks, and of course the drama! KEY TAKEAWAYS Many viewers of Strictly Come Dancing assume that the BBC are somehow being dishonest when they screen the results show on Sunday. However, the results show has never been presented as a live show. The fact that it is pre-recorded is well known. The process of creating the performance for each partnership is a collaborative effort, with many of the original ideas coming from the pros themselves, especially during a themed week. Sometimes the best dances do not come from keeping time to the music, but b y synchronising the rhythm between yourself and your partner. Mistakes are natural, but the best know that in order to overcome them, we must take a breath, find our place, and continue despite the glitch. BEST MOMENTS 'You need to do something that stands out' - 11:10 'What an absolutely fantastic show it was this week!' - 19:38 'The curse of the person in blue...' - 35:40 'I can't hear the music but I can listen to Giovanni's body' - 37:39 VALUABLE RESOURCES The All New Kevin Clifton Show Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/TheKevinCliftonShow ABOUT THE HOST Kevin Clifton is a professional dancer who has been performing & competing at the highest level for over a decade. Kevin has worked on shows like 'Burn the floor' & 'Rock of Ages' to 'Strictly Come Dancing' one of the biggest TV shows in the UK which Kevin won in 2018.  CONTACT METHOD Kevin Clifton Instagram Kevin Clifton Facebook Kevin Clifton YouTube

The Strictly Come Dancing drama continues in week two of the competition - a show that saw the first elimination as well as some truly memorable moments. Here to discuss the drama and the dances are Kevin and Joanne Clifton, along with their special VIP Patreon community, who offer a range of perspectives on the weekend's incredible entertainment. KEY TAKEAWAYS Sometimes the choreography is not enough to win the hearts of voters. There is far more to winning in the popularity stakes than mere dance talent. The wonderful thing, and also one of the more controversial components o the show, is that the dances are being scored not only by professional judges, but also by the audience, who are not necessarily looking for perfection in technique. The dancers who stand out are the ones who not only look like they're getting the moves right, but also look as though they are having a great time. BEST MOMENTS 'I agreed with Anton. I would've saved Nina...' - 4:10 'I thought there were some really strong dances this week' - 13:24 'Infectious energy!' - 28:49 VALUABLE RESOURCES Joanne Clifton Twitter - https://twitter.com/joanneclifton?lang=en Joanne Clifton Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/realjoanneclifton/?hl=en The All New Kevin Clifton Show Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/TheKevinCliftonShow ABOUT THE HOST Kevin Clifton is a professional dancer who has been performing & competing at the highest level for over a decade. Kevin has worked on shows like 'Burn the floor' & 'Rock of Ages' to 'Strictly Come Dancing' one of the biggest TV shows in the UK which Kevin won in 2018.  CONTACT METHOD Kevin Clifton Instagram Kevin Clifton Facebook Kevin Clifton YouTube

Strictly Come Dancing danced its way back onto screens this week with the first real live show! In this week's episode, Joanne Clifton takes the reins along with the community to take an in-depth look at the dances, the dazzle and the drama of Week One! KEY TAKEAWAYS The pleasure of Strictly Come Dancing is not just found in the costumes, the glitter, and the fabulous dances, but also in the journey taken by the competitors as they develop, grow and learn from each other. Expectations are all very well when it comes to the celebrity competitors, but often our assumptions are upended when they take to the floor. Facial expressions are very important when it comes to communicating a feeling during a dance, but they always work better when they come from the movie itself. BEST MOMENTS 'The first few dances in those early weeks always get really under-marked!' - 8:00 'I'm going to be controversial. I think he'll go all the way to the final...' - 24:40 'Her comments... it was almost like she was telling him off!' - 1:03:53 VALUABLE RESOURCES Joanne Clifton Twitter - https://twitter.com/joanneclifton?lang=en Joanne Clifton Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/realjoanneclifton/?hl=en The All New Kevin Clifton Show Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/TheKevinCliftonShow ABOUT THE HOST Kevin Clifton is a professional dancer who has been performing & competing at the highest level for over a decade. Kevin has worked on shows like 'Burn the floor' & 'Rock of Ages' to 'Strictly Come Dancing' one of the biggest TV shows in the UK which Kevin won in 2018.  CONTACT METHOD Kevin Clifton Instagram Kevin Clifton Facebook Kevin Clifton YouTube

Strictly Come Dancing 2021 has officially launched! In the past week, we've met the professionals, the celebrities, and watched as they teamed up in their respective pairs, ready to take on the dances and each other on the leaderboards. in this episode, Kevin and Joanne Clifton are joined once more by the community to discuss the launch show, and give their verdicts on the razzle-dazzle so far. KEY TAKEAWAYS When the line-up is revealed, there are generally one or two hopefuls who perhaps have a little more in the way of prior training. This doesn't necessarily mean that they have an advantage. There are many ways of "thawing out" a celebrity hopeful for the competition. Some professionals choose to do this through hard work, others use fun in order to relax their partners. We instantly form emotional connections to the partnerships, from the instant they are created. These attachments are made all the more poignant by the fact that we realise from the get-go that couples will be leaving soon. Social media can be a positive thing, but it can also drag us down in many ways. We can either choose to ignore it, or take a break, if we feel that its effects are becoming detrimental. BEST MOMENTS 'We are sailing! This ship is sailing!' - 00:36 'I've got something to tell you! You do not rule out Katya Jones, that's for sure!' - 18:23 'I'm already feeling so sad that someone has to be booted out' - 25:55 'It's easy to give advice. It's not so easy to implement it' - 50:40 VALUABLE RESOURCES Joanne Clifton Twitter - https://twitter.com/joanneclifton?lang=en Joanne Clifton Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/realjoanneclifton/?hl=en The All New Kevin Clifton Show Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/TheKevinCliftonShow ABOUT THE HOST Kevin Clifton is a professional dancer who has been performing & competing at the highest level for over a decade. Kevin has worked on shows like 'Burn the floor' & 'Rock of Ages' to 'Strictly Come Dancing' one of the biggest TV shows in the UK which Kevin won in 2018.  CONTACT METHOD Kevin Clifton Instagram Kevin Clifton Facebook Kevin Clifton YouTube

This week, Kevin and Joanne are joined by their Patreon community for a conversation seeking to answer a questions that's long burned bright in the Strictly Come Dancing community - it is a serious dance competition, or an entertainment show? KEY TAKEAWAYS There is a pleasure to be found in knowing ahead of time when surprises on tv shows are to take place. But programmes are designed for drama, also, and should be experienced as such when possible. Theatre is back, and the world is so excited. The artform has to grow all over again, but with the will of fans and performers behind it, theatre can be rescued and can come back brighter than ever. Very often, we put far too much emphasis and importance upon powering through a challenge, when in reality, it's far better for everyone if you take time out to reflect and recover. The foundation of Strictly Come Dancing is that it appears to be a competition, but the ultimate judges are the public who vote. BEST MOMENTS  'I want to watch the launch show and be excited about what's happening' - 2:14 'Every time I raised the microphone to my mouth, the crowd started screaming louder' - 3:54 'What brings the professionals together - a competition within themselves' - 16:31 'It's entertainment, but I still like looking at it with a more technical eye' - 22:38 VALUABLE RESOURCES Joanne Clifton Twitter - https://twitter.com/joanneclifton?lang=en Joanne Clifton Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/realjoanneclifton/?hl=en The All New Kevin Clifton Show Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/TheKevinCliftonShow ABOUT THE HOST Kevin Clifton is a professional dancer who has been performing & competing at the highest level for over a decade. Kevin has worked on shows like 'Burn the floor' & 'Rock of Ages' to 'Strictly Come Dancing' one of the biggest TV shows in the UK which Kevin won in 2018.  CONTACT METHOD Kevin Clifton Instagram Kevin Clifton Facebook Kevin Clifton YouTube

This week, join Kevin and Joanne Clifton once more for a very special live round table discussion with the Patreon community members, about all things Strictly - including early predictions about potential partnerships, and the incredibly exciting reunion news about 'Burn The Floor'! KEY TAKEAWAYS Professionals in theatre and performance recognise the importance of training and work, but also the importance of resting between performances - a recharging process essential to the repair of our bodies. Dance and performance have the power to reactivate passions and talents. Kevin was almost close to leaving the world of dance until 'Burn The Floor' reignited his love for the art form. Height plays a huge part in determining the partnerships that could take place between celebrities and professionals. BEST MOMENTS 'That's my really exciting voice rest chat' - 4:32 'I fell in love with dance all over again when I joined Burn The Floor' - 13:09 'We're 13 days away from Strictly!' - 32:02 VALUABLE RESOURCES Joanne Clifton Twitter - https://twitter.com/joanneclifton?lang=en Joanne Clifton Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/realjoanneclifton/?hl=en The All New Kevin Clifton Show Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/TheKevinCliftonShow ABOUT THE HOST Kevin Clifton is a professional dancer who has been performing & competing at the highest level for over a decade. Kevin has worked on shows like 'Burn the floor' & 'Rock of Ages' to 'Strictly Come Dancing' one of the biggest TV shows in the UK which Kevin won in 2018.  CONTACT METHOD Kevin Clifton Instagram Kevin Clifton Facebook Kevin Clifton YouTube

In a very special edition of The Kevin Clifton Show, Kevin and Joanne are joined by their brand new Patreon community members, for an inaugural discussion about what's coming up on the series. It's a wonderful way to hold real, meaningful discussions about the show we all love, in real time! Join Kevin, Joanne, and their very special guests for what promises to be one of the most insightful dance talk forums out there... KEY TAKEAWAYS While Kevin and his guests have incredible insights into Strictly Come Dancing and the way it works, some of the best perspectives come from the audience. This is their chance to have their say! Opinions may vary as time goes on, but the important thing is to keep an open mind and the conversation moving along. There are two types of celebrities on Strictly - those who are willing to learn and go with it, and those who seem to worry far too much about how they look each week. There are many reasons for voting for a couple on the show, which don't always correspond to whether or not we like the dancing or not. Sometimes it's about emotional connection. BEST MOMENTS 'I'm no longer Kevin Clifton's sister - I am Kevin Clifton's secretary!' - 00:40 'You're looking at potential - you're looking for people with the ability to improve' - 14:39 'A lot of the guys come in at the beginning of Strictly, saying "I'm not wearing sparkles!"' - 22:25 'There are so many different reasons you vote for' - 37:10 VALUABLE RESOURCES Joanne Clifton Twitter - https://twitter.com/joanneclifton?lang=en Joanne Clifton Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/realjoanneclifton/?hl=en Singin' In The Rain Tickets The All New Kevin Clifton Show Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/TheKevinCliftonShow ABOUT THE HOST Kevin Clifton is a professional dancer who has been performing & competing at the highest level for over a decade. Kevin has worked on shows like 'Burn the floor' & 'Rock of Ages' to 'Strictly Come Dancing' one of the biggest TV shows in the UK which Kevin won in 2018.  CONTACT METHOD Kevin Clifton Instagram Kevin Clifton Facebook Kevin Clifton YouTube

In the run up to the launch of this year's Strictly Come Dancing series, Kevin is joined once more by his sister, and fellow Strictly pro, Joanne Clifton, as they unveil some incredibly exciting new ways for you to become more involved with the biggest show in the country - including bonus reviews, a further level of connection between Kevin, his co-hosts, and you the listener, and an all-new way in which you can talk directly to Kevin and Joanne about what's hot in Strictly world every week. Kevin and Joanne also discuss the newly-released list of Strictly celebrity contestants, and talk about who they think will make their mark on the show. KEY TAKEAWAYS Patreon is a platform that allows a deeper sense of connection through subscriptions, and where rewards can be offered to those who sign up, giving creators a far more comprehensive method of connecting with fans. The new Patreon tiers for Kevin's show will be: The lowest tier will enable you to join the feed containing Kevin and Joanne's daily news and thoughts on the show. The middle tier will give you early access to video recordings of the podcast that are completely unedited, as well as everything on the lower tiers. The highest tier will give you access to everything on the lower tiers, as well as entrance to a brand new weekly live chat with Kevin and Joanne. This year's Strictly series sees a huge fifteen celebrities taking to the floor, each bringing their own unique gifts and appeals to the show. Actors and actresses seem to have a far greater sense of connection with their respective dance routines, as they are used to understanding the dramatic aspects in their work. BEST MOMENTS 1:59 - 'This is all extra stuff you're going to get aside from the podcast!' 16:42 - 'I reckon he might be quite competitive...' 23:47 - 'Embrace it, go for it. Confident!' 43:33 - 'He'll be great at the story-telling!' VALUABLE RESOURCES Joanne Clifton Twitter - https://twitter.com/joanneclifton?lang=en Joanne Clifton Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/realjoanneclifton/?hl=en Singin' In The Rain Tickets The All New Kevin Clifton Show Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/TheKevinCliftonShow ABOUT THE HOST Kevin Clifton is a professional dancer who has been performing & competing at the highest level for over a decade. Kevin has worked on shows like 'Burn the floor' & 'Rock of Ages' to 'Strictly Come Dancing' one of the biggest TV shows in the UK which Kevin won in 2018.  CONTACT METHOD Kevin Clifton Instagram Kevin Clifton Facebook Kevin Clifton YouTube

Kevin is back, and he's joined this time by his sister, professional dancer and fellow Strictly star, Joanne Clifton, to discuss the excitement, the anticipation, the build-up and the sheer magic about to take over the country once more. Yes, Strictly Come Dancing is upon us! KEY TAKEAWAYS When we devote our lives to a pursuit such as dance, it does require a level of sacrifice. It means you do miss out on certain things in life, but the real rewards come later. When we focus too much upon one single thing, we fail to see everything else that's out there. We create the world around us from the things we put into it. During this season of Strictly, Kevin will be running an interactive element through Patreon, including many ways for listeners to have input and directly interact with the events happening from week to week. Viewers and the audience have a far different perspective on Strictly Come Dancing - an equally valuable to the viewpoints of those taking part in the programme itself. BEST MOMENTS 'When we were kids, dancing was everything, all the time' - 4:45 'You create your own world by the things you put in it' - 14:02 'I've been leaning towards it forever, to the point where they might even have thought of me as being right for the role' - 23:48 'This is going to be your one stop shop for everything Strictly' - 33:14 VALUABLE RESOURCES Joanne Clifton Twitter - https://twitter.com/joanneclifton?lang=en Joanne Clifton Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/realjoanneclifton/?hl=en Singin' In The Rain Tickets ABOUT THE HOST Kevin Clifton is a professional dancer who has been performing & competing at the highest level for over a decade. Kevin has worked on shows like 'Burn the floor' & 'Rock of Ages' to 'Strictly Come Dancing' one of the biggest TV shows in the UK which Kevin won in 2018.  CONTACT METHOD Kevin Clifton Instagram Kevin Clifton Facebook Kevin Clifton YouTube

This week, Kevin talks to dancer and choreographer, Graziano Di Prima, and world champion show dancer, Giada Lini - both alumni of BBC's Strictly Come Dancing - about 'Here Come The Boys', the latest dance show extravaganza taking the West End by storm, how lockdown has affected the relationship between performers and their audiences, and the importance of being true to yourself. KEY TAKEAWAYS Sometimes when we work to tight deadlines and in a more intense environment, it can produce more magic in terms of performance and inventiveness. Performing in theatres has taken on a whole new dimension in the wake of COVID. Audience members now wear masks in the theatres, which can make judging their reaction a lot tougher. Keeping ourselves in the peak physical condition during lockdown required a whole new level of discipline. No longer were we guided by others, but were forced to guide ourselves. It took mental discipline and will power. Finding your own path in life, and discovering who you really are inside, is a journey that is sometimes derailed by the opinions of others. We find our singular place in life by ignoring the comments of others and remaining true to ourselves. BEST MOMENTS  5:23 - 'We have such a good time. It's such a beautiful group as well!' 9:43 - 'It's hard with him because he always wants to eat pizza' 13:11 - 'It's incredible to watch how dynamic you are on stage' 37:05 - 'For me, dancing was the key' 1:07:53 - 'You need to be true to yourself, then people can relate to you' VALUABLE RESOURCES Graziano Di Prima Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/grazianodiprima/?hl=en Giada Lini Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/giada.lini/?hl=en Here Come The Boys - https://herecometheboysshow.com ABOUT THE HOST Kevin Clifton is a professional dancer who has been performing & competing at the highest level for over a decade. Kevin has worked on shows like 'Burn the floor' & 'Rock of Ages' to 'Strictly Come Dancing' one of the biggest TV shows in the UK which Kevin won in 2018.  CONTACT METHOD Kevin Clifton Instagram Kevin Clifton Facebook Kevin Clifton YouTube

This week, Kevin and Ant Rutherford are joined by Paul Robinson, former league player and England star, for a bumper look at the build-up England's first match at the European Football Championship, which kicks off for the Three Lions boys on Sunday 13th June! KEY TAKEAWAYS England has always tended to hold back the new talent when it comes to the international stage. However, recently, we have found great success is playing new stars with no fear. The players who find themselves picked in major tournaments are oddly left out of the build-up friendlies in order to rest, but the best method would be to play them so as to gain momentum. Football is all about chemistry - selecting the right ingredients to use in the right places, in order to build a robust force that works effortlessly and which terrifies the opposition. The problem with England squads of the past is that sometimes players are selected because of how the country feels about them emotionally, and not whether they are the best person for the job at the time. BEST MOMENTS 1:00 - 'To say that I was right, 100%, would be an understatement' 4:08 - 'These young players that are coming through have no fear' 16:57 - 'I think that midfield three is so dynamic and dangerous, it could cause a whole lot of teams a whole lot of problems' 1:12:00 - 'When you watch him in midfield, he was always five seconds ahead' VALUABLE RESOURCES Anthony Rutherford Twitter - https://twitter.com/anthr23?lang=en Paul Robinson Twitter - https://twitter.com/gkpaulrobinson ABOUT THE HOST Kevin Clifton is a professional dancer who has been performing & competing at the highest level for over a decade. Kevin has worked on shows like 'Burn the floor' & 'Rock of Ages' to 'Strictly Come Dancing' one of the biggest TV shows in the UK which Kevin won in 2018.  CONTACT METHOD Kevin Clifton Instagram Kevin Clifton Facebook Kevin Clifton YouTube

Kevin's here this week with exciting news! After months of having to keep things secret, Kevin has been announced in the role of Cosmo in the Sadlers Wells adaptation of musical masterpiece, Singin' In The Rain! Hear all about Kevin's incredible news, as well as some reviews from the first week of theatre and cinema's reopening, in this week's show. KEY TAKEAWAYS Sometimes the dreams we hold dear come true! Kevin has always longed to play Cosmo in a stage adaptation. When you wish for something hard enough... Stage companies fast become a family. One of the highlights of touring and performing in a production are the friends we make and people we meet. Cinemas and theatres have finally reopened, and the response has been incredible. People are embracing the fact that this form of entertainment is back in our lives. BEST MOMENTS 'It's a really massive deal and I'm really excited about it!' - 00:52 'From everything I can see so far, it's going to be a really lovely bunch of people' - 5:52 'The theatre felt packed and people were so ready to see a show' - 14:53 'Everyone came out all guns blazing' - 21:15 VALUABLE RESOURCES Singin' In The Rain - https://www.sadlerswells.com/whats-on/2021/singin-in-the-rain/ ABOUT THE HOST Kevin Clifton is a professional dancer who has been performing & competing at the highest level for over a decade. Kevin has worked on shows like 'Burn the floor' & 'Rock of Ages' to 'Strictly Come Dancing' one of the biggest TV shows in the UK which Kevin won in 2018.  CONTACT METHOD Kevin Clifton Instagram Kevin Clifton Facebook Kevin Clifton YouTube

Kevin is joined once more by recurring guest, TV presenter Anthony Rutherford, for the next episode in their series of chats about their shared passion: football! In this week's edition, Kev and Ant talk about the excitement of last week's games, the problems of line-ups that don't work, and why the game should be nurturing English talent. KEY TAKEAWAYS Sometimes the pundits get it wrong. They often talk of how a team is transformed, but only the fans can really tell. It's all very well to give players a run-out from time to time, but it shouldn't be done on the games that matter. Games like the FA Cup Final require the best you have. The best managers are those who spot when players have not performed well, and tell them so - who aren't afraid of confrontation. The Premier League is full of world-class players who are all drawn from around the globe to the finest collection of teams. But this means that some English talent is being lost in the cracks. BEST MOMENTS 'I was laughing, not because anything was funny, but because I was thinking about ow irritated you were!' - 0:54 'Champions League qualification is riding on this' - 6:34 'There just wasn't a constant flow of performances' - 13:56 'We've got so many internationals playing in the Premier League now, sometimes English players get a little bit lost' - 47:50 VALUABLE RESOURCES Anthony Rutherford Twitter - https://twitter.com/anthr23?lang=en ABOUT THE HOST Kevin Clifton is a professional dancer who has been performing & competing at the highest level for over a decade. Kevin has worked on shows like 'Burn the floor' & 'Rock of Ages' to 'Strictly Come Dancing' one of the biggest TV shows in the UK which Kevin won in 2018.  CONTACT METHOD Kevin Clifton Instagram Kevin Clifton Facebook Kevin Clifton YouTube

This week, Kevin talks to one of the most popular dancers in the world, Oti Mabuse, the current reigning champion of Strictly Come Dancing, having lifted the glitterball for the past two years running with Kelvin Fletcher and Bill Bailey! Oti joins Kevin to talk about where she finds her inspiration, how she has managed to stand out from the pack, and how to find happiness and fulfilment by focussing on the smaller moments. KEY TAKEAWAYS Oti grew up in a time of apartheid in South Africa, where even pastimes such as dancing was disallowed. Oti's mother wanted a better life for her daughters and determined to do what it took to give them a brighter future. We mark ourselves out as special by the choices we make. For Oti, fashion in her personal life is a way of marking her individuality and uniqueness. This is the same spirit that drove her to pursue latin and ballroom dancing. We get to the top of success by using our focus and our ambition to work hard and achieve the things that others cannot. There is a far greater reward by being patient and taking time to stop, reflect and appreciate the smaller wins along the way. BEST MOMENTS 'I'm like the zit you can't get rid of!' - 1:34 'If you're gonna wear red, I'm gonna wear yellow. Every single day I'm going to stick out' - 6:19 'The fact that I'm normal, and I'm okay with that - that's what makes me special' - 7:40 'When I'm focussed and I'm working and I'm with people that I love, I'm really ambitious' - 21:31 VALUABLE RESOURCES Oti Mabuse Twitter - https://twitter.com/OtiMabuse Oti Mabuse Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/otimabuse ABOUT THE HOST Kevin Clifton is a professional dancer who has been performing & competing at the highest level for over a decade. Kevin has worked on shows like 'Burn the floor' & 'Rock of Ages' to 'Strictly Come Dancing' one of the biggest TV shows in the UK which Kevin won in 2018.  CONTACT METHOD Kevin Clifton Instagram Kevin Clifton Facebook Kevin Clifton YouTube

This week, on the very day that theatres the nation over begin to open again, Kevin talks to Matt Hemley, the news editor for The Stage Magazine, the world's oldest theatre publication, as well as presenting a fortnightly theatre segment on Matthew Wright's TalkRadio show. Matt discusses the effects of lockdown and how the theatre industry hopes to move out of its crippling position and into a brave new world, as well as the positives that lie ahead. KEY TAKEAWAYS During lockdown, the tendency has been to talk about how performers and theatre has been negatively impacted. Now that we are moving past lockdown, we must focus on the positives. Many discount the fact that it is not just the front-page faces, the performers, who have felt the effects of theatrical lockdown. Many technicians and backstage professionals have had their careers devastated, and are looking forward to getting back to work. The arts seem to be seen as a luxury and are not being taken seriously enough in this country. But the country would be a far poorer place without it in terms of culture, community and income. Voices that have always been quieted are now being heard due to the fact that more people than ever are listening. This has meant a sea change in the world of human rights. BEST MOMENTS 'If I can, I feel like I'm going to go and see a show every night, like I just want to be back amongst it all' - 2:30 'I can't actually remember what we were writing about before March last year!' - 6:39 'We have to fight for the arts so hard' - 13:12 'A lot of voices have suddenly been heard' - 28:28 VALUABLE RESOURCES Matt Hemley Twitter - https://twitter.com/MattHemley ABOUT THE HOST Kevin Clifton is a professional dancer who has been performing & competing at the highest level for over a decade. Kevin has worked on shows like 'Burn the floor' & 'Rock of Ages' to 'Strictly Come Dancing' one of the biggest TV shows in the UK which Kevin won in 2018.  CONTACT METHOD Kevin Clifton Instagram Kevin Clifton Facebook Kevin Clifton YouTube

Kevin is joined once more by recurring guest, TV presenter Anthony Rutherford, for the first in a series of chats about their shared passion: football! In this week's edition, Kev and Ant talk about why the game matter so much, why sometimes money isn't everything when it comes to building a team, and the problem of referees... KEY TAKEAWAYS Nothing causes more debate than a shared passion. In the case of football, it's a conversation that never stops changing. One week you're on top, the next you're on the skids. It's a thrilling roller-coaster ride. Nothing can take the place of inspiration when it comes to motivation. A good manager can take a team and fire them up in order to make them reach their best form. Referees look at the game as it's playing, by the letter of the law. Contact between players is sometimes inevitable. Refs should take this into account when adjudicating. Some players are treated differently by officials because of who they are, not what they have done. Their status also affects factors such as substitution. BEST MOMENTS  'It is going to be very "ranty", because all we do is argue about football' - 1:26 'We might be European champions in a few weeks!' - 9:32 'It's not a 100 meter race!' - 15:44 'You know when an idea is a bad idea, when even when it goes for you, you still don't like it' - 19:04 VALUABLE RESOURCES Anthony Rutherford Twitter - https://twitter.com/anthr23?lang=en ABOUT THE HOST Kevin Clifton is a professional dancer who has been performing & competing at the highest level for over a decade. Kevin has worked on shows like 'Burn the floor' & 'Rock of Ages' to 'Strictly Come Dancing' one of the biggest TV shows in the UK which Kevin won in 2018.  CONTACT METHOD Kevin Clifton Instagram Kevin Clifton Facebook Kevin Clifton YouTube

Kevin talks to Strictly Come Dancing professional and champion, and 19-time Slovenian champion in Ballroom, Latin and Ten Dance, Mr Aljaz Skorjanec - one of the most popular of all Strictly pros, about the ways in which has conquered lockdown, his upcoming projects, his incredible performance journey so far, and the passion for dance that has driven him onwards. KEY TAKEAWAYS Lockdown has granted us the perspective to see what is important, and a re-evaluation of the things we hold dear. This is especially true for dancers and performers. It's always wise to stop once in a while and connect with the things that bring us joy. For Aljaz, the simple act of online gaming and reminiscing with friends has caused him to remember what life is all about. Life is full of magical opportunities, especially for performers, who are able to travel to wonderful places, and take on personas otherwise not available. Some days, the art of dancing can be tough. Rehearsals can seem insurmountable, and the choreography isn't working. But true dancers, who have the passion in the ri blood, will push through because they know the rewards are life-enhancing. BEST MOMENTS 'I actually thought I was tired of the thing that I did, and now I've realised that I actually love what I do' - 4:37 'You for get about things because life is too fast' - 7:07 'I got to be James Bond!' - 18:19 'I know for sure that I'm never going to be able to get away from being a dancer' - 27:17 VALUABLE RESOURCES Aljaz Skorjanec Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/aljazskorjanec/?hl=en Aljaz Skorjanec Twitter - https://twitter.com/AljazSkorjanec ABOUT THE HOST Kevin Clifton is a professional dancer who has been performing & competing at the highest level for over a decade. Kevin has worked on shows like 'Burn the floor' & 'Rock of Ages' to 'Strictly Come Dancing' one of the biggest TV shows in the UK which Kevin won in 2018.  CONTACT METHOD Kevin Clifton Instagram Kevin Clifton Facebook Kevin Clifton YouTube

In this week’s show, Kevin talks to professional dancer, stage star, and TV presenter, Anthony Rutherford, for a chat about their shared passion: football – as well as the projects they’re both working on in the near future. KEY TAKEAWAYS Football is a passion that never stops giving, and is always present in our lives. As one season ends, so too does another begin. Kevin has been cast as The Artilleryman in a new touring production of Jeff Wayne’s War Of The Worlds – the legendary musical that has taken theatres by storm for decades. Burn The Floor is coming back in a big way. After the lockdown has decimated the theatre industry, the production returns with a live orchestra plus full staging. Disappointment is inevitable for fans who are forced to travel in order to see live shows. Tours have to be carefully planned so as to take in as much of the map as possible, but they cannot appear everywhere. BEST MOMENTS  ‘I’m a very different person when I’m talking about football’ – 1:20 ‘This is a huge production – an arena show!’ – 6:50 ‘Starred on Broadway opposite Catherine Zeta Jones…’ – 19:50 ‘There’s something about being in the Burn The Floor company that turns them into the best in the world’ – 26:32 VALUABLE RESOURCES War Of The Worlds - https://thewaroftheworlds.com Burn The Floor - https://www.burnthefloor.com Anthony Rutherford Twitter - https://twitter.com/anthr23?lang=en ABOUT THE HOST Kevin Clifton is a professional dancer who has been performing & competing at the highest level for over a decade. Kevin has worked on shows like 'Burn the floor' & 'Rock of Ages' to 'Strictly Come Dancing' one of the biggest TV shows in the UK which Kevin won in 2018.  CONTACT METHOD Kevin Clifton Instagram Kevin Clifton Facebook Kevin Clifton YouTube

In this week’s show, Kevin talks to Emmy nominated filmmaker, journalist, and writer/host of the ‘I’m Not A Monster’ podcast, Josh Baker, about his journalism career, his pathway into media and reportage, and the new show itself, which is proving to be a smash hit around the world. KEY TAKEAWAYS The older generation of broadcasters and influencers know that the work they have done has been handed down to them. Therefore, the great ones know when the time is right to pass the torch onto a new generation. There is beauty, even in the most troubled parts of the world. It's regrettable that conflict arises in these beautiful corners of the planet. Stories we hear on the media are not always the clear cut narratives we think they are. Often the truth of a situation, especially from foreign lands, is obscured by our need to feel justified about foreign policy. When reporting on a situation, or acting as presenter, it is our responsibility to not inject our own feelings, emotions, or bias towards the subject. It must be presented with a sense of ambivalence. The audience must be allowed to make up its own mind. BEST MOMENTS ‘It's been described as a Hollywood thriller - but it's all true' - 3:39 'I was lucky enough to be one of the people he took a chance on' - 7:25 'There's some really extreme and shocking and mad details in the podcast that we couldn't get in the film' - 37:45 'There's enough emotion in it, enough drama in it, enough horribleness going on, that I don't need to add mine' - 44:12 VALUABLE RESOURCES Josh Baker Instagram -https://www.instagram.com/joshbakerfilm Josh Baker Twitter - https://twitter.com/joshbakerfilm ABOUT THE HOST Kevin Clifton is a professional dancer who has been performing & competing at the highest level for over a decade. Kevin has worked on shows like 'Burn the floor' & 'Rock of Ages' to 'Strictly Come Dancing' one of the biggest TV shows in the UK which Kevin won in 2018.  CONTACT METHOD Kevin Clifton Instagram Kevin Clifton Facebook Kevin Clifton YouTube

This week, Kevin talks to famed acting coach, and founder of Matt Zina Acting. Matt is one of the UK's most renowned and respected coaches, having tutored some of the brightest lights on stage and screen, and joins Kevin today to talk about his amazing legacy in the arts, and the role of identity when it comes to performance. KEY TAKEAWAYS In order to get to the next level in life and in our careers, we need to stop and reflect upon where we are and who we have become. People have different roles in life, but sometimes we don't realise the shoes we're meant to fill. Sometimes our roles can be as simple as "guide" to others. One of the major sources of archetypes come from the professions we choose. We take on the archetypes from our careers and apply them to our own identities. We can crush the limiting beliefs that hold us back from becoming who we truly are, by recognising them, listing them, and physically destroying the life itself. BEST MOMENTS 'I've done an acting session with both Jo and Kev, and it's an experience, I'll be honest!' - 3:18 'The majority of people fail to deal with their identity' - 9:28 'It's the most important step, in my life, that I ever made' - 23:30 'The most wonderful things you can do happen before 9am and after 9pm!' - 31:21 VALUABLE RESOURCES MZ Acting - http://www.mzacting.com/our-team.html Matt Zina Twitter - https://twitter.com/mattzina Matt Zina Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/mattzina ABOUT THE HOST Kevin Clifton is a professional dancer who has been performing & competing at the highest level for over a decade. Kevin has worked on shows like 'Burn the floor' & 'Rock of Ages' to 'Strictly Come Dancing' one of the biggest TV shows in the UK which Kevin won in 2018.  CONTACT METHOD Kevin Clifton Instagram Kevin Clifton Facebook Kevin Clifton YouTube

This week, The Kevin Clifton Show has been taken over by Joanne Clifton and Tjaša Vulič of the She's Just A Dancer Podcast, who have taken the reins in order to talk about what makes dancers great! And who knows, since Kevin is away, maybe there'll be room for some gossip... KEY TAKEAWAYS All the great performers have talent, but they also have an "X Factor" - something that makes them stand apart from others, and gives them the power to hold an audience rapt. The ways in which we appreciate art and performance all depend on the unique set of perceptions we bring to it. Some may find a form of entertainment spellbinding, while others may not. This is why judging performance competitively is so difficult. The most important way of standing out is identifying in yourself that unique gift or talent that makes you stand alone. Studying different areas of performance, and diversifying your skill-set is incredibly important, and has proved even more so during the pandemic. We need to be able to pivot as it allows us to follow many more opportunities. BEST MOMENTS 'Frankly, Kevin, you should have thought this through...' - 1:45 'You are born with certain abilities to entertain, express and move in a certain way' - 6:27 'Taking that risk and having that confidence - that can also be a way of shining out onto an audience member' - 18:27 'You have to make things up to make yourself feel as real as possible' - 42:05 VALUABLE RESOURCES She's Just A Dancer Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/shes-just-a-dancer/id1552295749 Joanne Clifton Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/realjoanneclifton/?hl=en Tjaša Vulič Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/tjasa_vulic/?hl=en ABOUT THE HOST Kevin Clifton is a professional dancer who has been performing & competing at the highest level for over a decade. Kevin has worked on shows like 'Burn the floor' & 'Rock of Ages' to 'Strictly Come Dancing' one of the biggest TV shows in the UK which Kevin won in 2018.  CONTACT METHOD Kevin Clifton Instagram Kevin Clifton Facebook Kevin Clifton YouTube

This week, Kevin reflects upon the arts, in particular the theatre industry, and talks about the impact of the lockdown upon a sector that has, for so long, provided the country with joy, escapism, and a real sense of national identity. KEY TAKEAWAYS With the roadmap out of lockdown finally coming into view, it's looking as though the theatre and the arts can finally begin to rely on the fact that recovery is coming. Rise Up With Arts is an event designed to reignite the world's love for the arts by streaming, globally, an incredible feast of variety and entertainment. 70% of workers in the arts are freelancers, and have long been ineligible for support from the government. People can't get back to work again soon enough. Charities and funds have been set up to support the people in the arts who need it most desperately. We must do all we can to make the reopening of theatres a success. BEST MOMENTS 'It's looking like things will be a lot more positive' - 3:45 'This is a financial burden for a lot of people' - 12:50 'The theatre industry, economically, brings in more money than football does' - 17:58 'It's one of the things we do really well, that we can be proud of' - 21:20  VALUABLE RESOURCES Rise Up With Arts - https://www.riseupwitharts.com/our-stars/kevinclifton ABOUT THE HOST Kevin Clifton is a professional dancer who has been performing & competing at the highest level for over a decade. Kevin has worked on shows like 'Burn the floor' & 'Rock of Ages' to 'Strictly Come Dancing' one of the biggest TV shows in the UK which Kevin won in 2018.  CONTACT METHOD Kevin Clifton Instagram Kevin Clifton Facebook Kevin Clifton YouTube

This week, Kevin talks to actor, dancer, and choreographer, Jess Khan-Lee, one of the most gifted performers working today, about what it means to be a performer, the intangible magic that happens when we connect with fellow performers and audiences, and how life has changed for the arts during lockdown. KEY TAKEAWAYS Freedom of speech is a two-way street. We can't decry others for speaking out, by insisting that our freedom of speech is being threatened, or we are essentially cancelling out our own argument. Performers are drawn to their professions because of the magical allure of it - that intangible connection we make when we connect with an audience through artistic expression. Even without an audience present, the performing arts allow us to create an enchanted connection between ourselves and our fellow performers. Any investments we make in the development of our career is an investment into our unique, personal artistry. BEST MOMENTS 'There is no-one more perfect to play Meghan, than Miss Jess Khan-Lee' - 3:15 'For as long as I can remember, I've always identified as a dancer' - 6:48 'There's something magical about being in the darkness of the wings' - 10:04 'It's an investment in the growth and expansion of your own art' - 31:40  VALUABLE RESOURCES Jess Khan-Lee Twitter - https://twitter.com/jesskhanlee?lang=en Jess Khan-Lee Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jesskhanlee/?hl=en ABOUT THE HOST Kevin Clifton is a professional dancer who has been performing & competing at the highest level for over a decade. Kevin has worked on shows like 'Burn the floor' & 'Rock of Ages' to 'Strictly Come Dancing' one of the biggest TV shows in the UK which Kevin won in 2018.  CONTACT METHOD Kevin Clifton Instagram Kevin Clifton Facebook Kevin Clifton YouTube

This week, we're back in the dance-off with Strictly pro, Anya Garnis, who joins Kevin to talk about her incredible career, which has included such highlights as a stint on Broadway, fabulous success on Strictly, one of the most respected professionals on 'So You Think You Can Dance', and an exciting new project coming soon - details of which are in this week's show... KEY TAKEAWAYS Rise Up With Arts is a chance for many in theatrical professions to come together to celebrate the talents and gifts they have, and to share them with the world. As performers, we often feel as though we need to rebel against the expectations set upon us. This is why so many in the profession take risks. Energy and youth mean that many dancers can be far faster and swifter in their formative years. As careers progress, it becomes more about definition and perfecting technique. You are constantly competing against yourself - the most important competitor you have in life. External rivalries come and go, but the need to be better for ourselves never ends. BEST MOMENTS 'It has become a beautiful monster' - 3:09 'I was so tired of impressing people that I wanted to express myself' - 7:55 'You used to be fast - what you do you mean used to be!' - 15:30 'You are your own competition' - 28:31  VALUABLE RESOURCES Anya Garnis Twitter - https://twitter.com/anyagarnisla?lang=en Rise Up With Arts - https://www.riseupwitharts.com ABOUT THE HOST Kevin Clifton is a professional dancer who has been performing & competing at the highest level for over a decade. Kevin has worked on shows like 'Burn the floor' & 'Rock of Ages' to 'Strictly Come Dancing' one of the biggest TV shows in the UK which Kevin won in 2018.  CONTACT METHOD Kevin Clifton Instagram Kevin Clifton Facebook Kevin Clifton YouTube

With a prospective route out of lockdown ahead, there are tentative steps towards the widespread reopening of theatres and other entertainment venues in England. With this in mind, it's time to start getting excited about live shows again! Kevin's guest this week is one of theatre-land's most seasoned and respected performers, Ceili O'Connor, star of such shows as Cats, Evita and Mary Poppins, and the director of Prep Your Rep, a 360 nourishment program for performers and creatives, working holistically from the inside out. KEY TAKEAWAYS Lockdown has caused many people to develop the art of listening, and to help refine their focus upon the things that matter. For those in the arts, it has given a new appreciation of how important they are. 17th May 2021 signals the beginning of a return to theatrical events, albeit in a small way. 21st June 2021, if all goes to plan, normality returns when it comes to live events. For over a year now, the theatrical domain of the country has been devastated by COVID, and will likely never be the same again. Hope is the one thing that has carried the sector through its darkest moment in history. Everyone in theatre is simply trying to create and innovate in their own unique ways. To do this, it all begins with a healthy and happy mind. BEST MOMENTS 'I think we're listening better, and we're more focussed during this time' - 2:55 'I am so excited to get back to the grind and get back on stage!' - 7:37 'Without hope there is no light' - 12:18 'It's about working as a community. I really want to break that "them and us" approach' - 33:55 VALUABLE RESOURCES Ceili O'Connor Twitter - https://twitter.com/ceilioconnor?lang=en Prep Your Rep - https://www.prepyourrepldn.com ABOUT THE HOST Kevin Clifton is a professional dancer who has been performing & competing at the highest level for over a decade. Kevin has worked on shows like 'Burn the floor' & 'Rock of Ages' to 'Strictly Come Dancing' one of the biggest TV shows in the UK which Kevin won in 2018.  CONTACT METHOD Kevin Clifton Instagram Kevin Clifton Facebook Kevin Clifton YouTube

Social media has changed thew world we live in, but it isn't always for the better. In some cases, it can lead to the disintegration of mental health, and negatively impact lives. Kevin's special guest this week is Mayah Riaz, the founder of Social Media Kindness Day, which aims to establish the message that social media should be a place where people can socialise, network, do business, and live 'their best life' without fear of negativity.  KEY TAKEAWAYS Many assume that celebrities are guarded, and live a glamorous, unobstructed existence, but there is a darker side. Social media does not represent the way we interact in real life. People feel empowered to express their most negative opinions without fear of reprisals, which leads to a huge negative impact. Celebrities are somehow seen as "fair game" because they have dared to take a profession that puts them in the spotlight. But we must remember that celebrities are people, too. News has become less of a service, and more of a business. It trades in clicks and advertisements, and unfortunately, the more salacious the headline, the larger the number of clicks. This has led to a breeding ground for baseless, hurtful news. BEST MOMENTS 'There's a darker side to the industry and what the talent have to put up with' - 4:14 'The worse the argument gets, the more engagement it gets' - 9:17 'I like to think that one day we can have threads of kindness' - 21:16 'It's the adrenaline or addiction to social media we have' - 39:53  VALUABLE RESOURCES Mayah Riaz Twitter - https://twitter.com/mayah_riaz?lang=en Mayah Riaz Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/mayah_riaz/?hl=en Social Media Kindness Day - https://www.socialmediakindnessday.com ABOUT THE HOST Kevin Clifton is a professional dancer who has been performing & competing at the highest level for over a decade. Kevin has worked on shows like 'Burn the floor' & 'Rock of Ages' to 'Strictly Come Dancing' one of the biggest TV shows in the UK which Kevin won in 2018.  CONTACT METHOD Kevin Clifton Instagram Kevin Clifton Facebook Kevin Clifton YouTube

In this week's very special episode, Kevin talks to Ali Gordon-Creed, a specialist in the power of positive thinking, and founder of Future Perfect. Ali joins the show to talk about the importance of finding and holding onto, your identity as a performer, and how we can make sure that we take care of not just our physical health, but also our mental fortitude. KEY TAKEAWAYS As performers, we have to find our true identity in order to make the most of ourselves. In the lockdown, some performers are in danger of losing the self they have fought to find. We are all born with a sense of self-identity. Performers have a smaller, separate self - one that wants to sing, dance or perform in some way. Initially though, this smaller self is section of the larger self. We must seek to feed our physical self in terms of health, and our mental self in terms of what inspires us. This can take many forms, from simple exercise, to mental nourishment. Performance is the art of creating truth in any given moment, and communicating it, with precision, to another person. The responsibility is incredible. BEST MOMENTS 'A lot of performers are feeling a bit lost, or they don't quite know what to do with themselves' - 2:51 'That performing part starts top get acknowledgement' - 6:30 'The first step is "What's my goal for myself today? What do I want to do?"' - 11:52 'It's that connection with another being in the performance that makes whoever's watching irrelevant' - 30:24  VALUABLE RESOURCES Ali Gordon-Creed Twitter - https://twitter.com/perfectfuture4u?lang=en Ali Gordon-Creed LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ali-gordon-creed/?originalSubdomain=uk ABOUT THE HOST Kevin Clifton is a professional dancer who has been performing & competing at the highest level for over a decade. Kevin has worked on shows like 'Burn the floor' & 'Rock of Ages' to 'Strictly Come Dancing' one of the biggest TV shows in the UK which Kevin won in 2018.  CONTACT METHOD Kevin Clifton Instagram Kevin Clifton Facebook Kevin Clifton YouTube

In this week's show, Kevin talks to very special guest, Geoff Colman, one of the true legends of the theatrical world, and collaborator with national and international practitioners in theatre, film, TV, opera, musical theatre, magic, fashion, music and dance as an acting coach, educator and broadcaster. Geoff is one of the most respected acting coaches in the country, and in this week's show, he talks to Kevin about his incredible journey and his fascinating perspective into the work that goes into making an actor great. KEY TAKEAWAYS Being a great acting coach is all about making sure that the lessons aren't seen by the audience. When acting lessons are done well, they are invisible. Acting is a surprisingly collaborative process. Many do not realise that making a great actor takes the efforts and skills of many talented people. Coaching is not just about teaching the talents required. It's also about teaching a performer about how to deal with stress and anxiety. While the pandemic has devastated the industry in many ways, it has also forced many in theatre to reflect upon the reasons for wanting to be there, and in many cases strengthened their resolve to remain. BEST MOMENTS 'You have to be like a cat burglar. You creep in, creep away, and hope nobody notices' - 3:58 'A lot of my experience with dancers has been quite revolutionary' - 6:53 'It takes a gladiator to walk out in front of an audience like that' - 16:16 'You have to give yourself to an art form in order for you to be able to enter it' - 46:01  VALUABLE RESOURCES Geoff Colman LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/geoffrey-colman-898aa117a/?originalSubdomain=uk Geoff Colman Twitter - https://twitter.com/geoffreycolman ABOUT THE HOST Kevin Clifton is a professional dancer who has been performing & competing at the highest level for over a decade. Kevin has worked on shows like 'Burn the floor' & 'Rock of Ages' to 'Strictly Come Dancing' one of the biggest TV shows in the UK which Kevin won in 2018.  CONTACT METHOD Kevin Clifton Instagram Kevin Clifton Facebook Kevin Clifton YouTube

This week, Kevin talks to star of stage and screen, Sophie Matthew, leading West End star in shows such as Mamma Mia and Summer Holiday! Sophie talks about the ways in which she prepares for her roles, how she perceives the effect of lockdown upon theatre, and the story of her incredible theatrical career so far. KEY TAKEAWAYS Performers are currently suffering especially hard, as the outlet they have chosen with which to express themselves - performance - is being hit hard by restrictions. All actors must find their own route into discovering their character. Some choose the more "method" approach, while others attempt a deep empathic connection with the character and their motivations. Finding an agent who understands the career path you want to take, and will encourage that direction, is a key component in building a stage career. Actors are used to being out of work. It's part of the deal you make with yourself when you begin a stage career. But lockdown has completely closed the industry, leading to an unprecedented effect upon the world of theatre itself. BEST MOMENTS 'As performers, it's our outlet - our way of expressing ourselves' - 1:24 'It's about trying to have a level of empathy for the character you're playing' - 14:16 'I like the idea of the journey' - 21:53 'You're used to putting your whole being into these jobs' - 32:35  VALUABLE RESOURCES Sophie Matthew Twitter - https://twitter.com/sophielmatthew?lang=en Sophie Matthew @ Spotlight - https://www.spotlight.com/interactive/cv/0637-9085-8264 ABOUT THE HOST Kevin Clifton is a professional dancer who has been performing & competing at the highest level for over a decade. Kevin has worked on shows like 'Burn the floor' & 'Rock of Ages' to 'Strictly Come Dancing' one of the biggest TV shows in the UK which Kevin won in 2018.  CONTACT METHOD Kevin Clifton Instagram Kevin Clifton Facebook Kevin Clifton YouTube

This week, Kevin chats to television and stage star, Jonny Labey, breakout star of such TV favourites as Eastenders, Dance Dance Dance and Celebrity X Factor, and the West-End's very Scott Hastings - leading man of Strictly Ballroom! As Kevin is due to take on the role of Scott Hastings in a soon-to-kick-off tour of Strictly Ballroom, he's invited Jonny onto the podcast today to pass on any words of wisdom and guidance in playing this electrifying part, while also sharing some of the extraordinary highlights of his fabulous career. KEY TAKEAWAYS Some roles do not feel like work. Strictly Ballroom is one of those rare productions that is as much fun to be a part of, as it is for the audience to watch. Competitive ballroom dancing, and dancing in general, is something in which Jonny has no formal experience. However, the art was important to the role of Scott Hastings, and so intensive training was required. The reason that Strictly Ballroom has endured is because of its comparative relevance to many of society's most common personalities. There are glimmers of many contemporary figures in each of the characters - some positive and some negative. This keeps the show relevant. As performers, we work hard to achieve moments of supreme glory and transcendence. This is especially keenly felt if performing live on stage. These moments of magic are fuel for further effort. BEST MOMENTS 'It fills my heart with so much love. The show was made with love' - 1:54 'It was having to re-learn everything that I'd known, and still keep that coolness' - 9:55 'The stakes are life and death to these ballroom performers' - 17:47 'I've worked my ass off my whole life to achieve something like that' - 26:17  VALUABLE RESOURCES Jonny Labey Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jonnylabey/?hl=en Jonny Labey Twitter - https://twitter.com/jonnylabey?lang=en ABOUT THE HOST Kevin Clifton is a professional dancer who has been performing & competing at the highest level for over a decade. Kevin has worked on shows like 'Burn the floor' & 'Rock of Ages' to 'Strictly Come Dancing' one of the biggest TV shows in the UK which Kevin won in 2018.  CONTACT METHOD Kevin Clifton Instagram Kevin Clifton Facebook Kevin Clifton YouTube

When it comes to theatrical legends, they don't come any more respected or adored than this week's special guest, the star of such stage shows as Mary Poppins, The Car Man and Strictly Ballroom, and featured performer in 2019's big screen adaptation of Cats - Zizi Strallen! Zizi joins Kevin to talk about her incredible career, the ways in which her family's connections to performing shaped her ambitions, and what's coming up in the future. KEY TAKEAWAYS One of the worst parts of the COVID restrictions upon theatre is that there is so much uncertainty about when, if ever, some shows will start back into life. It has meant limbo for scores of performers. The time away from the shows has given many performers the chance to reconnect with other ambitions, such as writing or fitness, allowing a new pathway of creativity to open up. It's never wise to become a stage star if you're in search of fame. It should be about the passion you have for performing live, and the unique ability you bring that can make a show special. Confidence is a trait that's built over time. It helps if support is offered from those who raise you, especially when it comes to being a performer. Grow your confidence and you will achieve self-belief. BEST MOMENTS 'The months go by so quickly when you're enjoying a show that you're doing' - 2:28 'As performers, it's not just a job to us. It's a real part of us' - 11:06 'Never do it for the fame because it is not worth it!' - 16:27 'I am confident, but I'm also thankful for my humility' - 30:25  VALUABLE RESOURCES Zizi Strallen Twitter - https://twitter.com/ZiziStrallen Zizi Strallen Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/zizistrallen/ ABOUT THE HOST Kevin Clifton is a professional dancer who has been performing & competing at the highest level for over a decade. Kevin has worked on shows like 'Burn the floor' & 'Rock of Ages' to 'Strictly Come Dancing' one of the biggest TV shows in the UK which Kevin won in 2018.  CONTACT METHOD Kevin Clifton Instagram Kevin Clifton Facebook Kevin Clifton YouTube

In this week’s show, Kevin talks to one of his mentors, author, property investor and host of the ‘Disruptive Entrepreneur’ Rob Moore. Kevin asks Rob his view on various subjects such as the impact of Covid 19 on his business and how he turned the downside to an upside, his coping strategies and the use of social media.   KEY TAKEAWAYS   Having more structure to your days and creating a new routine for yourself can be beneficial to your productivity. Having a structure whereby you map out your days means that you are more likely to achieve these things. Having this also forces you to be more disciplined.   There is a lot of pressure from society to work a certain amount of hours per day. Comparison is often the thief of all joy. Stop comparing your routine to others and do what works best for you.   The social media algorithms are designed to make us addicted to those platforms. The more they have us on their channels the more money they make. Everything has an upside and a downside, as soon as you see something as all upside you’re in a fantasy. If you go on social media expecting nothing but upside, then you are naive about the reality of it.   It is important to set rules. Even if it is something as small as what time you read your book or what you have for breakfast. Putting those rules in place means that you are now a disciplined person.   The line between social media being good for you and damaging for you is very fine. You need to have the wisdom to know where that line is. Keep the way you use social media ever-evolving. Social media feeds you what you have told it you want to see. If you are seeing things you don't want to see you need to give the platform feedback so that it will show you other stuff.   Make sure you are consuming media that you enjoy. If you know something will harm you, don't listen to something because others said that they enjoyed it. Surround yourself with stuff that is going to influence you in the way that you want to be influenced.       BEST MOMENTS   ‘If you knew your future that would ruin it immediately’  21.12 ‘Anxiety is a worry about the future, guilt is a regret of the past’ 23.19 ‘Routine equals results, discipline equals freedom’ 29.28 ‘Do easy things for a hard life or do hard things for an easy life’ 30.50 ‘The line between social media being good for you and damaging to you is a fine line’ 57.07   VALUABLE RESOURCES https://robmoore.com/bit.ly/Robsupporter ABOUT THE HOST Kevin Clifton is a professional dancer who has been performing & competing at the highest level for over a decade. Kevin has worked on shows like 'Burn the floor' & 'Rock of Ages' to 'Strictly Come Dancing' one of the biggest TV shows in the UK which Kevin won in 2018.   ABOUT THE GUEST Rob Moore is an author of 9 business books, 5 UK bestsellers, holds 3 world records for public speaking, entrepreneur, property investor, and property educator. Author of the global bestseller "Life Leverage" Host of UK's No.1 business podcast "The Disruptive Entrepreneur." CONTACT METHOD Rob’s official website: https://robmoore.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/robmooreprogressive/?ref=br_rsLinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/robmoore1979

In this week's very special show, Kevin talks to theatre legend, Cassidy Janson, recent recipient of an Olivier Award for her work in '& Juliet', about her incredible stage career, including the many highlights, as well as the lessons learned along the way. KEY TAKEAWAYS William Shakespeare really was the rock star theatre producer of his day. His work drew crowds from far and wide, and as well as being critically adored, he was also publicly renowned. The arts, in particular, have been as essential as any other service during lockdown in terms of keeping people's spirits high, and reminding everyone of the beauty of life. Stories allow us to take the journey of someone else. This is why stories have remained at the core of every artistic pursuit since the beginning of time. They are the perfect vehicle for providing escapism. People are far too quick to write off the arts as unnecessary, but aside from the cultural enrichment, the arts also bring in vast amounts of money to the economy. Therefore, its dismissal by the government has been very hard to take. BEST MOMENTS 'We knew it was funny, but you never know how funny it is until the audience arrive' - 9:56 'During lockdown everyone has turned to the arts in one form or another' - 12:37 'If we do bring this much to the economy, why are you not investing in something that will help the economy come back?' - 15:39 'I don't know how I made it through my early twenties, I was so naive!' - 38:00  VALUABLE RESOURCES Cassidy Janson - http://www.cassidyjanson.com Cassidy Janson Twitter - https://twitter.com/cassidyjanson Cassidy Janson Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/cassidyjanson/?hl=en ABOUT THE HOST Kevin Clifton is a professional dancer who has been performing & competing at the highest level for over a decade. Kevin has worked on shows like 'Burn the floor' & 'Rock of Ages' to 'Strictly Come Dancing' one of the biggest TV shows in the UK which Kevin won in 2018.  CONTACT METHOD Kevin Clifton Instagram Kevin Clifton Facebook Kevin Clifton YouTube

We've arrived at the end of the 2020 series of Strictly Come Dancing, and it was an emotional ride for sure! Here with Kevin to discuss the series as a whole - the highlights, the surprises, and each dance in turn - are returning guests, Strictly performer, Joanne Clifton, Burn The Floor star, Lauren Oakley, and special guest, poet Becky Bishop! KEY TAKEAWAYS The 2020 series saw a particularly strong line up of performers, both professional and celebrity. Each celebrity seemed to flourish under their instructor leading to some truly memorable performances. Despite the many setbacks throughout the year, Strictly has provided a beacon of hope and joy for the nation when it was needed the most. The journey of Strictly is not just about winning the glitterball. It is about pushing ourselves to do better and grow as a person. It is about beginning at point A and ending up somewhere completely different. Winning is less important than the journey itself. Strictly is the best medicine for the nation. It has been likened to everyone's favourite Christmas movie. It doesn't matter how many times you've seen it, it still provides comfort and joy. BEST MOMENTS ‘I honestly think that this was one of the best finals ever!' - 3:28 'If there was ever a show-dance, it was this show-dance. It was a show in itself' - 6:46 'We literally had the conversation - we're not going to win, but we're so happy we got this far' - 20:00 'Anyone can enjoy Strictly. It's for everyone' - 23:20 'If you can't describe it in words then you create it in art' - 40:28  VALUABLE RESOURCES Becky Bishop Twitter - https://twitter.com/beckysbijoux?lang=en Joanne Clifton Twitter - https://twitter.com/joanneclifton?lang=en Joanne Clifton Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/realjoanneclifton/?hl=en Lauren Oakley Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/laurenmayoakley/?hl=en Lauren Oakley Twitter - https://twitter.com/laurenmayoakley?lang=en To join the Zoom group for the Strictly Round-Up send an email to laurenoakley2802@gmail.com ABOUT THE HOST Kevin Clifton is a professional dancer who has been performing & competing at the highest level for over a decade. Kevin has worked on shows like 'Burn the floor' & 'Rock of Ages' to 'Strictly Come Dancing' one of the biggest TV shows in the UK which Kevin won in 2018.  CONTACT METHOD Kevin Clifton Instagram Kevin Clifton Facebook Kevin Clifton YouTube

We've arrived at the semi-final of the 2020 series of Strictly Come Dancing, and it was all to play for, with just Ranvir, Maisie, Bill and HRVY left in the competition! The weekend saw its share of thrills, and of course, the dreaded elimination... Here with Kevin to discuss the highlights, the surprises, and each dance in turn are returning guests, Strictly performer, Joanne Clifton and Burn The Floor star, Lauren Oakley! KEY TAKEAWAYS At this late stage in the competition, you can be tempted to play it safe, but the ones who really stand out are the ones who go for it and enjoy the fact that their time is running short. There are a certain set of rules for professionals on the series. This can affect the number of specialist moves you can perform in each dance. This practice has evolved over time in order to meet consistency guidelines. Faults or flaws in technicalities during a performance affect scores, but this is also a flaw in itself. Technical moves are not the only element that makes a dance unique. You can be technical but still boring. The celebrities in this year's series have been incredible, but we should never forget the tireless, peerless work done by this year's pros, who have produced some stunning performances and made this series a real highlight in an otherwise downbeat year. BEST MOMENTS ‘I feel like he dances every dance as though it's his last dance and that's why he's so magical to watch' - 5:23 'His arms bent a little bit but I really don't care because it entertained me' - 13:40 'There's a lot more ingredients that go into the cake that is a dance' - 14:30 'I think the pros this year have excelled - clap for the pros?' - 39:10  VALUABLE RESOURCES Joanne Clifton Twitter - https://twitter.com/joanneclifton?lang=en Joanne Clifton Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/realjoanneclifton/?hl=en Lauren Oakley Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/laurenmayoakley/?hl=en Lauren Oakley Twitter - https://twitter.com/laurenmayoakley?lang=en To join the Zoom group for the Strictly Round-Up send an email to laurenoakley2802@gmail.com Turn Your Passion Into Profit - www.tiny.cc/passionprofit ABOUT THE HOST Kevin Clifton is a professional dancer who has been performing & competing at the highest level for over a decade. Kevin has worked on shows like 'Burn the floor' & 'Rock of Ages' to 'Strictly Come Dancing' one of the biggest TV shows in the UK which Kevin won in 2018.  CONTACT METHOD Kevin Clifton Instagram Kevin Clifton Facebook Kevin Clifton YouTube

Week Seven of the 2020 series of Strictly was an especially musical affair... Yes, folks, it was Musicals Week - featuring some of the grandest melodies from popular shows, all set to the most incredible series of dance performances. Here with Kevin to discuss the highlights, the surprises, and each dance in turn are returning guests, Strictly performer, Joanne Clifton and Burn The Floor star, Lauren Oakley! KEY TAKEAWAYS The best kinds of dances are ones that remove the element of safety, that dare to experiment, and which have the glamour, fun and excitement that gets people tuning in each week. In Musicals Week, we are given a great responsibility - to celebrate the art of the musical itself whilst also attempting to put our own spin on some of the most famous numbers of all time. Many viewers receive their dance education regarding ballroom and latin styles from Strictly itself. This has raised the profile of these styles, but it has also provided a slightly uneven education in what these styles actually encompass. Props have been an integral part of dance and performance for the longest time. Many associate their use with TV variations, but they have been used for many generations. Performance is all about authenticity. Despite what many think, sometimes dancers may employ more natural movements, such as walking, in order to achieve an effect. It's all part of creating the perfect performance. BEST MOMENTS ‘I don't have words - it was INCREDIBLE!' - 7:54 'This number is everything that I want to see in a Strictly Come Dancing number' - 19:39 'He's just having a great time and giving everything he can!' - 37:15 'Do you know what it was - she probably fell for the energy that you brought to the show...' - 50:57 'Dancing is body language' - 1:06:26  VALUABLE RESOURCES Joanne Clifton Twitter - https://twitter.com/joanneclifton?lang=en Joanne Clifton Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/realjoanneclifton/?hl=en Lauren Oakley Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/laurenmayoakley/?hl=en Lauren Oakley Twitter - https://twitter.com/laurenmayoakley?lang=en Turn Your Passion Into Profit - www.tiny.cc/passionprofit ABOUT THE HOST Kevin Clifton is a professional dancer who has been performing & competing at the highest level for over a decade. Kevin has worked on shows like 'Burn the floor' & 'Rock of Ages' to 'Strictly Come Dancing' one of the biggest TV shows in the UK which Kevin won in 2018.  CONTACT METHOD Kevin Clifton Instagram Kevin Clifton Facebook Kevin Clifton YouTube

Strictly Come Dancing is back, and Week Six of the 2020 series was a tense affair, especially when it came to the results! Here with Kevin to discuss the highlights, the surprises, and each dance in turn are special guests, Strictly performer, Joanne Clifton and Burn The Floor star, Lauren Oakley! Plus, there's some incredible news about Kevin and Joanne's new touring show... KEY TAKEAWAYS Strictly is definitely a show that seems to work in many different ways depending on where you are. Audience members experience a very different show to the dancers, who get to see the entire workings. This has never been truer for Kevin since he left the show, and now gets to see both sides. The dark horse dancers are the couples who work their way slowly up the leaderboard, improving with each week. It is a great way to dance slowly into the hearts of the audience. Voting is incredibly important. If we as fans, want to see our favourites do well, then not actually voting is a mystifying decision to take. We need to get behind the performers we love! It is sometimes impossible to leave the scars of a bad week behind. As performers, they must develop the resilience to treat each week as a new opportunity to impress. BEST MOMENTS ‘It's genius. It has to be timed exactly!' - 7:55 'It shows the magic of Strictly - why the nation is hooked. It's definitely the best show on TV' - 13:00 'Everything can change in the final in terms of who's voting for who' - 38:32 'He's not afraid to use his knees!' - 1:02:44 VALUABLE RESOURCES Joanne Clifton Twitter - https://twitter.com/joanneclifton?lang=en Joanne Clifton Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/realjoanneclifton/?hl=en Lauren Oakley Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/laurenmayoakley/?hl=en Lauren Oakley Twitter - https://twitter.com/laurenmayoakley?lang=en An Audience With Kevin And Joanne Clifton - https://www.kevinandjoanne.com Strictly Ballroom - https://strictlyballroomtour.co.uk Pub In The Park - www.pitpfestivetheatre.com ABOUT THE HOST   Kevin Clifton is a professional dancer who has been performing & competing at the highest level for over a decade. Kevin has worked on shows like 'Burn the floor' & 'Rock of Ages' to 'Strictly Come Dancing' one of the biggest TV shows in the UK which Kevin won in 2018.    CONTACT METHOD Kevin Clifton Instagram Kevin Clifton Facebook Kevin Clifton YouTube        

Strictly Come Dancing is back, and Week Five of the 2020 series was a particularly high-scoring week, with many routines earning joyful praise from not just the judges but the audience at home. Here with Kevin to discuss the highlights, the surprises, and each dance in turn are special guests, Strictly performer, Joanne Clifton and Burn The Floor star, Lauren Oakley! KEY TAKEAWAYS High scores add an element of drama to Strictly Come Dancing, with each couple working their way up to the ultimate score. There's a sense of a race, and this adds tension and competition to the show. However, the tens have come much earlier this time, meaning that some of this tension has been lost. Everyone's idea of perfection is very different, especially when it comes to dance, which is one of the more subjective arts. This is what makes judging a performance so difficult, and so singular. The aim of any art is not to be completely faultless. It is to do something magical. The aim is to create, and creation is never without its mistakes. Sometimes these mistakes make creation even more beautiful. There is a delicate balance between trying out something daring and netting more points, or playing it safe and netting a lower score. Sometimes the gamble pays off hugely, but if it fails it can mean disaster. Opinions matter, but they are highly personal. If our opinion will hurt others, then we must ask ourselves whether sharing it in a public forum is constructive in any way. BEST MOMENTS ‘Let's call it "the week of the 9's!"' - 2:53 'Dance is such a subjective art. Everyone's ten is different. Everyone's five is different' - 5:37 'The aim of being a great dancer is NOT to do nothing wrong. It's to entertain' - 26:14 'I don't know if it's cool, but I'm going to say he had all the swag' - 53:16 VALUABLE RESOURCES Joanne Clifton Twitter - https://twitter.com/joanneclifton?lang=en Joanne Clifton Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/realjoanneclifton/?hl=en Lauren Oakley Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/laurenmayoakley/?hl=en Lauren Oakley Twitter - https://twitter.com/laurenmayoakley?lang=en An Audience With Kevin And Joanne Clifton - https://www.kevinandjoanne.com Strictly Ballroom - https://strictlyballroomtour.co.uk ABOUT THE HOST   Kevin Clifton is a professional dancer who has been performing & competing at the highest level for over a decade. Kevin has worked on shows like 'Burn the floor' & 'Rock of Ages' to 'Strictly Come Dancing' one of the biggest TV shows in the UK which Kevin won in 2018.    CONTACT METHOD Kevin Clifton Instagram Kevin Clifton Facebook Kevin Clifton YouTube        

Strictly Come Dancing has arrived back onto our screens at last, and not a moment too soon! Week Four of the series has seen its fair share of controversy and fireworks, superlative dances and striking productions! Also, a surprising dance-off resulted in a social media response and a discussion in today’s show around why confidence matters, and why society still has some way to go when it comes to treating male and female performers the same. Here to discuss everything with Kevin is special guest, Burn The Floor star, Lauren Oakley! KEY TAKEAWAYS Social media’s reaction has demonstrated that while we are allowed to express an opinion, we must also be humble enough to accept that very few people know the performers intimately, and that the opinion may well be wrong. People often feel that confidence is a negative quality, but this is misplaced. Many people struggle with confidence, and find that the only way to find self-belief is to act in a confident way. Audience empathy plays a significant role in how we view a performer. It is unfortunate that many have taken against a perceived confidence in certain performers, and that this reaction seems regrettably to be aimed more toward females. This seems to be a societal issue. People often assume that being partnered with someone who has had previous physical training makes their job easier. There is actually far more pressure for the pro, as there is a higher level of expectation. BEST MOMENTS ’Just because that’s your opinion doesn’t mean that you’re right - that’s just your perception’ - 5:34 ’I want people to feel good about themselves. Too many people nowadays don’t feel good about themselves’ - 11:50 ’We need to make more space for confident women’ - 22:11 ’It’s like if you’ve got a Rolls Royce, and all you’re doing is driving it to the corner shop and back...’ - 40:35 ’Everyone’s been saying Craig’s nicer this year. I felt like he came crashing back down this week!’ - 1:00:43 VALUABLE RESOURCES Lauren Oakley Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/laurenmayoakley/?hl=en Lauren Oakley Twitter - https://twitter.com/laurenmayoakley?lang=en ABOUT THE HOST   Kevin Clifton is a professional dancer who has been performing & competing at the highest level for over a decade. Kevin has worked on shows like 'Burn the floor' & 'Rock of Ages' to 'Strictly Come Dancing' one of the biggest TV shows in the UK which Kevin won in 2018.    CONTACT METHOD Kevin Clifton Instagram Kevin Clifton Facebook Kevin Clifton YouTube        

Strictly Come Dancing has arrived back onto our screens at last, and not a moment too soon. Here to add some cheer to the remainder of 2020 is the nation’s favourite entertainment show - the glitz, the glamour, the fun and the drama! Week Three of the series was a very dramatic affair as the show presented its famous Movie Week, with star moments, superb performances and another elimination! Here to discuss it with Kevin are special guests, Strictly performer, Joanne Clifton and Burn The Floor star, Lauren Oakley! KEY TAKEAWAYS When a pro attempts to over-choreograph a routine, it can sometimes lead to a lack of success in the performance. A good choreographer will always take into account their partner’s skill level, and favour this instead of displaying their choreography skills. With a lack of a studio audience, the voting this year seems to tally more with professional standards. Judges are not being swayed by the audience’s reaction. Entertainment through dancing is never more apparent than when comedy is injected into the choreography. Making an audience laugh is a very powerful tool, can instantly create favourites, and get people to vote! Performances are enhanced exponentially by the careful selection of costumes and production design. For viewers, the recipe for a memorable dance can be supercharged by colour and glamour. Creative decisions are germinated by the production team, but the performers always have the final say. Negotiations when it comes to choreography, concept and costumes are a common occurrence, but lead to a greater sense of collaboration. BEST MOMENTS ’This week, for me, she just turned into a dancer’ - 1:47 ‘I think I actually clapped out loud at my TV!’ - 13:08 ‘It was so funny, so camp, and executed so well, and I was laughing in a good way!’ - 27:58 ‘I hear songs in terms of Strictly nowadays!’ - 1:17:05 ‘I wanted more guts!’ - 1:18:23 VALUABLE RESOURCES Lauren Oakley Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/laurenmayoakley/?hl=en Lauren Oakley Twitter - https://twitter.com/laurenmayoakley?lang=en Joanne Clifton Twitter - https://twitter.com/joanneclifton?lang=en Joanne Clifton Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/realjoanneclifton/?hl=en ABOUT THE HOST   Kevin Clifton is a professional dancer who has been performing & competing at the highest level for over a decade. Kevin has worked on shows like 'Burn the floor' & 'Rock of Ages' to 'Strictly Come Dancing' one of the biggest TV shows in the UK which Kevin won in 2018.    CONTACT METHOD Kevin Clifton Instagram Kevin Clifton Facebook Kevin Clifton YouTube        

Strictly Come Dancing has arrived back onto our screens at last, and not a moment too soon. Here to add some cheer to the remainder of 2020 is the nation’s favourite entertainment show - the glitz, the glamour, the fun and the drama! Week Two saw its fair share of drama and "punch-the-air” excitement, a Halloween extravangaza pro-number, some surprising choreography, and of course its first elimination... Here to discuss the highs and lows from an insider’s perspective with Kevin, is Burn The Floor star, Lauren Oakley! KEY TAKEAWAYS The pro number was Halloween-themed, and contained a huge amount of personality. Displaying personality among the staging, choreography and through the glitz, is crucial to a dance’s success. Whenever dancers in the competition world perform in Blackpool, there are a specific set of songs and music that don’t change. The “Blackpool Paso” is very specific, and is notorious for having no crescendo. This piece was used for the show on Saturday. A dance is not just about technical prowess. It is also necessary to act the role during stage time. Half of the performance emanates from this element. Some of the scoring results have been puzzling. Understandably, lower scores add to the drama of the show, but as professional dancers, Kevin and Lauren recognise that some of the scores should have been higher. Sometimes dances simply work better with a live studio audience. The lack of one this year seems to be having an effect on the way the judges react to the performances. BEST MOMENTS ’The first thing that stood out for me was Bill’s Quickstep - full stop!‘ - 4:28 ‘It bordered on being a great number, it was almost a great number, but I think we’re going to see even more from her in the coming weeks‘ - 15:45 ’To be honest, if one of them had given her a 10 I wouldn’t have argued with it’ - 23:52 ‘I liked the theme, I liked the look, I liked the drama!’ - 34:03 VALUABLE RESOURCES Lauren Oakley Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/laurenmayoakley/?hl=en Lauren Oakley Twitter - https://twitter.com/laurenmayoakley?lang=en ABOUT THE HOST   Kevin Clifton is a professional dancer who has been performing & competing at the highest level for over a decade. Kevin has worked on shows like 'Burn the floor' & 'Rock of Ages' to 'Strictly Come Dancing' one of the biggest TV shows in the UK which Kevin won in 2018.    CONTACT METHOD Kevin Clifton Instagram Kevin Clifton Facebook Kevin Clifton YouTube        

Strictly Come Dancing has arrived back onto our screens at last, and not a moment too soon. Here to add some cheer to the remainder of 2020 is the nation’s favourite entertainment show - the glitz, the glamour, the fun and the drama! Week One of the 2020 series threw up its fair share of magical moments, and here to discuss them with Kevin are special guests, Strictly performer, Joanne Clifton and Burn The Floor star, Lauren Oakley! KEY TAKEAWAYS Despite the lack of audience in the studio, the Strictly experience was not hampered. The lack of a studio crowd was swiftly forgotten in favour of watching the incredible performances, and the production team worked wonders. When we perform, we must have the belief that we are the best dancer we can possibly be. It is requirement of the profession, because passion requires self-belief. Emotion is a vital part of performance. Sometimes the technical prowess on display can be overruled or amplified by the warmth and spirit displayed in a dance. For those early weeks of the competition, an emotional connection can be more important that getting the steps right. People bring their own perceptions to a dance and to a dancer. Comedians appearing on Strictly generally tends towards energy and comedy. Sports personalities tend towards energy and athleticism. A personality plays a huge role in the perspective we have on a dance. BEST MOMENTS ‘I can’t tell you how much I’ve missed performing in theatres. It’s going to be quite emotional’ - 3:18 ‘It was like a big - I’m going to say smack in the face - but in the RIGHT way!’ - 6:02 ‘When everything comes together, the idea of a dance it make you feel something’ - 24:32 ‘I love seeing a dance with energy, and he three his energy into it’ - 32:44  VALUABLE RESOURCES Joanne Clifton Twitter - https://twitter.com/joanneclifton?lang=en Joanne Clifton Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/realjoanneclifton/?hl=en Lauren Oakley Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/laurenmayoakley/?hl=en Lauren Oakley Twitter - https://twitter.com/laurenmayoakley?lang=en   An Evening With Kevin And Joanne Clifton - www.kevinandjoanne.com The Kevin Clifton Show - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-kevin-clifton-show/id1475650764 ABOUT THE HOST   Kevin Clifton is a professional dancer who has been performing & competing at the highest level for over a decade. Kevin has worked on shows like 'Burn the floor' & 'Rock of Ages' to 'Strictly Come Dancing' one of the biggest TV shows in the UK which Kevin won in 2018.    CONTACT METHOD Kevin Clifton Instagram Kevin Clifton Facebook Kevin Clifton YouTube    

Strictly Come Dancing has arrived back onto our screens at last, and not a moment too soon. Here to add some cheer to the remainder of 2020 is the nation’s favourite entertainment show - the glitz, the glamour, the fun and the drama! In this episode, Kevin talks to ballroom dancer, dance teacher, head judge on Strictly Come Dancing, and known throughout the world as The Queen Of Latin, Shirley Ballas! Shirley discusses her incredible career and journey, her remarkably candid new autobiography, the emotional responsibility of being a performer, and what life is really like a judge on the nation’s favourite television show. KEY TAKEAWAYS Performers are not just masters of their craft in a technical sense, but also in an emotional sense. We learn to leave our emotional states at the side of the stage and step into a new way of feeling and thinking. Becoming the best in one’s field is a test of our resilience, passion and determination. Obstacles and challenges are lessons and make us stronger. Debate still rages about what is more important in a dancer’s toolbox. Technical prowess, or heart, passion and belief in what we do. A dance career is an ongoing apprenticeship, all the way from the beginning, until we reach the higher echelons of success. Not only do we learn about dance, but about life, and how the important lessons come through failure, not success. BEST MOMENTS ‘We can have the worst things going on in our lives, but when we have to go on stage, the “ON" button goes on‘ - 3:14 ‘It took many years of bumps and swimming upstream’ - 8:55 ’There’s no such thing as the perfect dancer, but any true dancer must have a huge heart and be prepared to reveal it‘ - 11:55 ‘You win, you lose. You learn the most when you lose’ - 38:32  VALUABLE RESOURCES Shirley Ballas Twitter - https://twitter.com/ShirleyBallas Shirley Ballas Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/shirleyballas/?hl=en Shirley Ballas: Behind The Sequins (Amazon)   An Evening With Kevin And Joanne Clifton - www.kevinandjoanne.com The Kevin Clifton Show - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-kevin-clifton-show/id1475650764 ABOUT THE HOST   Kevin Clifton is a professional dancer who has been performing & competing at the highest level for over a decade. Kevin has worked on shows like 'Burn the floor' & 'Rock of Ages' to 'Strictly Come Dancing' one of the biggest TV shows in the UK which Kevin won in 2018.    CONTACT METHOD Kevin Clifton Instagram Kevin Clifton Facebook Kevin Clifton YouTube            

Strictly Come Dancing has arrived back onto our screens at last, and not a moment too soon. Here to add some cheer to the remainder of 2020 is the nation’s favourite entertainment show - the glitz, the glamour, the fun and the drama! Few people have more of an insight into what it takes to make the show than Kevin, but for the first time in a long time, he’s able to step outside of the creative bubble and enjoy the show as part of the audience. In this week’s show, Kevin talks you through the highs, the lows, the surprises and the stand-out moments that made 2020’s launch show so successful! KEY TAKEAWAYS This year’s show has seen some reinvention in the wake of the pandemic, but the producers, celebrities and professionals have handled the changes admirably, providing a true sense of continuity. One of the main talking points this year has been the first same-sex couple, but despite the small corner of outrage on social media, the dance is what matters. Why should physiology count when two humans dance with one another? People assume that people with theatrical or dramatic experience have some kind of advantage over other competitors, but this isn’t the case. The best thing to do is to be honest about what you can do, and own it. It is hardly surprising that so many celebrities wish to appear on the show. After being pigeonholed as one thing, they are free to express themselves in entirely new way, and so open up a whole new world of possibilities. BEST MOMENTS ‘I want to celebrate everyone that works on the show’ - 4:48 ‘It immediately just felt like Strictly - it just put us in that magical place’ - 11:10 ‘We’ve all got our predictions and I often get it wrong!’ - 24:54 ‘You see a different person. You immediately see how they are as a normal person’ - 31:45 VALUABLE RESOURCES An Evening With Kevin And Joanne Clifton - www.kevinandjoanne.com The Kevin Clifton Show - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-kevin-clifton-show/id1475650764 ABOUT THE HOST   Kevin Clifton is a professional dancer who has been performing & competing at the highest level for over a decade. Kevin has worked on shows like 'Burn the floor' & 'Rock of Ages' to 'Strictly Come Dancing' one of the biggest TV shows in the UK which Kevin won in 2018.    CONTACT METHOD Kevin Clifton Instagram Kevin Clifton Facebook Kevin Clifton YouTube

In this latest edition of the mini-series, ’Strictly Speaking’, Kevin invites you into the conversation around some of the greatest dances, partners and moments throughout his Strictly Come Dancing journey! This time, Kevin re-joins the conversation with Strictly pro and fan favourite, Neil Jones, discussing the difference between judging and being judged, the importance of individuality, and why it’s vital to remember that dance is a collaborative art. KEY TAKEAWAYS Most dancers know instinctually if they are going to work well as partners. The first few minutes are the most important, and usually tell both performers everything they need to know. Sometimes dancers can spend far too much time trying to emulate the top dancers, instead of carving out their own niche, and drawing from their own individuality. One of the greatest lessons any dancer can learn is that by their performance, they can control the audience and influence their emotional response. It is this realisation that transforms dance into art. Choreography begins in the mind and the imagination, but it can never truly take shape until we have come to know the partner for which the dance is meant. The media tends to dramatise the backstage goings on of Strictly Come Dancing, but the reality is very different. The crew are a team, and each works to support the other. Sometimes this requires a more prominent role, sometimes a lesser one, but everyone works hard to make the best show possible. BEST MOMENTS ’It’s like going to a candy store and being able to taste all the candy without buying it’ - 18:30 ‘If I’d see everybody doing something I’d want to do the opposite’ - 26:10 ‘It’s your job to interpret it, express it, and curate it for an audience’ - 31:38 ’Sometimes people get it wrong when they say I’m going to be clever or inventive or different with this choreography’ - 51:30 ‘We’re part of the show and we’re having fun!’ - 1:09:14 VALUABLE RESOURCES Neil Jones Twitter - https://twitter.com/Mr_NJones An Evening With Kevin And Joanne Clifton - www.kevinandjoanne.com Gingerland Tour - https://www.neiljonestour.com The Kevin Clifton Show - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-kevin-clifton-show/id1475650764 ABOUT THE HOST   Kevin Clifton is a professional dancer who has been performing & competing at the highest level for over a decade. Kevin has worked on shows like 'Burn the floor' & 'Rock of Ages' to 'Strictly Come Dancing' one of the biggest TV shows in the UK which Kevin won in 2018.    CONTACT METHOD Kevin Clifton Instagram Kevin Clifton Facebook Kevin Clifton YouTube

In this latest edition of the mini-series, ’Strictly Speaking’, Kevin invites you into the conversation around some of the greatest dances, partners and moments throughout his Strictly Come Dancing journey! This time, Kevin talks to Strictly pro and fan favourite, Neil Jones, about his career, the ways in which dance has evolved in Britain, and why you should never even think about putting Neil in a “Bordeaux” coloured costume... KEY TAKEAWAYS The emergence of the club system allowed for a more regimented form of dance training for hopefuls. Until this form of guidance became widespread, the way in which young dancers were trained was haphazard and piecemeal. While Kevin and Neil were aspiring youths, the UK dance scene mainly tended to stick to UK-only competitions. The rest of the world tended more towards international competition. People take competitive dancing far too seriously at times, insisting upon authenticity when it comes to costumes or staging. The fail to realise that none of it is truly authentic. As dancers, we are always trying to push the art form forward, and stand out from the others in our field. This is why dance, as an art, has constantly evolved. BEST MOMENTS ’Technically, I’m walking to rumba music, so it’s a rumba walk!’ - 11:42 ‘Doing a rumba with your sister - it’s not right…’ - 16:45 ‘I think I was the only ginger dancer!’ - 22:50 ’Hello - Bordeaux!’ - 29:20 VALUABLE RESOURCES Neil Jones Twitter - https://twitter.com/Mr_NJones An Evening With Kevin And Joanne Clifton - www.kevinandjoanne.com Gingerland Tour - https://www.neiljonestour.com The Kevin Clifton Show - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-kevin-clifton-show/id1475650764 ABOUT THE HOST   Kevin Clifton is a professional dancer who has been performing & competing at the highest level for over a decade. Kevin has worked on shows like 'Burn the floor' & 'Rock of Ages' to 'Strictly Come Dancing' one of the biggest TV shows in the UK which Kevin won in 2018.    CONTACT METHOD Kevin Clifton Instagram Kevin Clifton Facebook Kevin Clifton YouTube  

In this latest edition of the mini-series, ’Strictly Speaking’, Kevin invites you into the conversation around some of the greatest dances, partners and moments throughout his Strictly Come Dancing journey! This week, Kevin is in conversation with Strictly judge, Motsi Mabuse, about the crucial role that the judges play on the nation’s most beloved show, how she made the move from the dance-floor to the judging seat, the effects of lockdown on stage careers, and the incredible journey that has led her to the top of her profession. KEY TAKEAWAYS COVID has forced many to make sacrifices, cut losses, and transform their livelihoods entirely. This is the Corona-Awakening, a state where realisation, and practicalities overtake ambition. Growing up in South Africa was difficult for a family with dance and performance aspirations. Many competitions and events were segregated, but gradually, Motsi and her family’s ambitions broke through. Watching back your performances can be a difficult process, but essential in making you a better performer, and formative in terms of progress. To truly love dance, we must be in love with music. When dance and music come together, they combine to create something spellbinding. When taking steps into the entertainment world, there can be a tendency to invent something of a persona for yourself. In a judge’s case, this can manifest itself in harsher ways, as it makes for good entertainment. Striking the balance between the role and our own personality is crucial. BEST MOMENTS ’I call it Corona-Awakening, and I keep asking people if they had a Corona-Awakening‘ - 10:48 ‘We started from the bottom, and now we’re here!’ - 19:03 ‘I wish so much that I knew who I was in the competition world at that time’ - 38:33 ‘I’ve learned to toughen up a bit, but you have your ups and downs’ - 48:36 ‘Music can put me in such a state. It’s such a powerful force’ - 1:08:56 VALUABLE RESOURCES Motsi Mabuse Twitter - https://twitter.com/MOTSI_MABUSE Motsi Mabuse Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/motsimabuse/?hl=en The Kevin Clifton Show - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-kevin-clifton-show/id1475650764 ABOUT THE HOST   Kevin Clifton is a professional dancer who has been performing & competing at the highest level for over a decade. Kevin has worked on shows like 'Burn the floor' & 'Rock of Ages' to 'Strictly Come Dancing' one of the biggest TV shows in the UK which Kevin won in 2018.    CONTACT METHOD Kevin Clifton Instagram Kevin Clifton Facebook Kevin Clifton YouTube

After Diversity’s groundbreaking performance on Britain’s Got Talent in support of Black Lives Matter, many have called into question the role that art plays in defining or reflecting public opinion. What is the true purpose of art, what is its place in the society, and what can we accept as art? Joining Kevin for this insightful conversation is actor and photographer, Chris Mann. KEY TAKEAWAYS Art has the power to communicate thoughts, ideas, concepts and messages to anyone through narrative creativity. Art is built upon this very foundation, and should never be stifled. We turn to art for comfort, reassurance and escapism from the many troubles in society. Therefore, when we witness powerful messages being communicated through an artistic medium, it is even more powerful. Those who create art have a huge responsibility in that they can sway thought and perception through narrative means. We must strive not to impose our preconceptions upon the world as we experience it. Rather, we should try to enter into any new situation with an open mind. BEST MOMENTS ‘Both of our points of view have been changed by pieces of art’ - 7:20 ‘Art is way for a message to reach anybody at any time’ - 8:00 ‘If you’re not part of the solution, then you’re part of the problem’ - 18:23 ‘I would always want to approach everything from a position of understanding and kindness’ - 37:05 VALUABLE RESOURCES The Kevin Clifton Show - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-kevin-clifton-show/id1475650764 ABOUT THE HOST Kevin Clifton is a professional dancer who has been performing & competing at the highest level for over a decade. Kevin has worked on shows like 'Burn the floor' & 'Rock of Ages' to 'Strictly Come Dancing' one of the biggest TV shows in the UK which Kevin won in 2018.    CONTACT METHOD Kevin Clifton Instagram Kevin Clifton Facebook Kevin Clifton YouTube  

This week, Kevin talks to musical director, Samuel Sene, and actor Katja Quist, the part of the creative team behind C-O-N-T-A-C-T, an interactive theatrical performance utilising technology, live performance and the great outdoors, to bring a completely unique dramatic experience to the streets of the world! KEY TAKEAWAYS The challenges of lockdown forced many creatives to think even more creatively. This led to the C-O-N-T-A-C-T experience, which provides audiences with a safe way to enjoy fresh dramatic live theatre. Theatre has existed in many forms, and has even utilised many of the techniques on show, but this is the first time that so many techniques have been brought together. A production like this is not without its challenges. Aside from technical concerns, the involvement of the audience in such an intimate way has led to a greater sense of immersion. Social distancing is not a natural state for human society to exist in. The play brings this message home in a unique time in our history, which has made the message more meaningful. BEST MOMENTS ‘We are in 2020 and anything can happen!’ - 3:38 ’This is immersive theatre. This is Theatre 2.0’ - 6:08 ‘It’s a symbol of the responsibilities we all have in life’ - 23:48 ‘We must remind people that social distancing is not natural at all’ - 35:40 VALUABLE RESOURCES Katja Quist at The Old Vic - https://www.oldvic.ac.uk/student/katja-quist/ Katja Quist Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/katja.quist/?hl=en Samuel Sene Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/samuel.sene/ Samuel Sene - http://www.samuelsene.fr/en/ Contact - https://www.contactshow.co.uk The Kevin Clifton Show - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-kevin-clifton-show/id1475650764   ABOUT THE HOST   Kevin Clifton is a professional dancer who has been performing & competing at the highest level for over a decade. Kevin has worked on shows like 'Burn the floor' & 'Rock of Ages' to 'Strictly Come Dancing' one of the biggest TV shows in the UK which Kevin won in 2018.    CONTACT METHOD Kevin Clifton Instagram Kevin Clifton Facebook Kevin Clifton YouTube          

It’s September, and the Strictly Come Dancing hype has already begun! Strictly is upon us and it’s all very exciting! News has begun to reach us of who will be involved. This year is very special, as it’ll have to operate in markedly different way from previous years due to the pandemic. But the show will also be a much-needed distraction from what has so far been a very difficult year. In this week’s show, Kevin talks about what is likely to be going on behind the scenes right now, the latest news on line-ups, the excitement and nerves around Strictly season, and why it’s assuredly the nation's favourite entertainment show. Plus, there's news of a very exciting series of live shows from Kevin and his sister, Joanne! KEY TAKEAWAYS This year’s Strictly will be a very different, but no less enjoyable experience for Kevin, as he prepares to enjoy the show as a fan, instead of a participant. Kevin’s perspective on the show is therefore unique. Strictly has taken the opportunity to become progressive this year, by featuring its first same-sex couple. Boxer Nicola Adams will be partnered with a female professional. It’s a brave leap forward for the show that is being widely applauded. The initial meeting between dancer and pro is a crucial one. It not only allows both to see skill levels, but also personality. Getting on with each other is just as important as being skilful. Dancing is an art. It’s hard to judge it in the same way as someone would judge a sport, but it is completely subjective. It’s difficult to separate the skill on show from the competitors themselves, and the allure they bring. BEST MOMENTS ‘I’m getting excited for it as a fan!’ - 13:20 ’Two girls dancing together is not a new thing. It’s just the first time you’ve seen it on Strictly’ - 23:55 ‘I just like to get a sense of the person and who they are’ - 40:30 ’It’s so subjective. Dancing is an art. Some people see it as a sport, but to me, dancing is an art’ - 52:20 VALUABLE RESOURCES An Evening With Kevin And Joanne Clifton - https://www.lighthousepoole.co.uk/whats-on/2020/an-evening-with-kevin-and-joanne-clifton/ The Kevin Clifton Show - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-kevin-clifton-show/id1475650764   ABOUT THE HOST   Kevin Clifton is a professional dancer who has been performing & competing at the highest level for over a decade. Kevin has worked on shows like 'Burn the floor' & 'Rock of Ages' to 'Strictly Come Dancing' one of the biggest TV shows in the UK which Kevin won in 2018.    CONTACT METHOD Kevin Clifton Instagram Kevin Clifton Facebook Kevin Clifton YouTube

To celebrate one year of The Kevin Clifton Show, we’re in conversation with a very special guest - singer, songwriter and performer, Ricky Rojas, whose theatre credits include such stellar hits as ‘Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story’, ‘Fame’, ‘Moulin Rouge’ and ‘Grease’, to name but a few! Ricky joins the show to discuss the incredible road that’s taken him to the heights of theatre-land, the impact of COVID-19 upon the livelihoods and careers of theatrical creatives, and why performers must always enjoy the ride! KEY TAKEAWAYS With so much uncertainty in the theatre right now, many are clinging onto their optimism in the hopes that life will return to normal. The best estimates are that performances will begin again in early 2021. Representation in media of positive Hispanic role models has been a long time coming. For the longest time, they have often been portrayed as villains, or as secondary characters, but that viewpoint is thankfully changing now. One of the greatest ways of learning the theatrical craft is to enrol in theatre school, where the unexpected lessons can be practically learned, such as the importance of read-throughs, connecting with song lyrics, and how to build confidence. When we want something so much, we can be counterproductive to ourselves by holding onto the hope too tightly. Being a performer is all about tempering expectations, and finding the right balance between hope and practicality. As performers, it is our job to leave our personal challenges at the stage door when we perform. Our moods can show when we take the stage, therefore part of the job is being able to detach. BEST MOMENTS ’It’s a matter of not “if” we go back, but “when”’ - 7:35 ‘I don’t think I had a massive goal - I just knew I liked singing’ - 10:10 ‘Don’t take yourself so seriously, and just enjoy the ride, man’ - 17:12 ‘You’ve got to learn to be alright with whatever voice you’ve got that night’ - 47:07 ‘You need to remove the word “impossible” from your vocabulary’ – 57:07 VALUABLE RESOURCES Ricky Rojas - http://www.rickyrojas.com/Ricky_Rojas/Home.html Ricky Rojas Twitter - https://twitter.com/r_rojas?lang=en The Kevin Clifton Show - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-kevin-clifton-show/id1475650764   ABOUT THE HOST Kevin Clifton is a professional dancer who has been performing & competing at the highest level for over a decade. Kevin has worked on shows like 'Burn the floor' & 'Rock of Ages' to 'Strictly Come Dancing' one of the biggest TV shows in the UK which Kevin won in 2018.    CONTACT METHOD Kevin Clifton Instagram Kevin Clifton Facebook Kevin Clifton YouTube

In this week’s show, Kevin talks to theatre producer, Dan Looney, the man responsible for such theatrical hits as ‘Rock Of Ages’ and ‘Fame’, to discuss the current state of theatre in the UK, and how it hopes to move forward following the devastating effects of the pandemic. KEY TAKEAWAYS Theatrical insurance is complicated and technical. Most companies keep a list of diseases through which policies may be enacted. When the lockdown began, COVID-19 was not listed, and therefore theatres were confused about whether they could close. The lockdown’s effects upon theatre are unprecedented. Since WW2, theatres there have only been forcibly closed for two days. The current closures are slowly strangling the industry there. The loss of regional theatres is a huge blow to the industry, as they provide much-needed venues for national tours. The feeling is that once they are gone, they will be gone forever, drastically changing the face of theatre in Britain. Social distancing is expected to conclude in early 2021, and the mood suggests that many are looking forward to spending the entirety of the year in celebration, with much money being spent on leisure. BEST MOMENTS ‘It was a way for the government to make it very easy to shirk the responsibility’ - 5:00 ‘We’re all in this new world of not really knowing what’s next’ - 7:20 ’The whole idea that we can do social distancing in theatres, and get back to normal, just isn’t possible’ - 20:40 ’Next year is going to be the year of the party’ - 22:25 VALUABLE RESOURCES Dan Looney Twitter - https://twitter.com/dan_looney?lang=en The Kevin Clifton Show - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-kevin-clifton-show/id1475650764   ABOUT THE HOST   Kevin Clifton is a professional dancer who has been performing & competing at the highest level for over a decade. Kevin has worked on shows like 'Burn the floor' & 'Rock of Ages' to 'Strictly Come Dancing' one of the biggest TV shows in the UK which Kevin won in 2018.    CONTACT METHOD Kevin Clifton Instagram Kevin Clifton Facebook Kevin Clifton YouTube

In this latest edition of the mini-series, ’Strictly Speaking’, Kevin invites you into the conversation around some of the greatest dances, partners and moments throughout his Strictly Come Dancing journey! This week, we re-join the conversation as Kevin talks to his sister and fellow Strictly pro, Jo Clifton, about her incredible journey to victory during the 2016 series, in which she was partnered with Ore Oduba! You can follow along with Kevin and Jo’s story by watching each dance using the links provided in the show notes of this episode! KEY TAKEAWAYS The music used for a performance can make a huge difference to the performance itself. Familiarity allows a greater sense of freedom in movement. In many ways, being in the dance off can be a great thing. It means that the focus is on you in a far more pronounced way the following week. This means that you can seriously impress audiences if you pull something magical out of the bag. The choreography can be used to raise audience spirits, but it must be done carefully. Raising the energy in the room slowly, and building to a crescendo, is a marvellous technique for increasing that sense of audience engagement. Creating a great dance isn’t about avoiding mistakes. Every dance that has received a perfect score of four tens in the programmes history, can be analysed and critiqued, and mistakes found. Perfection is unachievable. BEST MOMENTS ’You’ve got to see this as an opportunity. All eyes are on you, and what you can pull out of the bag’ - 4:55 ‘It’s not about being clever. It’s about producing a great dance that makes people feel something’ - 11:48 ‘He’s not a mechanical dancer. He understands character’ - 22:50 ’There’s no such thing as a perfect dance’ - 33:42 VALUABLE RESOURCES Jo Clifton Twitter - https://twitter.com/joanneclifton?lang=en Week 8 - Rumba - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=srC2fPR7gDU Week 9 - Viennese Waltz - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WCJ0EC_lOv0 Week 10 - Paso Doble - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cklC8jh5uFM Week 11 - Foxtrot - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VYX6laFZuAg Week 12 - Quickstep - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tLZe5-8f0hw Final - Showdance - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4PMo2Y9y2bM The Kevin Clifton Show - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-kevin-clifton-show/id1475650764   ABOUT THE HOST   Kevin Clifton is a professional dancer who has been performing & competing at the highest level for over a decade. Kevin has worked on shows like 'Burn the floor' & 'Rock of Ages' to 'Strictly Come Dancing' one of the biggest TV shows in the UK which Kevin won in 2018.    CONTACT METHOD Kevin Clifton Instagram Kevin Clifton Facebook Kevin Clifton YouTube

In this latest edition of the mini-series, ’Strictly Speaking’, Kevin invites you into the conversation around some of the greatest dances, partners and moments throughout his Strictly Come Dancing journey! This week, it’s very much a family affair as Kevin talks to his sister and fellow Strictly pro, Jo Clifton, about her incredible journey to victory during the 2016 series, in which she was partnered with Ore Oduba! You can follow along with Kevin and Jo’s story by watching each dance using the links provided in the show notes of this episode! KEY TAKEAWAYS One of the most effective ways to drive yourself to success, is when we are kept back. Determination to upset the applecart, and to prove the naysayers wrong, is what can ignite the fire in the belly. Each couple have their own ways to cope with stress. For Jo and Ore, a set routine of rehearsals, breaks and warmups, depending on their place in the running order, helped to alleviate backstage nerves. Dancers cannot copy dances from original productions, and so the choreography must pay small tributes in terms of style, rather than copy steps wholesale. Early success in the competition can lead to a greater sense of pressure, as we must always be seen to be improving. If the scores are too high too soon, it can be difficult to keep up the growth and momentum. BEST MOMENTS ’You came second! But let’s be fair, you did win it two years later’ - 7:45 ‘Even if it takes me years to prove someone wrong, I’ll keep going at it’ - 12:40 ’Those spontaneous moments only happen if you’re really feeling it’ - 37:25 ‘Any time you can play to the crowd, I always think why not?’ - 1:16:15 VALUABLE RESOURCES Jo Clifton Twitter - https://twitter.com/joanneclifton?lang=en Week 1 - Tango - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lhSUU-LaRfY Week 2 - Cha Cha Cha - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mSfcyiZTeoc Week 3 - American Smooth - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yO-uOfq11iA Week 4 - Jive - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vSq3Hr62-Ig Week 5 - Waltz - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vuX9V0oKVdI Week 6 - Charleston - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4KyEUYFshVY Week 7 - Salsa - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K_uT5jVxAlI  The Kevin Clifton Show - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-kevin-clifton-show/id1475650764   ABOUT THE HOST   Kevin Clifton is a professional dancer who has been performing & competing at the highest level for over a decade. Kevin has worked on shows like 'Burn the floor' & 'Rock of Ages' to 'Strictly Come Dancing' one of the biggest TV shows in the UK which Kevin won in 2018.    CONTACT METHOD Kevin Clifton Instagram Kevin Clifton Facebook Kevin Clifton YouTube

In this week’s show, Kevin talks to a very special guest, his good friend, world-renowned comedian actor and activist, Russell Brand!  Russell talks to Kevin about his life and work, his viewpoint on “cancel culture”, the positive elements that have emerged in the wake of the COVID pandemic, the philosophies that have shaped his unique perspective on the world, and why Star Wars might just be the blueprint for life... KEY TAKEAWAYS The true comedians are the ones who are constantly taking a comedic perspective upon life, and looking for the respectful opportunities to deliver their take on life and its many challenges. The Coronavirus pandemic has proved that if we need to, we can make radical, positive changes to the way our society works, both in financial and behavioural ways. Everything in nature is founded upon a deep intelligence, and we are all part of it. We are travellers upon this intelligence and conscious being. We should never seek to abandon our pasts, but we must never become a slave to them. The past is a tool. We can always learn from our history, but we must try not to endlessly suffer from it. Artists should never let their ego impede the creativity that flows through them from time to time. When this flow happens, it’s a gift. BEST MOMENTS ‘In my heart, I don’t want to cause any harm to anybody’ - 2:10 ‘All forms of desire are the inappropriate substitute for the desire to be at one with God‘ - 18:45 ‘All of us should individually deal with the trauma we’ve dealt with and serve one another however we can' - 38:16 ‘Don’t get me started on the ewoks!’ - 42:10 ‘If my ego gets too much airspace it’ll guzzle up the lot!’ - 1:08:40 VALUABLE RESOURCES Russell Brand Twitter - https://twitter.com/rustyrockets The Kevin Clifton Show - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-kevin-clifton-show/id1475650764   ABOUT THE HOST   Kevin Clifton is a professional dancer who has been performing & competing at the highest level for over a decade. Kevin has worked on shows like 'Burn the floor' & 'Rock of Ages' to 'Strictly Come Dancing' one of the biggest TV shows in the UK which Kevin won in 2018.    CONTACT METHOD Kevin Clifton Instagram Kevin Clifton Facebook Kevin Clifton YouTube

This week, Kevin talks to his mentor, Strictly Come Dancing’s creative director, and one of the world’s most influential and sought-after choreographers and dance champions, Jason Gilkison!  Jason talks to Kevin about the effects of lockdown upon his creative side, the importance of art and culture upon the soul, and the incredible journey that has led him to become one of the world’s greatest choreographers.  KEY TAKEAWAYS Lockdown has caused Jason to develop the art of self-inspiration. When we are not able to readily absorb outer creative influences, we must look internally.  Expression comes from within. Without formal training, sometimes we can struggle for direction, but those with a need to express themselves artistically, will always do so from within.  The great students, and the great teachers, are the ones who instinctually know each other so well, that teaching and learning become an almost telepathic process.  We create great choreography by incremental experimentation, and by focusing upon the essence of what it is we are trying to achieve.  Creating a television show is about building a passionate family of colleagues. Even those without on-camera jobs, still become part of each performance and event, which adds to the camaraderie.  BEST MOMENTS ‘Inspiration can come in the weirdest places’ - 2:50  ‘We danced from “in”, because that’s all we knew how to do’ - 29:40  ‘I never would have been able to predict all the highs and lows’ - 44:23  ‘It felt  like a warm bath, coming to Strictly’ - 1:13:50   VALUABLE RESOURCES Jason Gilkison Twitter - https://twitter.com/jasongilkison?lang=en  Jason Gilkison Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jasongilkison/?hl=en  The Kevin Clifton Show - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-kevin-clifton-show/id1475650764    ABOUT THE HOST   Kevin Clifton is a professional dancer who has been performing & competing at the highest level for over a decade. Kevin has worked on shows like 'Burn the floor' & 'Rock of Ages' to 'Strictly Come Dancing' one of the biggest TV shows in the UK which Kevin won in 2018.    CONTACT METHOD Kevin Clifton Instagram Kevin Clifton Facebook Kevin Clifton YouTube  

In this latest edition of the mini-series, ’Strictly Speaking’, Kevin invites you into the conversation around some of the greatest dances, partners and moments throughout his Strictly Come Dancing journey! This week, Kevin continues his conversation with Susan Calman, discussing the most important reasons for appearing on a show like Strictly Come Dancing, and the best way of coming back from failure. You can follow along with Kevin and Susan’s story by watching each dance using the links provided in the show notes of this episode! KEY TAKEAWAYS Claudia Winkelman’s skills as a host extend far beyond mere presenting. She provides the necessary empathy, and sometimes sympathy, at the right times, and has provided reassurance for many contestants at the right time. The best way to beat the blues, and to give yourself the mental fortitude you need in the wake of failure, is to work even harder. The prospect of leaving the competition is made much easier to take if we know we’ve done our best, and that we’ve exceeded our own expectations. Often, the competitive side of the programme is of secondary importance to the taking part, and the fact that contestants are given the opportunity to take part in a world that they might never have experienced. It is right and proper that the finalists are usually the best dancers in the competition. The work and dedication needed in order to lift the Glitterball is extraordinary. BEST MOMENTS ’The smallest thing can change a dance’ - 1:40 ‘It’s Halloween Week. We’re doing Game Of Thrones. We’re coming down on a dragon. Subtle and elegant isn’t quite what we were going for!’ - 3:40 ‘It was full on, didn’t stop, absolutely went for it!’ - 11:15 ‘I didn’t want to win the competition. I just wanted to get as far as I could’ - 35:10 ‘I think we would break the internet if we were to do that!’ - 55:25 VALUABLE RESOURCES Susan Calman Twitter - https://twitter.com/SusanCalman   Week 6 - Foxtrot - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rHixvzFV6Ws Week 7 - Jive - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dkGK9CGb8YA Week 8 - Tango - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x9K12nPumF4 Week 9 - Paso Doble - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4vpr_e4TCtI Week 10 - American Smooth - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MZgvtyCF3Kg The Kevin Clifton Show - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-kevin-clifton-show/id1475650764   ABOUT THE HOST   Kevin Clifton is a professional dancer who has been performing & competing at the highest level for over a decade. Kevin has worked on shows like 'Burn the floor' & 'Rock of Ages' to 'Strictly Come Dancing' one of the biggest TV shows in the UK which Kevin won in 2018.    CONTACT METHOD Kevin Clifton Instagram Kevin Clifton Facebook Kevin Clifton YouTube

In this latest edition of the mini-series, ’Strictly Speaking’, Kevin invites you into the conversation around some of the greatest dances, partners and moments throughout his Strictly Come Dancing journey! This week, Kevin talks to fan favourite, Susan Calman, who danced all the way through to Week 10 during the 2017 series of the show, capturing a nation’s worth of hearts along the way. You can follow along with Kevin and Susan’s story by watching each dance using the links provided in the show notes of this episode! KEY TAKEAWAYS The quarantine’s effect on culture is not just seeing sharp falls in revenue for theatres and performers, but also has a knock-on effect upon leisure, travel and accommodation; services that are the backbone of the performing arts. Performers thrive on the affirmation gained by a live audience. Without that level of interaction, performance cannot hope to feel the same. Much of the reason for the show’s success relies upon its high production values, its glamour, its bombast and its escapism. This needs to be replicated somehow, even during lockdown. Matching a performer and celebrity to their ideal partner is as much about matching personalities and interests as it is about skill-sets. A personal connection to a dance, or even to a song, can help to enliven a performance. It’s the reason why some dances last longer than others in the minds of the audience and of the performers. BEST MOMENTS ‘I’ve never spent this long with my wife - in my life!’ - 7:20 ‘Whatever capabilities your partner had, you brought out the best in them’ - 41:55 ‘I’m not sure I would want to quarantine with my dance partner 24 hours a day!’ - 21:25 ‘We quickly discovered that both of us are geeks’ - 40:30 ‘If I was going to go out, then I wanted to make sure I’d done one of the proper Strictly ballroom dances’ - 1:12:50 VALUABLE RESOURCES Susan Calman Twitter - https://twitter.com/SusanCalman   Week 1 - Viennese Waltz - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b6314-cYILw Week 2 - Charleston - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AQlZEGHECcM Week 3 - Samba - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dC7NH7rIvRI Week 4 - Quickstep - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SS3gNk0BvkA Week 5 - Cha Cha Cha - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MBvoeekjCTY The Kevin Clifton Show - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-kevin-clifton-show/id1475650764   ABOUT THE HOST   Kevin Clifton is a professional dancer who has been performing & competing at the highest level for over a decade. Kevin has worked on shows like 'Burn the floor' & 'Rock of Ages' to 'Strictly Come Dancing' one of the biggest TV shows in the UK which Kevin won in 2018.    CONTACT METHOD Kevin Clifton Instagram Kevin Clifton Facebook Kevin Clifton YouTube

This week, Kevin chats with Joe Barton, one of the UK’s most sought-after screenwriters, and the creator and writer of smash-hit TV series, Giri/Haji. Joe talks Kevin through his fascinating process when it comes to creation, his journey as a screenwriter, and the effects of having created such a powerful and resonant worldwide success. KEY TAKEAWAYS All writers work in different ways. The more prolific and productive tend to embrace an environment that provides stimulation and inspiration, and most importantly, a place in which we can securely express ourselves. Directors and front-of-camera talent are often celebrated far more than writers, with whom ideas originate. It’s a trend that’s slowly changing, with the advent of name writers, but it’s a situation that many writers must accept at the outset.  When creating an idea, the script itself is equally as important as the home in which the project will eventually find itself. Each production house serves a different purpose. Stories, whether told through drama or even dance, work best when they connect on an emotional level. Technical brilliance has its place, but stories are far more effective when they make people feel. BEST MOMENTS ‘I’m pretty confident that I haven’t written the next King Lear’ - 5:40 ‘In films, the director gets all the credit. In TV, the writer gets all the credit’ - 21:50 ‘If you end up second-guessing yourself then it can hinder you’ - 34:40 ’The only thing that matters is making people feel something’ - 49:30 VALUABLE RESOURCES Joe Barton Twitter - https://twitter.com/JoeBarton_ The Kevin Clifton Show - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-kevin-clifton-show/id1475650764   ABOUT THE HOST   Kevin Clifton is a professional dancer who has been performing & competing at the highest level for over a decade. Kevin has worked on shows like 'Burn the floor' & 'Rock of Ages' to 'Strictly Come Dancing' one of the biggest TV shows in the UK which Kevin won in 2018.    CONTACT METHOD Kevin Clifton Instagram Kevin Clifton Facebook Kevin Clifton YouTube

Kevin talks to actor, singer and musician, Jon Robyns, one of the most prolific and respected stage stars in the UK, and the star of such shows as Avenue Q, Les Miserables and Hamilton. It’s a revealing, candid conversation in which Jon talks about the physical side of performing, the impact of the coronavirus upon the theatre at large, and his fascinating journey through the world of drama and entertainment. KEY TAKEAWAYS Acting and singing are more than jobs. They are an intrinsic part of every performers psyche and physiology. This has never been more effectively demonstrated than by the lockdown, which has had far greater effects upon those in the theatre than merely economic. The voice is as important a muscle as any for theatre performers. When it is not put to use, or given the correct “workout”, it becomes more difficult to use. It need to be exercised like any other muscle. Performing on stage alongside others is an exercise in trust. We need to feel safe and secure in allowing our performance to be supported by others. This is why sometimes those in the profession feel rightly anxious about celebrities who decide to embark upon a career on the stage. Personal feelings should always be put aside when performing with others. As long as the job is being done well, we must compartmentalise personal opinions in favour of doing excellent work. Critiquing one’s self effectively and objectively, is a skill that all great performers develop over time. It is as useful as listening to audience or critical reviews. BEST MOMENTS ‘Frustrated and cross, yes! Bored? No!’ - Approx 4 mins ‘You have to trust the people around you. You have to be able to throw them the metaphoric ball’ - 34:40 ‘It’s a 51-49 situation. I never know which way I’m going to fall with it’ - 1:12:00 ‘We are all our worst critics’ - 1:26:50 ‘It doesn’t get any bigger than Jon Robyns!’ – 1:51:30 VALUABLE RESOURCES Jon Robyns Twitter - https://twitter.com/jrobyns?lang=en The Kevin Clifton Show - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-kevin-clifton-show/id1475650764   ABOUT THE HOST   Kevin Clifton is a professional dancer who has been performing & competing at the highest level for over a decade. Kevin has worked on shows like 'Burn the floor' & 'Rock of Ages' to 'Strictly Come Dancing' one of the biggest TV shows in the UK which Kevin won in 2018.    CONTACT METHOD Kevin Clifton Instagram Kevin Clifton Facebook Kevin Clifton YouTube          

In the tenth part of his mini-series entitled ’Strictly Speaking’, Kevin invites you into the conversation around some of the greatest dances, partners and moments throughout his Strictly Come Dancing journey! It’s a return engagement with fellow Strictly professional, Janette Manrara, about the second half of her run in the 2014 series of the show, where along with Eastenders star, Jake Wood, she danced all the way to week 12! You can follow along with Janette and Jake’s story by watching each dance using the links provided in the show notes of this episode! KEY TAKEAWAYS Halloween Week brings unique challenges. Music is a primary concern, but the concept, also, has to be balanced between being scary enough for Halloween, but also family friendly. The intense scrutiny upon dancers and their partners on the show, has led to some awkward conversations. The media are keen to pounce upon any signals of a deepening relationship between partners, as it makes for a sensational headline. To be a professional on the show, is to be brave enough to make the difficult decisions. Following your instincts and making tough choices, even late into the rehearsal week, is the responsibility of any pro who takes their job seriously. It is the job of the professional to dream the concept into life, but the finished production is a collaboration between this imagination and the incredible skills of the technical magicians who work on the show. By pouring your unique creativity and singular gifts into each and every performance, and by working as hard as we can, we create something timeless. BEST MOMENTS ’Trying to come up with an original idea for Halloween Week is a... “Nightmare!”’ - 1:25 ‘I didn’t want to rock the boat!’ - 32:20 ‘How would you feel… about twerking?’ - 57:30 ’That is the magic of our team’ - 1:23:15 ‘You want to be remembered, and talked about for having done something special’ - 1:40:20   VALUABLE RESOURCES Janette Manrara Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jmanrara/?hl=en   Week 6 - Paso Doble - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jFqP5e5AdAA Week 7 - Rumba - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HA60U_xaK0A Week 8 - American Smooth - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3jyVyG_ZGYg Week 9 - Samba - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MySbnhe675I Week 10 - Argentine Tango - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LfQiK-yU6xI Week 11 - Charleston - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GI6EVUx_2e0 Week 12 - Cha Cha Cha - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g2N9l2-G0U4 The Kevin Clifton Show - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-kevin-clifton-show/id1475650764   ABOUT THE HOST   Kevin Clifton is a professional dancer who has been performing & competing at the highest level for over a decade. Kevin has worked on shows like 'Burn the floor' & 'Rock of Ages' to 'Strictly Come Dancing' one of the biggest TV shows in the UK which Kevin won in 2018.    CONTACT METHOD Kevin Clifton Instagram Kevin Clifton Facebook Kevin Clifton YouTube

In the ninth part of his mini-series entitled ’Strictly Speaking’, Kevin invites you into the conversation around some of the greatest dances, partners and moments throughout his Strictly Come Dancing journey! This week, Kevin talks to fellow Strictly professional, Janette Manrara, about her incredible run of success in the 2014 series of the show, in which she was partnered with Eastenders star, Jake Wood! You can follow along with Janette and Jake’s story by watching each dance using the links provided in the show notes of this episode! KEY TAKEAWAYS Sometimes the preconceptions of not just the celebrity, but the image they generally portray on screens, is taken into account when selecting music and performance concepts. The job of a professional is not just to choreograph the dances, but also to investigate and familiarise themselves with their partner, exploring the many different ways in which their image can be matched, or indeed subverted, against audience expectations. There’s a delicate balancing act between inspiring your partner and instructing them to the point of fatigue and disillusionment. Being a dancer and being a mentor are two very distinct arts. By the time the halfway mark arrives in a series, there’s a sense that people have selected their favourites, and will continue to vote for them. Therefore it’s important to mark yourself out in the first half of the series. BEST MOMENTS ’What?! You’re the voice of the GEICO Gecko!’ - Approx 5 mins in ‘You don’t know from that first moment, what kind of energy they’re going to give you’ - 25:40 ‘I was like oh my God, I think we’ve done something pretty amazing here!’ - 42:10 ‘I always feel that it’s important to get out there early with some bangers!’ - 46:30 ‘It was kind of a rock-star moment’ - 1:04:05    VALUABLE RESOURCES Janette Manrara Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jmanrara/?hl=en   Week 1 - Tango - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FphIj3lUfI0 Week 2 - Salsa - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hPj2Kk2TaTE Week 3 - Waltz - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YNaLLFnpCdA Week 4 - Jive - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V9-p7xOXkDk Week 5 - Quickstep - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zdCb0npx1Bo The Kevin Clifton Show - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-kevin-clifton-show/id1475650764   ABOUT THE HOST   Kevin Clifton is a professional dancer who has been performing & competing at the highest level for over a decade. Kevin has worked on shows like 'Burn the floor' & 'Rock of Ages' to 'Strictly Come Dancing' one of the biggest TV shows in the UK which Kevin won in 2018.    CONTACT METHOD Kevin Clifton Instagram Kevin Clifton Facebook Kevin Clifton YouTube

In the eighth part of a new mini-series entitled ’Strictly Speaking’, Kevin invites you into the conversation around some of the greatest dances, partners and moments throughout his Strictly Come Dancing journey! This week, Kevin again talks to Eastenders star Kellie Bright, his partner in the 2015 series of the show, about the second half of their journey, which saw them waltz all the way to the final! You can follow along with Kellie’s story by watching each dance using the links provided in the show notes of this episode! KEY TAKEAWAYS An additional challenge can come when you suddenly find yourself in the dance-off against someone you’ve come to love and befriend. Victory can feel dispiriting. When you’re in need of a comeback, it’s always best to pull out the big gun ideas. If you win, it gives you new momentum. If you lose, you go out swinging. Victory comes as swiftly as defeat. One minute you can be sitting pretty, and the next you can be rock bottom. All you can do is your best. The joy of dancing, and becoming one with the music, is the addictive part of Strictly. Winning is wonderful, but many contestants simply wish to dance on. Ultimately, the greatest victory is the experience itself. The effort, passion and experience are the true prizes. BEST MOMENTS ’Looking back now I feel incredibly proud’ ‘We’re going all out for this one. Kitchen sink!’ ‘My hips were not happy!’ ‘I now knew the madness of Strictly…' VALUABLE RESOURCES Kellie Bright Twitter - https://twitter.com/kelliebright76?lang=en Week 7 - Waltz - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4gJrBiXQYMQ Week 8 - Samba - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5aseZU0lweE Week 9 - Quickstep - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VgpnadQcLig Week 10 - Salsa - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vGeaiIS1_3A Week 11 - Viennese Waltz - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hscRdprxG74 Week 12 - Rumba - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OWqFs-KKdB0 Final - Showdance - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6RuxA2BY1o8 The Kevin Clifton Show - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-kevin-clifton-show/id1475650764   ABOUT THE HOST   Kevin Clifton is a professional dancer who has been performing & competing at the highest level for over a decade. Kevin has worked on shows like 'Burn the floor' & 'Rock of Ages' to 'Strictly Come Dancing' one of the biggest TV shows in the UK which Kevin won in 2018.    CONTACT METHOD Kevin Clifton Instagram Kevin Clifton Facebook Kevin Clifton YouTube

In the seventh part of a new mini-series entitled ’Strictly Speaking’, Kevin invites you into the conversation around some of the greatest dances, partners and moments throughout his Strictly Come Dancing journey! This week, Kevin talks to Eastenders star Kellie Bright, his partner in the 2015 series of the show, about the fascinating dynamic between dance partners, the terror of late changes to a routine, and the odd feeling of playing “yourself” as an actor. You can follow along with Kellie’s story by watching each dance using the links provided in the show notes of this episode! KEY TAKEAWAYS It’s as important for the professionals to appear as appealing as the celebrity partners during the initial process of pairing. It can be slightly nerve-wracking for the pros who are not as outgoing or extroverted as the others. The dynamic can be altered according to how new a pro is to the show. If they are trying to establish themselves on the show, it can lead to a greater sense of invention, and a need to stand out. Even the smallest variation in a carefully rehearsed piece of choreography can create a ripple that begins as unfamiliarity, and spreads to become a feeling of doubt. For those untrained to deal with “on the fly” changes, it can prove an anxious experience. Being on Strictly requires actors, who are generally playing the part of someone else, to be themselves. After a career spent inhabiting different personalities, to suddenly play the part of “yourself” can be difficult. It’s important to feel some kind of emotional connection with the music; to feel some sense of energy or joy or passion by the music that dictates the dance. BEST MOMENTS ’That was the most scared I’ve ever been in my life' ‘I called him a very rude name, and told him to… “go away”!' ‘I don’t remember much else from that week apart from the terror...’ ‘I wanted to do a routine where I didn’t have to hold a lightsaber or a wand or something’ ‘You were born to play Harry Potter!' VALUABLE RESOURCES Kellie Bright Twitter - https://twitter.com/kelliebright76?lang=en   Week 1 - Tango - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o1L9kjn-H2A Week 2 - Cha Cha Cha - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sySuXiZaghg Week 3 - Charleston - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RllN0klmBro Week 4 - Foxtrot - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2MOPdZeGLQI Week 5 - Jive - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bKpA_7nfxXQ Week 6 - Paso Doble - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRclnUv0Sc8 The Kevin Clifton Show - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-kevin-clifton-show/id1475650764   ABOUT THE HOST Kevin Clifton is a professional dancer who has been performing & competing at the highest level for over a decade. Kevin has worked on shows like 'Burn the floor' & 'Rock of Ages' to 'Strictly Come Dancing' one of the biggest TV shows in the UK which Kevin won in 2018.    CONTACT METHOD Kevin Clifton Instagram Kevin Clifton Facebook Kevin Clifton YouTube

In the sixth part of a new mini-series entitled ’Strictly Speaking’, Kevin invites you into the conversation around some of the greatest dances, partners and moments throughout his Strictly Come Dancing journey! Kevin is joined again by Amy Dowden, a fellow Strictly pro, about her journey through the 2019 series, where she was partnered with Karim Zeroual, and waltzed all the way to the final! In the second part of their conversation, Amy talks you through the second half of their journey, from Week 7 to the final. You can follow along with Amy’s story by watching each dance using the links provided in the show notes of this episode! KEY TAKEAWAYS A negative scoring week can mean more pressure to perform well next time, but it can also mean that if a reversal of fortunes does occur, then your story and journey become that much more interesting. The great dances are the ones that flow organically from the story itself. This was also true for the great dancers of the past on film, who used the story itself to devise dances, and not vice versa Dwelling upon negativity and failure never helps us to develop. When we are hit by a setback, we need to dust ourselves off and get back to work. Real emotion is all a part of a great dance. In a way, dancers are like actors, performing in order to elicit an emotional response. But it must be authentic. Contrasts are incredibly important, especially in shows involving more than one dance. For the final, three dances are required, and each must stand out in terms of tempo and style, from the others. BEST MOMENTS ’They want to make the best Saturday night show they possibly can’ ‘When we get into the studio on Monday, it’s put in the past and we move on’ ‘It’s a shame your body’s not doing what your face is doing!’ ‘I wanted to show what Karim would look like as Fred Astaire’ ‘If you work hard, your dreams can come true' VALUABLE RESOURCES Amy Dowden Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/amy_dowden/?hl=en Amy Dowden Twitter - https://twitter.com/dowden_amy?lang=en  Week 7 - Quickstep - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yQUHpt61DoA Week 8 - Viennese Waltz - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RUnKzPpD38k Week 9 - Charleston - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TfVBow9BMho Week 10 - Contemporary - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OYkqZ6Q5Zow Week 11 - Jive - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WA3nkbXZVYs Week 12 - Argentine Tango - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ECJ-pMr_X3E Final - Showdance - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OEysozLVETw The Kevin Clifton Show - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-kevin-clifton-show/id1475650764   ABOUT THE HOST Kevin Clifton is a professional dancer who has been performing & competing at the highest level for over a decade. Kevin has worked on shows like 'Burn the floor' & 'Rock of Ages' to 'Strictly Come Dancing' one of the biggest TV shows in the UK which Kevin won in 2018.    CONTACT METHOD Kevin Clifton Instagram Kevin Clifton Facebook Kevin Clifton YouTube

In the fifth part of a new mini-series entitled ’Strictly Speaking’, Kevin invites you into the conversation around some of the greatest dances, partners and moments throughout his Strictly Come Dancing journey! Kevin is joined this time by Amy Dowden, a fellow Strictly pro, about her journey through the 2019 series, where she was partnered with Karim Zeroual, and waltzed all the way to the final! In this first part of the conversation, Amy talks you through weeks 1 to 6. You can follow along with Amy’s story by watching each dance using the links provided in the show notes of this episode! KEY TAKEAWAYS Being partnered on Strictly is something of a paradox. A partner with some dance experience means less work for the pro, but a partner with less experience tends to have less expectation, and can be more endearing to audiences. The mental game is as important as the physical one. Early victories and high scores can saddle dancers with huge expectations, and sometimes the only way is down. Finding the balance between generosity and discipline marks the good teachers from the great ones. Pros must get the best out of their partners, but as gently as possible. The mentality of true dancers is to always push through, even when physical health hampers our ability to do so. As a choreographer, you must follow the story of the music itself. When we try to crowbar our own ideas into a musical setting they can seem ill-fitting. BEST MOMENTS ‘You had me at a park bench and a maroon suit!’ ‘It’s really important to get the best out of yourself and your partner’ ‘You can’t rely on last week’s result because there’s an all-new leader board next week’ ‘We need to show that we’re willing to learn!’ VALUABLE RESOURCES Amy Dowden Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/amy_dowden/?hl=en Amy Dowden Twitter - https://twitter.com/dowden_amy?lang=en  Week 1 - Cha Cha Cha - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UvZCJlIA-hU Week 2 - Foxtrot - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UxUlcJLgAMM Week 3 - Samba - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XtU17dp-wGU Week 4 - Tango - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jYucdnNlUvQ Week 5 - Salsa - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Clg-3ChY8i8 Week 6 - Paso Doble - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2EXMMPJvTr4 The Kevin Clifton Show - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-kevin-clifton-show/id1475650764   ABOUT THE HOST Kevin Clifton is a professional dancer who has been performing & competing at the highest level for over a decade. Kevin has worked on shows like 'Burn the floor' & 'Rock of Ages' to 'Strictly Come Dancing' one of the biggest TV shows in the UK which Kevin won in 2018.    CONTACT METHOD Kevin Clifton Instagram Kevin Clifton Facebook Kevin Clifton YouTube

In the fourth part of a new mini-series entitled ’Strictly Speaking’, Kevin invites you into the conversation around some of the greatest dances, partners and moments throughout his Strictly Come Dancing journey! Kevin is joined once again by his real-life dance partner, BBC presenter Stacey Dooley. Kevin and Stacey discuss the dances and stories that took them all the way to the Strictly crown, and invite you to watch along by using the special links below! KEY TAKEAWAYS Strictly’s entertainment factor allows for the melding of contemporary dance styles with the production values of yesteryear.  Maximising your impact is all about timing. It’s knowing when it’s time to bring out the big guns, and performing the big dances when it counts. Physical training for Strictly only gets harder as you go on. By the time you reach the final third of the show, endurance is almost as important as technical skill. There can only ever be one winner. It’s vital to keep control of your humility, especially in the later stages of any competition, as the threat of disappointment looms as large as the prospect of victory. Stacey and Kevin’s eventual victory is proof that entertainment and emotional connection play a huge part in the journey of any performer.  BEST MOMENTS ‘You look like a professional dancer. It’s why I’m so proud of you’ ‘I can’t decide whether this is naff beyond naff, or it’s an absolute stroke of genius’ ’The river is going to get you’ ‘I actually can’t bear to watch. I’m watching through my hands!' VALUABLE RESOURCES Week 7 - Street - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FVHw3M1hOaU Week 8 - Waltz - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lQYz1CHjVGw Week 9 - Salsa - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rWrhsRNtYvU Week 10 - Paso Doble - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DAsh5gRPiSk Week 11 - American Smooth - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9feEtrVCH8Y Week 12 - Charleston - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kLG5luNbYQc Week 12 - Viennese Waltz - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lkeIXMrCrf0 Final  - Showdance - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ahn_b-QoW1k The Kevin Clifton Show - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-kevin-clifton-show/id1475650764   ABOUT THE HOST   Kevin Clifton is a professional dancer who has been performing & competing at the highest level for over a decade. Kevin has worked on shows like 'Burn the floor' & 'Rock of Ages' to 'Strictly Come Dancing' one of the biggest TV shows in the UK which Kevin won in 2018.    CONTACT METHOD Kevin Clifton Instagram Kevin Clifton Facebook Kevin Clifton YouTube

In the third part of a new mini-series entitled ’Strictly Speaking’, Kevin invites you into the conversation around some of the greatest dances, partners and moments throughout his Strictly Come Dancing journey!  This time, Kevin is joined by the partner with whom he shared his greatest success, both on-and-off the screen, BBC presenter Miss Stacey Dooley. Together they lifted the Strictly crown in 2018, but the journey was long and filled with unexpected surprises… In this week’s show, Kevin and Stacey discuss their first six weeks together on the show, and invite you to watch along by using the special links below!  KEY TAKEAWAYS Secrecy is the key to stimulating the viewers’ and the pro’s interest. No-one finds out who they’re partnered with until the very moment it’s revealed on air!  It takes several weeks to develop the trust and friendship that inspires true creativity in dance. Stacey and Kevin hit it off almost immediately, which led to some wonderful innovation early on.  The concepts behind the stories in Strictly dances have a sell-by date. By catching the zeitgeist you can add to the audience involvement, but if you miss it, it can send the wrong kind of message.  People watch Strictly to be entertained, not to see the most classic examples of dance. The memorable pairings are the ones who embrace that concept.  BEST MOMENTS ‘I was cheddar because I was the most common!’  ‘You said I looked like a car salesman walking you to the nearest car!’  ’No-one watches Strictly so that they can see people taking themselves seriously’  ‘I’ll sacrifice precision for fun!’  VALUABLE RESOURCES Week 1 - Quickstep - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ssQMXa5Rf0U  Week 2 - Cha Cha Cha - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D2jNT1NsAD0  Week 3 - Jive - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KABjoVp8JMw  Week 4 - Foxtrot - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SeELaJfI2m8  Week 5 - Samba - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5yUEGFIRNwc  Week 6 - Tango - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bGQCD6TG244  The Kevin Clifton Show - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-kevin-clifton-show/id1475650764    ABOUT THE HOST   Kevin Clifton is a professional dancer who has been performing & competing at the highest level for over a decade. Kevin has worked on shows like 'Burn the floor' & 'Rock of Ages' to 'Strictly Come Dancing' one of the biggest TV shows in the UK which Kevin won in 2018.    CONTACT METHOD Kevin Clifton Instagram Kevin Clifton Facebook Kevin Clifton YouTube

In the second of a new mini-series entitled ’Strictly Speaking’, Kevin invites you into the conversation around some of the greatest dances, partners and moments throughout his Strictly Come Dancing journey! This week, Kevin revisits the second half of 2013’s series which saw him appear for the first time on the show, and which saw him partnered with Susanna Reid. Kevin and Susanna managed to get all the way to the final, and performed several spellbinding dances along the way. In this week’s show, Kevin talks you through the creative process behind each performance, as well as the impact of appearing for the first time on Britain’s most popular television show. KEY TAKEAWAYS Many of us have been given the gift of time right now. Consequently, there has been a sense of pressure on people to achieve or develop in some ways. But if we need to be at peace, then we need to grant ourselves the permission to do that. In all performances, you’re looking for the perfect balance of energy, artistry and emotion. Storytelling through dance can achieve all three, and the main job of any choreographer is to create that narrative experience. To achieve success, we should focus on the work itself instead of the expected outcomes. Only by living in the moment can we really exceed our expectations. Performances are sometimes executed in a non-traditional way in order to up the entertainment factor and win votes. It’s a delicate balance between purist dance and mass appeal. Music is a crucial ingredient in the appeal of any dance. It is a vital way of involving the audience in the rhythm and soul of the performance. BEST MOMENTS ‘What I’m really interested in is what everyone chooses to do with this gift of time’ ’To truly affect an audience, you’ve got to perform it well’ ‘We need to show something dynamic!’ ‘Dancing is an art. It’s about expression. It’s not a sport' VALUABLE RESOURCES Week 7 - Waltz - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7VKqUPvdrXo Week 8 - Paso - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GbNusScEDHo Week 9 - Cha Cha - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RQhasI7mPVU Week 10 - Quickstep - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vo1KlXnfLvo Week 11 - Argentine Tango - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AVyNkpl8IQ4 Week 12 - Salsa - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IoNheR7_n9k Final - Showdance - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jxe1KK_tw-8 The Kevin Clifton Show - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-kevin-clifton-show/id1475650764   ABOUT THE HOST   Kevin Clifton is a professional dancer who has been performing & competing at the highest level for over a decade. Kevin has worked on shows like 'Burn the floor' & 'Rock of Ages' to 'Strictly Come Dancing' one of the biggest TV shows in the UK which Kevin won in 2018.    CONTACT METHOD Kevin Clifton Instagram Kevin Clifton Facebook Kevin Clifton YouTube

In the first of a new mini-series entitled ’Strictly Speaking’, Kevin invites you into the conversation around some of the greatest dances, partners and moments throughout his Strictly Come Dancing journey! This week, Kevin revisits his beginnings on the show; 2013’s series, which saw him appear for the first time, and which saw him partnered with Susanna Reid. Listen as he talks about the creative process behind each dance, the behind-the-scenes stories of what really went on, and the impact of the show from a professional dancer’s perspective. KEY TAKEAWAYS Perseverance was the key in the first year, where Kevin went from leading man of ‘Burn The Floor’, to the back of the room as a new Strictly Pro. Through hard work and determination, he eventually began to move forward. One of the main lessons learned was to be as memorable as possible, as quickly as possible, whenever a series began. It’s important to be the main part of the “coffee break” conversations on Monday morning. Techniques such as dropping to the floor, and making the partner seem higher, serve to emphasise their solo sections, and help to shift focus when needed. The audience of Strictly Come Dancing have never tuned in to see perfectly-executed examples of technique and ability. They come to be entertained. Entertainment should always be the priority. Even small factors, such as the order in which dancers appear, can make a huge difference to the reaction to a dance, and even to the popularity when it comes to the voting. BEST MOMENTS ‘I feel like I had to pay my dues in that first year’ ‘As soon as you enter that territory of “remind me which dance they did”, then you haven’t been memorable enough’ ’This was my first taste of the show’s big production narrative pieces!’ ‘Just go for it with energy, and commit to the craziness of the number’ ‘It’s more important to be memorable than perfect' VALUABLE RESOURCES Week 1 - Jive - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iF5SvHjYPkc Week 2 - Tango - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aepPe_Jpaf8 Week 3 - Viennese Waltz - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VtK3YwjBrSs Week 4 - Samba - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ff0g6P4slo4 Week 5 - American Smooth - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=at1Y_PoNCrI Week 6 - Charleston - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AxJx_LGOJqw The Kevin Clifton Show - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-kevin-clifton-show/id1475650764   ABOUT THE HOST   Kevin Clifton is a professional dancer who has been performing & competing at the highest level for over a decade. Kevin has worked on shows like 'Burn the floor' & 'Rock of Ages' to 'Strictly Come Dancing' one of the biggest TV shows in the UK which Kevin won in 2018.    CONTACT METHOD Kevin Clifton Instagram Kevin Clifton Facebook Kevin Clifton YouTube

The nation’s most beloved couple, Kevin and Stacey Dooley, join forces this week to talk about their adventures in self-isolation, and more importantly why pro-wrestling really needs to be recognised as the influential theatrical art-form it is...   KEY TAKEAWAYS Wrestling should be seen as live theatre. It involves choreography, story-telling and showmanship. It’s remarkably similar to the format of dance in terms of entertainment and spectacle. One of the most common misconceptions about wrestling is that the fans believe it’s real. Only the very young believe that a wrestling match is a sporting event. The true fans know that it is entertainment. Even the greatest showmen in other fields, such as boxing and reality TV, all pay tribute to the effect that wrestling has had upon the art of entertainment. Pro-wrestling has had a remarkable influence on every type of entertainment, even in the ways in which we ourselves choose to offer a scripted, crafted version of our lives for the world through social media. Due to quarantine, audiences are noticeably missing from wrestling events. Technically it works, but much of the energy is missing. Even performance-based shows such as Strictly Come Dancing are very different experiences without the feedback from an audience. BEST MOMENTS ‘For me, wrestling is the original and highest form of art and theatre’ ‘It’s really cool to be unapologetically yourself’ ’Wrestling is Shakespearean!’ ‘Without wrestling you have no Muhammad Ali. Without wrestling you have no The Only Way Is Essex’ ‘My wrestling name would be The Grim-sby Reaper' VALUABLE RESOURCES The Kevin Clifton Show - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-kevin-clifton-show/id1475650764 Stacey Dooley Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sjdooley/?hl=en   ABOUT THE HOST Kevin Clifton is a professional dancer who has been performing & competing at the highest level for over a decade. Kevin has worked on shows like 'Burn the floor' & 'Rock of Ages' to 'Strictly Come Dancing' one of the biggest TV shows in the UK which Kevin won in 2018.    CONTACT METHOD Kevin Clifton Instagram Kevin Clifton Facebook Kevin Clifton YouTube

In this episode, Kevin and Stacey discuss the real cost of fast fashion and how as the consumer it is possible to shop for clothing that is sustainable and ethically produced that we love and want to own. They explore the environmental impact of high street fashion and the wider implications for regional communities across the globe when pollution fundamentally changes the environment. Stacey also discusses her latest project a documentary for BBC3 about Coronavirus. For this program they are looking for the unsung heroes, if you know someone then get in touch and contact stacey@truevision.tv.com Everyone has the power to make a choice and the points raised by Stacey and Kevin are thought-provoking listen in and hear more.   KEY TAKEAWAYS I genuinely find it interesting and because I’m such as shopper I just want to do my bit ethically. Fashion is the second biggest polluter globally. I was aware of the human cost but not so aware of the environmental cost. Cotton is a thirsty crop so it requires a huge amount of water and in Kazakhstan, the Aral Sea has all but disappeared resulting in fisherman not being able to support their families. We are all complicit because we are all consumers. It’s important to own clothes not consume them, we have become consumers of clothing in the way we consume food. We see garments as a one-time thing but we need to own and love our clothing altering and repairing them as needed. If an item is very low in price there will have been an unfair cost to an individual or the planet, or both, in its manufacture. You need to choose a garment because you love it and it needs to be a bonus that it’s ethically produced. There is no need to ever throw clothes away if you have had your time with them you can give them to charity or sell them on eBay. It’s not about the price of an item it’s about the cost per wear and respecting clothing.   BEST MOMENTS ‘Oxfam, Save the Children and Wolf & Gypsy are all second-hand stores with beautiful pieces’ ‘It’s not about me not loving shopping or not buying anything anymore it’s about understanding more about the process’   VALUABLE RESOURCES The Kevin Clifton Show podcast Stacey Dooley Investigates Documentaries Wolf and Gypsy Vintage Oxfam Online shop Save the Children online shop stacey@truevision.tv.com   ABOUT THE HOST Kevin Clifton is a professional dancer who has been performing & competing at the highest level for over a decade. Kevin has worked on shows like 'Burn the floor' & 'Rock of Ages' to 'Strictly Come Dancing' one of the biggest TV shows in the UK which Kevin won in 2018.    CONTACT METHOD Kevin Clifton Instagram Kevin Clifton Facebook Kevin Clifton YouTube

Burn The Floor, one of Kevin’s longest-running passion projects, has been postponed for safety reasons, and the impact of this has put him in a reflective mood. The show is the original, and most famous ballroom dance show in the world, and for those of you who may now be in need of a Burn-The-Floor fix until the show hits the road again, Kevin is here to tell you all about how the show began, and why it matters so much to the industry and its audience. KEY TAKEAWAYS With the end of social gatherings for the time being, the theatrical industry has been hard hit. Many workers are self-employed, and even those who are employed are dependent upon audiences, which are no longer there. Burn The Floor was the original ballroom dance event, and spawned many imitators due to its success. But even though the landscape now sees many more of these shows, Burn The Floor will always be the greatest and most renowned. The show was born when Elton John decided to arrange for a group of dancers to perform at a birthday party. The dancers stepped up the task admirably, and in the wake of its success, decided to take their show on the road. For the first time, ballroom became about story and narrative, character and drama. The result was an incredibly unique blend of dance and theatre, the likes of which the world had never experienced before. Kevin’s initial reaction to joining Burn The Floor was one of awe. It was an atmosphere of pure creativity, boundless energy and imagination, and built upon the principles of pushing dance into a whole new arena. Burn The Floor is constantly in "work-shop” phase. It’s a show that is always evolving, even when it’s on the road. New ideas are welcomed, and if they’re deemed suitably exciting, are added in order to make the show even fresher and more exciting. Burn The Floor was quickly taken to Broadway by producers who could see the potential behind the show. The original run there was supposed to last a mere eight weeks, but such was the show’s success that the run was extended to eight months. After leaving the show, Kevin found that he could never quite tear himself away from it mentally. The show’s legacy, its many gifts in terms of profile-building, and the experience in general, were impossible to deny or forget. Burn The Floor is a rare example of a show that works no matter where it's performed. It truly shows dance as a universal art-form, unbound by verbal language, and uniting audiences through means of purely physical artistry. BEST MOMENTS ‘Back then, the only things happening in ballroom dancing were competitions’ ‘It was about pushing the techniques as far as they would go in order to create theatre’ ‘Every single one of them was giving every ounce of sweat to what they were doing’ ’The creativity in the room was astounding’ ‘It’s happened - We’re going to Broadway…' ‘You have to be a part of Burn The Floor to understand just how special it is’ VALUABLE RESOURCES   The Kevin Clifton Show - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-kevin-clifton-show/id1475650764   ABOUT THE HOST   Kevin Clifton is a professional dancer who has been performing & competing at the highest level for over a decade. Kevin has worked on shows like 'Burn the floor' & 'Rock of Ages' to 'Strictly Come Dancing' one of the biggest TV shows in the UK which Kevin won in 2018.    CONTACT METHOD Kevin Clifton Instagram Kevin Clifton Facebook Kevin Clifton YouTube

This week has seen Kevin make the formal announcement that after seven glorious years, he is to leave Strictly Come Dancing, the show that made him a household name. It’s been a difficult decision to leave, especially as Kevin’s experience on the show has been so formative, so epic, and has allowed him to take his career in a wonderfully unexpected direction. With change comes sadness, happiness, but also reflection.  In this especially candid episode, Kevin talks about his Strictly journey from start to finish, the real reasons that made him realise that now was the time to leave, his fondest recollections of his time on the show, how he earned his infamous nickname, and what comes next... KEY TAKEAWAYS One of the things Kevin is looking forward to, now that he’s not on Strictly, is reflecting on his time there, and enjoying more of the year’s offerings at the time. Being a viewer of the show will be a wonderful experience again. When the idea of Strictly was first announced, Kevin and his fellow professionals were sceptical. Their fears were put to rest, however, when they saw the quality of the show that was being produced, and the level of talent it was attracting in the dance world. Kevin’s initial approach to Strictly was a failure. He puts this down to his image at the time, which he feels was a little too “out there” for the producers. Never be too proud to take on work. Just because it isn’t the job you wanted at the outset, doesn’t mean you won’t get there. Act with grace at all times, because by being present and professional in front of the right people, you’ll increase your chances of getting there. You can’t always say what you want to say in front of the press, because a lot of the time, they have their own agenda when it comes to you. They will re-phrase and misquote your words in order to fit that agenda. You need to be very careful. After several years of coming runner-up, Kevin’s first victory was with Stacey Dooley in 2018, a victory made all the more special by the fact that early in the series, they had been close to elimination. But Stacey’s perseverance and Kevin’s creativity saw to it that their comeback trail was spellbinding. After winning the “Grand Slam 5” set of Strictly Glitterballs, Kevin realised that he had achieved everything he could achieve on the show. This, coupled with a desire to try his hand at other aspirations, led to the realisation that maybe his time on the show had come to an end. The tabloids seem to have seized on Kevin’s departure, and used it to sensationalise their own agenda. The truth of the matter is that the departure was harmonious, and the decision was reached with the full cooperation of the Strictly team. Kevin’s next opportunity has come through being cast in the lead of the West End version of hit movie, ’Strictly Ballroom’. The role has always been Kevin’s dream gig, and so when the opportunity came, he grabbed it with both hands. The story of Scott Hastings in Strictly Ballroom directly mirrors Kevin’s own journey in dance, even down to the fact that the character’s parents are pro-dancers. Accountability is so important, especially for a performer. We need to get our egos out of the way. Don’t assume you’re everyone’s ideal. Look for how you can improve, and take the win next time. BEST MOMENTS ’There was a bit of snobbery about it’ ‘I’ve always been full of ideas about things I’d like to do’ ‘All ballroom dancers sort of know each other from somewhere’ ‘Be in front of the right people’ ‘It’s the premier league of trophies. It’s the big one’ ‘It just shows you what a massive part of my life this thing has been’ ‘My mate played the part of the washing line!’ VALUABLE RESOURCES  The Kevin Clifton Show -https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-kevin-clifton-show/id1475650764 ABOUT THE HOST Kevin Clifton is a professional dancer who has been performing & competing at the highest level for over a decade. Kevin has worked on shows like 'Burn the floor' & 'Rock of Ages' to 'Strictly Come Dancing' one of the biggest TV shows in the UK which Kevin won in 2018.  CONTACT METHOD Kevin Clifton Instagram Kevin Clifton Facebook Kevin Clifton YouTube  

One of Kevin’s ambitions for the show has been to interview the fabulous writer, activist, model, presenter and mum, Katie Piper, and today the dream becomes a reality. Katie is one of the most familiar and beloved personalities in Britain, not just for her dazzling beauty and warm wit, but also for her courageous championing of charitable causes and her renowned compassion and relatability.  In this very special edition of The Kevin Clifton Show, we get up close and personal with Katie, discussing everything from balancing work and home, the importance of stepping outside of your comfort zone, and the ways in which self-analysis and self-belief can help lift you back to the light in the wake of life’s darkest moments. KEY TAKEAWAYS Being busy, and living through a hectic schedule, is a mark of positivity and productivity. Both Katie and Kevin enjoy the hustle of creativity and development. Strictly Come Dancing were keen to sign Katie for many years, but her exclusivity deal with Channel 4 prevented her from doing so. However, when that expired in 2018, she jumped at the chance to take to the floor. Whenever you start in something new, you always feel that sense of being stranded. For Katie, the Strictly experience was starkly different to anything she’d experienced before. She was used to being on TV, but dancing on TV was a whole new world. In life, we must always seek the challenge of the next thing. If we’re feeling safe, then it’s usually a sign of being static. Only when we let go of our inhibitions can we truly begin to enjoy our endeavours. It doesn’t come straight away, so don’t expect it to happen instantly, but when it does come, that feeling of release will allow you to enjoy life so much more. Podcasting allows Katie to express herself, and to show the world the real, unfiltered side of herself. it also allows her to express her ideas quickly, with complete editorial control, while they’re still relevant. Even if you live in the public eye, it’s important to have boundaries. People will respect you more in the long run if you can separate your private life from your public life. Confidence is an issue that all performers deal with, and sometimes struggle with. For Kevin, confidence is a huge issue, and although he may seem like an extrovert on Strictly, in social situations and in normal life, he is very shy. Confidence allows us to bounce back from rejection. The self-belief we must have in ourselves, especially as performers, picks us up in the face of a setback, and spurs us on to the next challenge. Life-changing injuries are just that - they never truly heal. Physically, Katie has, and will continue, to receive treatment. Psychologically, she finds herself having to readjust her outlook every now and then. It’s an ongoing struggle, but she refuses to let it beat her. It’s okay to be negative sometimes. It’s okay to be lazy. It’s okay to want to isolate yourself, All these things, in the wake of a life-calamity, are your own way of getting through this. So long as you realise this, and that you know it’s only temporary. We’re so obsessed with identity and occupation. When we ask “What do you do?”, the answer can be so complicated. It’s unfortunate that occupation is how we categorise people. Resilience comes through life experience and age. When we are shown the thing we can survive, we discover the things we’re capable of. Confidence comes through our embarrassment being shrugged away. We can’t spend our lives living in fear of what people think of us, or we’re lining ourselves up for a very poor existence. There’s a fine line between being self-serving and arrogant, and being nothing but a people pleaser. You need to say no sometimes. You need to remember that your life is your own. You can’t please everyone, so you may as well please yourself. We never really use a positive internal commentary by default. Our standard position is to question, and to worry about something. We need to nurture the positive voice. BEST MOMENTS ‘I feel really fortunate to be able to say that I do a job that I’m passionate about’ ‘I still don’t know the grammatical difference between their and there’ ‘I feel like I’m doing a wee with the door open!’ ‘Can I change this?’ ‘It’s normal to get rejected in life. That’s okay’ ‘I wanted the burn to live with me, not for me to live with the burn’ ’There was a moment of clarity’ ‘Rock bottom is a great place to start’ ‘Politely saying “no” is quite empowering’ ’The negatives happen before you’ve even tried’ ‘I am the female Tyson Fury!' VALUABLE RESOURCES   The Kevin Clifton Show - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-kevin-clifton-show/id1475650764 Katie Piper’s Extraordinary People Podcast - https://play.acast.com/s/katiepiper Katie Piper Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/katiepiper_/?hl=en ABOUT THE HOST   Kevin Clifton is a professional dancer who has been performing & competing at the highest level for over a decade. Kevin has worked on shows like 'Burn the floor' & 'Rock of Ages' to 'Strictly Come Dancing' one of the biggest TV shows in the UK which Kevin won in 2018.    CONTACT METHOD Kevin Clifton Instagram Kevin Clifton Facebook Kevin Clifton YouTube

In this in-depth episode, Kevin is in conversation with Chris Mann,  Portrait Photographer, they are great friends and share a passion for the expression of the artist, whatever the medium. This is a great listen as they discuss their own artistic disciplines and the ways in which its important to reach people and truly touch them emotionally. Chris started out as an actor and moved into photography where he now specialises in headshots that truly capture the individual. All art is context, it’s about the deeper meaning, the journey taken, explored and the arrival at that particular moment listen in and hear about Chris’s journey.   KEY TAKEAWAYS You can’t learn anything inside your own experience if you know it you know it and you’ll be standing still. What I do, the headshots are so similar every day that now I’m an expert at it but there is creativity in it, people come to me because they need something it’s much more important to facilitate what they want – looking like themselves, looking interesting I saw a problem with how headshots were taken, that people are always expected to be still. I’ve never had a decent headshot taken - I’ve never been still. Creativity is an itch for me that has to be scratched but it doesn’t have to be about being  in front of others my voice can be heard and I can say what I want to say through my camera I still take pictures of other things to meet my creativity these photos belong to me alone whereas headshots are about being with and working with someone else. By asking yourself questions and looking at things differently you can move your art forward Dance is a physical vocabulary People do the weirdest things with their bodies when you don’t get in the way of it and it photographs beautifully because it’s authentic. The only thing that can bring a moving 3d human look and feel like themselves in a flat 2d photograph is the series of shapes their body and face make on a macro and micro level as they exist. The things that are inherently them are the micro muscles around their eyes to the whole movement of heads and shoulders, what they do to exist. Art is about saying and expressing something that cannot be communicated in any other way. I don’t need to prove I was there; I need to prove I was there and saw something different When people come for in for a headshot they haven’t been waiting to do that shot all their lives they’ve been walking around perfectly fine up until that point. Photography is about a box and it’s my job to facilitate the shapes within it. Photography is about resonance and recklessness. All art is context, it’s about the deeper meaning, the journey taken, explored and the arrival at that particular moment. Positive biased confirmation is very strong, in art we see what we want to see. Great art lets you see other things about yourself.   BEST MOMENTS ‘It’s the difference between doing your job and discovering’  ‘A lot of what I do is problem-solving’ ‘You should never be disappointed with your headshot’    VALUABLE RESOURCES The Kevin Clifton Show podcast Chris Mann Portraits Chris Mann Instagram     ABOUT THE HOST Kevin Clifton is a professional dancer who has been performing & competing at the highest level for over a decade. Kevin has worked on shows like 'Burn the floor' & 'Rock of Ages' to 'Strictly Come Dancing' one of the biggest TV shows in the UK which Kevin won in 2018.    CONTACT METHOD Kevin Clifton Instagram Kevin Clifton Facebook Kevin Clifton YouTube

Rhiannon Chesterman is one of the UK’s most prolific and talented musical theatre performers, having starred in a variety of productions both in the West End, and in and around the country. Her latest role is the lead, Julia Sullivan, in Kevin’s current stage hit, The Wedding Singer! Kevin and Rhiannon took time out from their hectic performing schedule to chat about how Rhiannon got started, how she creates her characters, what life’s like as a stage performer, and what keeps her motivated. It’s a fascinating insight behind the stage curtain, and essential listening for aspiring performers and theatre-fans alike KEY TAKEAWAYS The Wedding Singer is proving to be a joyful experience, due to the fact the company are all kind, generous and considerate. It’s rare for a company to bond and perform so well, and these atmospheres are greatly creative to work in. This is Rhiannon’s first large-scale musical lead part. She’s played in many shows before, but has never been so heavily featured. It’s daunting, but incredible. It’s sometimes easy, when playing a part already established by other actors, to simply do an impression of their prior performance. Both Kevin and Rhiannon were keen not to impersonate Drew Barrymore and Adam Sandler. They simply reflected the spirit and tone of the original film. Rhiannon’s approach to portraying a character is to first find out who the character is, and then add her own touches by drawing upon similar memories in her own life. This makes it easier to leave a character at work each night. Critics are useful in marketing a play, but it’s useless to try and please all of them. The most important people to please are the audiences each night.  It was seeing a West End performance of Cats that made Rhiannon decide to take up a career on the stage. She devoted herself to bettering her voice through choir work, and slowly developed her vocals and her confidence. Rejection early on in Rhiannon’s career didn’t deter her from her aim of being a performer. She credits the support of her family during this period, as well as using each rejection to drive her forward. Every shot at a role might be the break you’ve been searching for. Actors spend so much time rehearsing, and in some cases, investing their own money, into preparing for auditions. It’s a costly, exhausting, and sometimes heart-breaking process. But it’s all part of being an actor. BEST MOMENTS ‘I always fancy doing some jigsaw puzzles’ ‘Each piece of art is different’ ‘Comedy comes from a place of truth’ ‘Know who you’re going to be, and know who your show is for’ ‘I do read the reviews, but I don’t take them to heart’ ‘You have to deal with the down-times. That’s the hard bit’ ‘It’s about having respect for the people that come into the room'  VALUABLE RESOURCES   The Kevin Clifton Show - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-kevin-clifton-show/id1475650764 Rhiannon Chesterman Twitter - https://twitter.com/RhiannonSarahC The Wedding Singer Twitter - https://twitter.com/WedSingLondon Rhiannon Chesterman Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/rhiannonchesterman/?hl=en ABOUT THE HOST   Kevin Clifton is a professional dancer who has been performing & competing at the highest level for over a decade. Kevin has worked on shows like 'Burn the floor' & 'Rock of Ages' to 'Strictly Come Dancing' one of the biggest TV shows in the UK which Kevin won in 2018.    CONTACT METHOD Kevin Clifton Instagram Kevin Clifton Facebook Kevin Clifton YouTube

This week, Kevin chats to footballer, broadcaster and Strictly Come Dancing fan favourite, Alex Scott MBE, who joins the show to talk about the unexpected similarities between football and dancing, the importance of constantly finding new challenges, the qualities that make a good leader, why hard work matters more than talent, and the incredible story of Alex’s journey so far. Plus, tea and cake come courtesy of a very special guest... KEY TAKEAWAYS There are a striking number of similarities between dancing and football, most notably the audience interaction and the team dynamics that come through being part of such a huge coordinated effort. The training, too, is very similar in terms of the correct diet, the fact that rest is encouraged and planned for, and that the performances are a mixture of excitement and nerves. Leadership is becoming a person who puts the team before the individual. Alex has been selected as leaders of many of her ventures, especially in sport, for this very reason.  When you’re participating in such high-pressure activities, it’s vitally important to make sure that we enjoy what we’re doing. These chances don’t come around very often, and being there is a privilege’ Alex remains thankful for each moment of her incredible journey. Growing up, she never thought it was possible to live such a happy and varied life, and so makes sure to enjoy each day, and to marvel at how far she has come. People so often only see the end result, and don’t consider the process that goes into it. There are pressures, intensity and incredible amounts of hard work and training behind the scenes of any kind of performance, that often go unrecognised. Talent will give you a short-term leg up, but it’s hard work that gets you to where you want to go. Kevin was rejected twice for Strictly, and Alex is often dismissed as a presenter or broadcaster by those who say she is part of someone’s agenda. But their persistence and hard work have seen them rise to the top of their professions. We are always the person responsible for what we have done. Accountability and self-analysis have been the driving factors behind Alex’s remarkable success. Alex’s professionalism came to the fore when she found herself having to change partners during the Strictly series, due to her original partner being injured. But as she puts it, if you panic in those situations, it prevents the job from being done. Always look for the positives and get the job done. BEST MOMENTS ‘You’ve got to eat your food, you’ve got to rest, you’ve got to go again. It’s repeat, repeat’ ‘Leaders allow different personalities to come through’ ‘It’s a pressure and a privilege’ ‘I’m managing to do things that are beyond my wildest dreams’ ‘Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t want to work hard’ ‘Healthy nutritious biscuits!' ‘I need to give them what they came for’ ’She just can’t believe that you’re all real'    VALUABLE RESOURCES   The Kevin Clifton Show - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-kevin-clifton-show/id1475650764 Alex Scsott Twitter - https://twitter.com/AlexScott The Gold Mine Effect - Rasmus Ankersen - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Gold-Mine-Effect-Secrets-Performance/dp/1848317107/   ABOUT THE HOST   Kevin Clifton is a professional dancer who has been performing & competing at the highest level for over a decade. Kevin has worked on shows like 'Burn the floor' & 'Rock of Ages' to 'Strictly Come Dancing' one of the biggest TV shows in the UK which Kevin won in 2018.    CONTACT METHOD Kevin Clifton Instagram Kevin Clifton Facebook Kevin Clifton YouTube

This week, Kevin has come to Manchester to join the fun behind the scenes of the now-underway Strictly Come Dancing Tour, with Stacey Dooley! Stacey talks about the difference between rehearsals and live shows (and why the latter is actually easier), the downsides of social media interaction, and the importance of living in the moment. Kevin also talks about the preparations he’s currently working through for the upcoming opening of his news stage show, ’The Wedding Singer'. KEY TAKEAWAYS During rehearsals, Stacey felt incredibly nervous, but as soon as the live shows, the nerves seemed to evaporate. It seems to get easier once the audience are in attendance, which is rather surreal. Stacey’s confidence has grown since the shows began. With confidence comes comfort, and so with each successive date, the atmosphere of enjoyment and camaraderie has increased. The best part of the tour is that everyone has come to be entertained. The competition aspect is secondary to the “night out” atmosphere. After a recent experience on social media, Kevin has become increasingly frustrated by the rudeness and impoliteness of social media users, who seem to think that it’s okay to insult the people he loves. The worst part is that responding to such comments generally results in indignant behaviour from the original commenter. Having an opinion on something is very different from the choice to state that opinion, especially if it’s a hurtful one. Why do people feel the need to go out of their way to make hurtful comments? What do they hope to achieve by doing so? Kevin is finding the entire process of rehearsals for The Wedding Singer to be a very creative environment. He credits the people he’s working with as the reason for this, as their talents are allowing his creativity to thrive. By concentrating too much on what might happen in the future, or the outcome, you will miss out on the moment. We need to ensure that we live in the moment, and that we don’t dwell too much on the past or future. The Wedding Singer has been such a joyous experience to prepare for, that Kevin has been unable to think about anything but the moment, and has therefore seen his anxiety and stress levels decline spectacularly. BEST MOMENTS ‘My obsession with Gloria Estefan has continued into 2020’ ‘A massive audience changes the whole vibe of the room’ ’Prosecco flying everywhere…' ‘Everyone’s on your side’ ’The overriding message is “Just be kind"' ‘And now you live for Stormzy!’  VALUABLE RESOURCES   The Kevin Clifton Show - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-kevin-clifton-show/id1475650764 The Power Of Now - Eckhart Tolle - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Power-Now-Guide-Spiritual-Enlightenment/dp/0340733500/ Strictly Come Dancing 2020 Tour - http://strictlycomedancinglive.com/tour-dates-2020/ The Wedding Singer - See Tickets - https://www.lastminute.com/tickets/london-theatre/musicals/the-wedding-singer   ABOUT THE HOST   Kevin Clifton is a professional dancer who has been performing & competing at the highest level for over a decade. Kevin has worked on shows like 'Burn the floor' & 'Rock of Ages' to 'Strictly Come Dancing' one of the biggest TV shows in the UK which Kevin won in 2018.    CONTACT METHOD Kevin Clifton Instagram Kevin Clifton Facebook Kevin Clifton YouTube

‘Such a joy to be starting the year with strictly’ Kevin’s guest is someone he is very familiar with - Stacey Dooley who he lifted the Strictly Come Dancing Glitterball Trophy with, in 2018. Kevin is in rehearsals for ‘The Wedding Singer’ and Stacey is packing as this year she is hosting the Strictly Come Dancing live tour and in this episode, they chat about the live tour and the great professional and celebrity partnerships that are taking part. Both Kevin and Stacey reflect on how it’s only when you are on tour with the live Strictly Show tour that you really understand how this long-running series is so much a part of the nation’s culture and how loved it is across the generations who watch it. As a much-loved partnership and past winners of the glitterball this is a great opportunity to hear about what goes on behind the scenes and the dances that Kevin and Stacey have particularly enjoyed from the last series, listen in and enjoy.    KEY TAKEAWAYS Each performance is set up like an episode of strictly with couples all performing and every night on tour someone wins the glitter ball with the audience voting via text. At the end of the tour the couple who have won the most performances are crowned champions of the tour and receive the prestigious tour glitterball.   Kelvin Fletcher & Janette Manrara – we were both fans of Kelvin from early on. It was clear from his first performance that he could go all the way. Emma Barton & Graziano Di Parma. - really pleased Grazts is getting the chance to dance with Emma, as he didn’t have a celebrity partner in the series. He’s such a sweetheart but people assume he’s a bit arrogant which is so far from the truth, he’s very kind, considerate and a wicked dancer. Catherine Tyldesley & Johannes Radebe. Watching Johannes perform was a breath of fresh air. When Johannes danced with Grazts he spoke about performing as his true self on a show that’s been established for a long time and how important it was for him. Mike Bushell & Katya Jones - He never stops practising because he wants to do his best. When someone isn’t a natural dancer and dances are a bit funny, people mistake it as the person not taking it seriously but that is so far from the truth. Karim Zeroual & Amy Dowden. - One of the sweetest girls you could meet. She is unassuming and works really hard. Karim is a brilliant dancer and it means as the professional you have to deliver, there is a great amount of pressure. Saffron Barker & AJ Pritchard - Saffron was much more comfortable with ballroom. Their waltz was beautiful and very calm. Alex Scott & Neil Jones – Neil’s one of my best mates on the show. They look brilliant together and when you watch Alex perform you really know how she is feeling. Suddenly she had to dance with someone different and she didn’t let it faze her at all.   BEST MOMENTS ‘The British public love an underdog so the tour can be completely different from the TV series as to who the public vote for’ ‘As a contestant, you are heavily reliant on your professional’ ‘She never moaned or complained about it, she just wanted to make the most of the opportunity she had’   VALUABLE RESOURCES The Kevin Clifton Show podcast    ABOUT THE HOST Kevin Clifton is a professional dancer who has been performing & competing at the highest level for over a decade. Kevin has worked on shows like 'Burn the floor' & 'Rock of Ages' to 'Strictly Come Dancing' one of the biggest TV shows in the UK which Kevin won in 2018.    CONTACT METHOD Kevin Clifton Instagram Kevin Clifton Facebook Kevin Clifton YouTube  

This week, Kevin is joined by dancer and Strictly choreographer and Assistant to the Creative Director of the show, Josh Keefe, who discusses his beginnings in dance, the issues surrounding same-sex dance couples, how he overcame bullying during his youth, the surprising benefits of working in television, and the puzzling modern western attitudes that seem to regard dance as lacking in masculinity. KEY TAKEAWAYS As well as working on Strictly Come Dancing, Josh works on Dancing With The Stars in Australia. Josh actually competed last year with Courtney Act, a drag queen, which has reignited the conversation about whether same-sex couples should be allowed on Strictly. Most people wish to be dancers for the act of dancing itself, but unusually, Josh was drawn to dance and performance because of his love of music. Josh experience bullying as a result of his dancing pursuits in his youth. Attending an all-boys school, his masculinity was called into question by fellow pupils. but Josh’s determination and stubborn streak saw him through. Dance is praised among young boys in other cultures, such as China and Russia. In western culture, though, it is frowned upon, which Josh and Kevin find ridiculous. What exactly is the issue with men being in touch with their artistic or feminine sides? Coming from competitive dance, Josh was looking for a fresh challenge. He found it in television, where he was asked to train and perfect dance routines with newcomers on a weekly basis. He has found this challenge incredible rewarding, as it has also helped to develop his skills as a teacher. Other territories are embracing same-sex couples on TV dance shows. Both Kevin and Josh see this development as a wonderful opportunity and hugely important in terms of visibility. BEST MOMENTS ‘At least a hundred years…' ‘I enjoy the connection to the music’ ‘I would be the one who would try to disappear in a room’ ‘I knew I didn’t agree with everything everyone said or did. And I was quite happy with that’ ’Shaming boys for dancing is just hilarious’ ’Strictlify… that’s a word now’ ’That’s the power of what dance can bring' VALUABLE RESOURCES   The Kevin Clifton Show - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-kevin-clifton-show/id1475650764 Josh Keefe Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/joshuakeefedancer/?hl=en Josh Keefe Twitter - https://twitter.com/joshuakeefe?lang=en Josh Keefe Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/moveforlife.asia/   ABOUT THE HOST   Kevin Clifton is a professional dancer who has been performing & competing at the highest level for over a decade. Kevin has worked on shows like 'Burn the floor' & 'Rock of Ages' to 'Strictly Come Dancing' one of the biggest TV shows in the UK which Kevin won in 2018.    CONTACT METHOD Kevin Clifton Instagram Kevin Clifton Facebook Kevin Clifton YouTube

In the past week on Strictly Come Dancing, Kevin was forced to stand far outside his comfort zone; he and Anton Du Beke were asked to sing, as well as dance in the show’s opening number on Musicals Week. The experience went well, but it forced Kevin to examine the process of mind-set, and his own approach to the creative process. In this week’s episode, Kevin discusses the way to deal with doubt, the mind-set needed to combat expectation, overcoming creative block, and the best ways to stimulate and maintain your creative side. KEY TAKEAWAYS Self-doubt, even when we know we possess the abilities needed, can be the difference between fear and enjoyment, especially when it comes to performance. It’s far more important to focus on the performance itself, and giving the best in the small time you have while performing, rather than the validation you may or may not receive from other people. Despite having extensive experience in singing, and having performed vocally many times in public, singing on Strictly was very different, as the expectation of the audience was radically different.  It was important for Kevin to heed the advice that he always gives to his partners on the show; to enjoy the performance, to trust his abilities, and to lose the weight of expectation. When we put pressure on ourselves to create, we reach a mind-set that encourages perfectionism. Perfectionism is great, but it can also lead to stress and anxiety about the thing we are striving to create. Remove the pressure from yourself. Focus on the end result, and concentrate on the work itself. Set realistic conditions. People are at their most creative when they’re most relaxed. Think about when you are at your most imaginative, such as in the shower, or while relaxing. Isn’t it those times when you suddenly come up with marvellous ideas? Look at things that inspire you; things that spark your imagination. Music is perfect for this, but if you’re a writer, then read something that resembles the aim of your own project. BEST MOMENTS ‘Even as a viewer, watching the series, I had a great time’ ‘My head can be my own worst enemy’ ‘You’re supposed to let go of the end result’ ‘You need to listen to your own advice’ ‘We’re all a work in progress’ ‘You have to let go of the end result’ ‘When you’re trying to choreograph, just go for a walk’ 'Let your brain be ready to receive creativity' ABOUT THE HOST   Kevin Clifton is a professional dancer who has been performing & competing at the highest level for over a decade. Kevin has worked on shows like 'Burn the floor' & 'Rock of Ages' to 'Strictly Come Dancing' one of the biggest TV shows in the UK which Kevin won in 2018.    CONTACT METHOD Kevin Clifton Instagram Kevin Clifton Facebook Kevin Clifton YouTube

Strictly Come Dancing is consuming all of Kevin’s free time at the moment, but he snatched some time to talk about the things you’ve been asking for, including the subject of this week’s show! It can be hard to adapt to new challenges when they arise, and certainly in Kevin’s life, they seem to arise non-stop! While spending some time last year on a theatrical puppetry course, Kevin learned some lessons about awareness and adapting that have stuck with him, and which he wants to share with you all this week. KEY TAKEAWAYS At the beginning of 2018, Kevin found himself with a small period of time, and decided to use it for self-development. He studied gymnastics, acting and theatrical puppetry.  While creating a theatrical puppet of a man, asked to perform a simple routine, Kevin realised that he and his fellow puppeteers needed to be completely attuned to each other; ready to adapt to any movements accordingly.  When Jay McGuinness performed his Pulp Fiction jive a couple of years ago, Kevin and his then partner, Kellie, along with every other contestant, felt that Jay’s eventual victory was a foregone conclusion. This feeling allowed him to, oddly, feel more relaxed about competing in the final.  The year in which Kevin won, he was relaxed going into the final, because he had given up on the need to win. He had let go of the expectation in his head about what was to be, and was focussed instead on the moment itself.  As performers, we should always focus on the work itself, instead of the result we expect. Visualise the way we wish the performance to go, not on who we can impress, or what we can expect from others as a result. BEST MOMENTS ’There’s quite a few of us in the team operating different parts’  ‘It’s about letting go of what I expect the end result to be in my own head, and adapting to what’s going on’  ‘If there’s a chance it’s a 1% chance’  ‘It’s not about not wanting to win. It’s about letting go of the need to win’  ‘I was devastated but I shouldn’t have been’  ‘I got caught up in the end result’  ‘Focus on the content itself, not the followers’  ABOUT THE HOST   Kevin Clifton is a professional dancer who has been performing & competing at the highest level for over a decade. Kevin has worked on shows like 'Burn the floor' & 'Rock of Ages' to 'Strictly Come Dancing' one of the biggest TV shows in the UK which Kevin won in 2018.    CONTACT METHOD Kevin Clifton Instagram Kevin Clifton Facebook Kevin Clifton YouTube

Fresh from his success in the Children In Need Strictly Come Dancing 2019 Special (which Kevin and his partner, Maisie Smith won!), Kevin takes time out of his busy schedule to chat about his creative process. How exactly does he turn an idea into a dance performance? That’s the question that he is asked the most often. In this special episode, Kevin takes you through his method of turning a dream into reality; everything from musical choices and production design to choreography, and the importance of making his partners happy. KEY TAKEAWAYS Kevin has won almost all of the famed Strictly Glitterballs now. The only one left for him to win is the Christmas Glitterball, which he hopes to lift this year with Debbie McGee as his partner. Kevin keeps constant notes when he hears a song that he4 thinks would be good for Strictly, or if he comes up with an interesting concept for a dance style. Dance styles and songs need to suit the partner that Kevin finds himself with. This can be a thorough process of really getting to know the person as much as possible. His partner needs to enjoy themselves, and getting to know them properly is essential. All ideas need to be channelled through the “Dance Team”, which comprise set designers, production designers and musicians. This department is expansive and constantly working to reinvent the show each week. Performances are always a two-way conversation between the dance duo and the production team. Ideas are never forced on anyone.  Even the ending of the song itself makes a huge difference. The song always needs a “button”, a climactic note that sends an audio signal to the audience that the song is over, and which also communicates a sense of closing energy. What should be avoided is a fade-out. The moment a show’s taping is over on a Saturday night, Kevin must begin work on next week’s show, and also the following week’s. Choreography is something Kevin concentrates on intensely. Many dancers work differently, but Kevin pores over the music, searching for interesting elements that can help shape his dances. By Tuesday, Kevin and his partner will be working on the core principles of the dance for the weekend. This involves explaining the way that they will connect and the way they will move. Kevin also has to be part of the conversation when it comes to technical decisions, such as camera movements and props. These are all part of the dance’s script. Costumes and the live performance by the Strictly band are the final elements decided on, before a full rehearsal of the show itself on Saturday afternoon, mere hours before the show airs live on the BBC. BEST MOMENTS ’That would make a great jive, or that would make a great foxtrot’ ‘You’re usually about two weeks ahead’ ‘You’ll be selling ice-creams…' ’That bang on the end is what I call the button’ ‘I start to think of the general dynamics of the music’ ‘What is the imagery of this number?’ ’That’s the reason that I like to get the routine into their muscle memory’ ‘By that time we’ve run the routine so many times that hopefully it doesn’t feel new' ‘Check your earrings. Check your flies!'   ABOUT THE HOST   Kevin Clifton is a professional dancer who has been performing & competing at the highest level for over a decade. Kevin has worked on shows like 'Burn the floor' & 'Rock of Ages' to 'Strictly Come Dancing' one of the biggest TV shows in the UK which Kevin won in 2018.    CONTACT METHOD Kevin Clifton Instagram Kevin Clifton Facebook Kevin Clifton YouTube

One of the most popular interview requests from listeners and Kevin’s followers on social media, has been this week’s very special guests: Keith and Judy Clifton! As well as having raised Kevin and his sister Joanne to become two of the nation’s most recognised and well-loved dancers, Keith and Judy are legends in their own right, having conquered the world of Latin American dance as champions, and having founded a highly influential and well-respected dance school, The Clifton Dance Academy. It’s a family affair this week then, as Keith and Judy talk about their own careers in the world of dance, their own love story (and maybe even spill the beans slightly on Kevin’s upbringing…) in this second part of a fascinating insight into the multi-talented Clifton family! KEY TAKEAWAYS Keith and Judy credit Strictly Come Dancing with re-introducing the entertainment element into the world of competitive dance. For a while, many saw dance as a closed group, and somewhat highbrow, instead of the fun, inclusive activity that it began life as. Parents who truly know their children, and who are mentoring them in any way, instinctively know when to push harder and when to pull back. Throughout Kevin’s youth, he was struck by a deep sense of guilt over letting people down when it came to his dancing. This led to several episodes of doubt and anxiety, which he has had to struggle against ever since. Half the battle, when teaching a child any kind of skill, is to prepare them mentally; to teach them to be mentally strong as well as physically. Having two children as competitors in Strictly Come Dancing has thrown up some interesting paradoxes; most notably when Joanne and Kevin were facing off in the final. Their reaction to Joanne’s victory was fascinating in that they both instantly commiserated with Kevin’s loss. One of the major downsides of having such a high-profile son and daughter, is that Keith and Judy have to watch the media’s sometimes unfair stories about their children. For Judy’s part, this is particularly difficult, and has been greatly upsetting at times. BEST MOMENTS ‘Have I got the ability to make these people laugh? Have I got the ability to put this audience in the palm of my hand?’ ‘It wasn’t validated. You’d won the competition, but you couldn’t put your finger on why’ ‘It became slightly odd that you were dancing a sexy rumba with your sister!’ ‘You have to be totally mentally strong in a competition' ‘I don’t know how I didn’t have a nervous breakdown - thank you!' ABOUT THE HOST Kevin Clifton is a professional dancer who has been performing & competing at the highest level for over a decade. Kevin has worked on shows like 'Burn the floor' & 'Rock of Ages' to 'Strictly Come Dancing' one of the biggest TV shows in the UK which Kevin won in 2018.    CONTACT METHOD Kevin Clifton Instagram Kevin Clifton Facebook Kevin Clifton YouTube          

One of the most popular interview requests from listeners and Kevin’s followers on social media, has been this week’s very special guests: Keith and Judy Clifton! As well as having raised Kevin and his sister Joanne to become two of the nation’s most recognised and well-loved dancers, Keith and Judy are legends in their own right, having conquered the world of Latin American dance as champions, and having founded a highly influential and well-respected dance school, The Clifton Dance Academy. It’s a family affair this week then, as Keith and Judy talk about their own careers in the world of dance, their own love story (and maybe even spill the beans slightly on Kevin’s upbringing…) in this first part of a conversation between the dazzling Clifton family! KEY TAKEAWAYS • Keith and Judy were the World Number One Latin American dancers, as well as UK and international champions. Since then, they have become famous in Grimsby as the founders and instructors at Clifton Dance Academy.  • It’s a strange paradox that in front of an audience, Kevin finds it easier to become an extrovert, but in a smaller group of people, introversion suddenly takes over. This is a quality that Kevin shares with his mother, Judy.  • There is a safety in performing on stage. Even those who find personal interactions difficult, find that they are suddenly able to express themselves. There seems to be a mental barrier that is impregnable between the stage and the audience.  • Dance gave Keith huge amounts of confidence. Whereas his fellow teens and friends were still shy and finding out about themselves and their personalities, Keith had levels of confidence that were allowing him to express himself more openly.  • Nowadays Joanne is far more competitive than Kevin, whereas in days gone by, it would have been Kevin who was more into the competition side of dancing.  • Keith, similarly, has found the competitive side of his life is less interesting to him these days. It’s far more important to enjoy each moment than ensure that he is somehow doing better than someone else.  • Ballroom dancing is a strange form of competition. As an art form, Kevin finds it difficult to understand how one performance can be judged against another.  BEST MOMENTS ‘You showed me Agadoo!’  ’So I could potentially be a cross between Geronimo and Jack The Ripper?’  ‘I wore some velvet bell-bottom trousers’  ‘It must be love!’  ‘You’re too tall - no you’re too short’  ‘Dancing is an art, not a sport’   ABOUT THE HOST Kevin Clifton is a professional dancer who has been performing & competing at the highest level for over a decade. Kevin has worked on shows like 'Burn the floor' & 'Rock of Ages' to 'Strictly Come Dancing' one of the biggest TV shows in the UK which Kevin won in 2018.    CONTACT METHOD Kevin Clifton Instagram Kevin Clifton Facebook Kevin Clifton YouTube          

This week, Kevin talks to Olivier Award-nominated performer, choreographer (and Kevin’s flatmate!) Tommy Franzen, who over the last few years has carved something of a legend for himself in the world of dance. In this fascinating conversation, Kevin talks to Tommy about the people who have inspired him the most, the origins of the dance styles that have formed his own style, his views on competitive dance, his journey into property investment, and the qualities that make him one of the country’s greatest performers.   KEY TAKEAWAYS Tommy’s dance career started at a very young age, when he was inspired by his sister, and visiting celebrity dancers in Sweden, to begin dance lessons. After some initial setbacks, and confidence issues, Tommy never looked back. “Locking" was born from social dances of the sixties, and involves locking your body tight, and is named after its inventor, dancer Don “Campbellock” Campbell. Its proponents since then have included Richard Pryor and Dick Van Dyke. “Popping” evolved when music changed in the 70s and 80s, when locking no longer fit with the contemporary music styles. It emerged as a major dance style on the West Coast. Hip hop style dancing is less regimented, and ever-evolving. People seem to be drawn to the dancing itself, instead of the formalised competitions that surround styles such as ballroom and latin. This means that it can naturally evolve without breaking the so-called “rules” set down by dance organisations. There seems to be a small pool of judges and coaches in the dance-competition world. Often this can be used to a dancer’s advantage, as they can find themselves performing for people they have been trained by, and can plan accordingly. Tommy is not attracted to the concept of using dance to compete against someone else. It affects him emotionally, and affects his performance, and so he avoids it.  Many are drawn to performing by the lure of celebrity, by the fact that they can spend their lives earning money from doing something they love. For Tommy, the attraction of dance is the sense of joy he experiences while performing.  Companies like Zoo Nation, Boy Blue and Avant Garde, have pushed dance companies from obscurity, into the mainstream. As a result, dancers can now find real employment opportunities. Hip-hop dance theatre is rising in popularity. Spearheaded by a creative generation, stories are being told by hip hop dancing, with as much narrative involvement and dramatic tension as standard theatrical productions. There were concerns when Tommy was offered a role on the BBC’s So You Think You Can Dance, as he was worried in case he was portrayed in a way that he was not comfortable with. He ended up reaching the final, and partnering several times with eventual winner, Charlie Bruce. Choreography is a tiring process, for both Kevin and Tommy. It involves a lot of thinking, mental space, and consideration. Listening to the music over and over again helps the dance to take shape in the mind. The uncertainty of regular employment as a dancer is what made Tommy investigate the world of property investment, seeing an opportunity to give himself a Plan B. It was Tommy who introduced Kevin to this way of investing, which he subsequently did. BEST MOMENTS ‘I felt so exposed’ ‘With ballroom and latin, the “endgame” is usually competition dancing’ ‘What I love about your style of dancing is that it’s not geared towards that’ ’It was my birthday party, and I was the only one not dancing’ ’The shows you do are like a story. They’re like a musical’ ‘Dance-ical? Is that a word?’ ‘I’m so glad that we’ve been given songs and concepts that have really excited us’ ‘If you judge what you do too much, that’s when you end up in the trap’ ‘A blank sheet of paper is really scary' VALUABLE LINKS   www.sadlerswells.com Tommy Franzen Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/tommythefranzen/?hl=en Tommy Franzen’s Website - http://www.tommyfranzen.com/Tommy_Franzen_Official/Tommy_Franzen.html Tommy Franzen Twitter - https://twitter.com/tommyfranzen?lang=en Rob Moore - https://robmoore.com Rich Dad Poor Dad (Amazon) - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Rich-Dad-Poor-Teach-Middle/dp/1612680194/   ABOUT THE HOST Kevin Clifton is a professional dancer who has been performing & competing at the highest level for over a decade. Kevin has worked on shows like 'Burn the floor' & 'Rock of Ages' to 'Strictly Come Dancing' one of the biggest TV shows in the UK which Kevin won in 2018.    CONTACT METHOD Kevin Clifton Instagram Kevin Clifton Facebook Kevin Clifton YouTube

Kevin is no stranger to setbacks. In fact, in the past week, he and his Strictly Come Dancing partner, Anneka Rice, left the competition. But as Kevin explains, there’s a way of looking at every setback in life, and it involves using one of two mindsets: fixed or growth. There’s a place for each of these, but which is the right one to choose and at which time?  In this special, candid episode, Kevin discusses his feelings about being eliminated, as well as other challenging times in his life, and the outlook he takes on these moments.   KEY TAKEAWAYS There are two types of reaction when it comes to dealing with a setback. Some like to blame, so as to pass off the guilt. Others choose instead to learn and grow from the experience. Fixed mindset people do not like to be challenged on their view of the world. They feel as though life is predetermined. When they fail, they tend to give up. They take criticism as a personal attack. Fixed mindset people tend not to ask for help, even if they desperately need it, because they do not wish to show weakness or vulnerability. Those with a growth mindset see failure as an opportunity to grow. Whenever they fail, whenever they differ a setback, they always ask where the opportunity for growth lies. Kevin credits his mentor, Rob Moore, with helping him to achieve a healthy, growth mindset, a tool that Kevin has always used to become better in his career and life. Those with a growth mindset believe that they can achieve anything. They know that every decision in life is a learning experience. They also seek opportunities that may be outside their normal comfort zone. They see life as an ever-evolving journey. Kevin has never seen himself as the best dancer in the world. Some may choose to look upon other, more talented contemporaries as competition. But Kevin has always insisted that working and being around those with more talent has helped him to become better; have made him push himself harder, and have inspired him to greater success. Mistakes are not negatives. They’re positives from which you can draw huge and valuable lessons. Take responsibility for them. Assess. Learn. Grow.   BEST MOMENTS ‘I was real proud of her and what we achieved’ ‘What if you learned from it? What if you got better because of it?’ ’Failure is an opportunity to grow’ ‘Mistakes and setbacks help you to grow’ ‘I have an opportunity here to learn from the best’ ’The fastest way to get to what you want is to learn from your mistakes'   ABOUT THE HOST Kevin Clifton is a professional dancer who has been performing & competing at the highest level for over a decade. Kevin has worked on shows like 'Burn the floor' & 'Rock of Ages' to 'Strictly Come Dancing' one of the biggest TV shows in the UK which Kevin won in 2018.    CONTACT METHOD Kevin Clifton Instagram Kevin Clifton Facebook Kevin Clifton YouTube  

How do you choose your favourites? your favourite song? your favourite film? your favourite play? Is it because you loved the technique? Or is it because it made you feel great at some point in your life? Most likely, you’ve chosen your favourites because you enjoy going back to them or reminiscing about the day you encountered them. It isn’t because of the intricacies and complexities that you got drawn to it in the first place—it was how it made you feel. It may also have an impact in your life. In this episode of The Kevin Clifton Show, Kevin dives deep in the purpose of art. Is it the technique or the emotions? This has always been a debate, so Kevin gives a light on how different and how the two things actually go hand in hand in creating and consuming art. According to him, it’s always about the emotions we invoke from the audience. Kevin’s advice is to learn everything so you can create a different magic within every individual. Start tuning in as he explains more on it. KEY TAKEAWAYS “I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” - Maya Angelou For Kevin, it’s emotions that art creates that matter, not the technique. We can forget the lines, the dance steps, the cinematography, but we can never how we felt after we consumed it. Did we enjoy it? Did it make you nostalgic of something? Did you hate it? If you’re asked right now how do you choose your favourite song, most likely you’ll say because you like it. You can dive deep into the technicalities of the song; but, for something to draw your attention and maybe let it linger in your mind, it has to be something special that made you feel great. They might include some arts in the Greatest of All Time/Most Influential/Top Grossing/etc. lists, but does it mean that they’re less valuable? It doesn’t. That particular art has its own audience, even the critics hate it. As performers, we always aim to give the best performance—we want the audience to feel elated, amazed, and satisfied when they exit the doors of the theatre. Techniques are great tools to invoke these kinds of feelings in the audience. Dance techniques have been evolving as they get passed from one generation to another, and they have also created new styles of dances. Techniques, styles, tempo, choreography, etc. will be unique in each performance, and at the same time, the feelings the audience have towards each performance will be different. So, it’s not new that performers want to be consistently great at every little thing. BEST MOMENTS “The thing that stays is how you were made to feel when the person was performing.” “Art is about feeling and how it makes you feel.” “Everyone loves different things when it comes to art because you bring your own context to it.” “The technique is a tool to produce the result.” “I don’t see the point in technically-gifted performance that inspires nothing on anyone.” “Don’t display the technique. Use the technique to create something that creates emotion.” VALUABLE RESOURCES The Kevin Clifton Show – Lucas Rush: Conversation with Lonny from the Rock of Ages | Apple | Spotify | Omny Listen to Feel by Robbie Williams on Spotify and Deezer ABOUT THE HOST Kevin Clifton is a professional dancer who has been performing & competing at the highest level for over a decade. Kevin has worked on shows like 'Burn the floor' & 'Rock of Ages' to 'Strictly Come Dancing' one of the biggest TV shows in the UK which Kevin won in 2018. CONTACT METHOD Kevin Clifton Instagram  Kevin Clifton Facebook 

In this episode of The Kevin Clifton Show, Kevin chats with Lucas Rush, the actor who played Lonny in the UK tour of the musical Rock of Ages. Discover today some of Lucas’ theatre stories (especially his Rock of Ages experience), the nature of performing arts, the training that happens before any performance, and many more.   Not everyone would notice, but being a theatre actor demands a lot of dedication—you need the consistent effort to rehearse and improve, you need the bulletproof mindset to not get influenced by negative feedbacks, and anything, really, that would help you give a top-notch performance every single time.   There will be uncomfortable situations. But there will also be no pauses. No halts. No excuses. The show must go on, as they say.  Listen to Lucas’ experience and learn more about the performing arts.  KEY TAKEAWAYS  Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat was the beginning for Lucas. It was the first cassette he bought;It was the first musical he ever watched. This musical opened him to the beauty of theatre and the performing arts.  No one can ever downplay what live performers and theatre actors do. They provide entertainment, escape, and happiness to the viewers, aside from the fact that they portray ideas, concepts, stories, and experiences in this world that the viewer might relate to.  Just like any professionals, they have some good days and some bad days. But it’s more difficult for theatre actors to deliver when they’re being influenced by some sudden negative pull. The audience can see through the performers, and as much as possible, it’s a 100% performance they want to give every time.  Lucas also admits that, on some days, he thrives on the energy the audience gives off. He can be put off when he sees that they are disinterested and unsatisfied, but he’s known long enough not to let others’ perception crash his fearlessness and boldness on stage.  BEST MOMENTS  “The more you remind yourself that ‘you can’t hear a smile’, the better.”  “Don’t stop yourself from thinking certain things or feeling certain ways. They’re going to happen and you’re just going to learn how to deal with them.”  “Accept what you have in that moment.”  “I love feeling things… I want to feel strong emotions.”  VALUABLE RESOURCES  Happiness Podcast - www.happinesspodcast.org  Rock of Ages Musical - www.rockofagesmusical.co.uk  ABOUT THE GUEST Lucas Rush  Lucas stepped onstage at The Hackney Empire at the age of 7, receiving his very first acting lessons from Brian Blessed.  He was introduced to Shakespeare at the age of 9 and by the time he was 13 was playing Robin in The RSC’s production of "The Merry Wives of Windsor" alongside Leslie Phillips. His West End debut soon followed, as he performed as "Gavroche" in Les Misérables at The Palace Theatre.  At the age of 14, he landed the role of Rowan Neville in ITV Drama Walking on The Moon, a hard-hitting gritty drama about bullying directed by Bafta Award winning Director Peter Kosminsky.   Since those early days Lucas has enjoyed a very successful career, experiencing all corners of the Entertainment industry.   In his 25 years as a professional actor Lucas has found that the thing, he loves more than anything is simply to immerse himself in any character he is playing, regardless of the genre.  (Source: https://www.lucasrush.com/about)   Lucas Rush Official Website - https://www.lucasrush.com   Lucas Rush Twitter - https://twitter.com/lucasrush    ABOUT THE HOST  Kevin Clifton is a professional dancer who has been performing & competing at the highest level for over a decade. Kevin has worked on shows like 'Burn the floor' & 'Rock of Ages' to 'Strictly Come Dancing' one of the biggest TV shows in the UK which Kevin won in 2018.   CONTACT METHOD  Kevin Clifton Instagram  Kevin Clifton Facebook  Kevin Clifton YouTube           

‘When I started on Strictly ‘the pasty kid from Grimsby’ everyone was behind me.  As I gained more success and a higher profile on the show the trolls came out’ In this insightful episode, Kevin explores why people and the media are unkind to those who achieve any success. Why are people so unkind to others online and what makes them do it? The questions and answers are all explored in this candid podcast. Kevin shares with searing honesty his own experiences and explores the reasons why we can all be insecure and how we can all chose to communicate with kindness.   KEY TAKEAWAYS The underdog achieving success When people are being unkind, being trolls on social media or just having a go it’s not just the person you are talking about who is affected by it. The people around the person their family and friends are also affected. In this country, we have a very difficult relationship with success We like to champion the underdog, we want to be on their side, we want to help them and be part of their journey. As soon as someone is successful people take up against them. Comments focus on them having forgotten where they’ve come from and getting  ‘too big for their boots’ There is a link between being successful and others need to knock them down. People feel insecure when they see other people doing well. It stirs our own insecurities because we want success for ourselves. When you are feeling insecure you can either see the successful individual as an idol, a  role model, someone to aspire to or someone to knock down to your level so you don’t feel as bad about yourself.  Significance People often make decisions based on achieving significance It's not a bad thing to want to be significant but sometimes it’s a dangerous thing because it is this that can lead to the insecurity and jealousy of ego, which can lead people into trolling People can feel significant when they have a negative opinion, one that makes them stand out. The media   Competition is fierce and it’s about grabbing attention through ‘clickbait’ The newspapers don’t really care what side you’re on they just want you to be angry, indignant or interested enough to  click through and follow their story. The media drives involvement through negative emotions and the ensuing comments are rooted in anger and lead to trolling. If you are someone who’s decided to say something unkind to someone stop and think about how necessary it is for you to say it. Who’s talking Consider who’s writing – is it a faceless entity or someone you respect? When a random person writes something about you they are reflecting themselves and their insecurities onto you. Social media platforms provide no context, you can’t gain any context about the person who is writing about you. We are all human and we don’t like people saying nasty things about us, but these people are reflecting their own insecurities and you can respond with kindness you never know what they may be going through.   BEST MOMENTS ‘Jesy talking about it creates the opportunity  for discussion and hopefully a rethink about how we conduct ourselves online and she should be seen as a real hero for what she’s done’ ‘When she got better there was a mix of those who were  pleased she had improved so much and those who started to turn on her as she achieved success’   ‘There have been times in my life when I’ve been the person searching for significance because of my own insecurities’ ‘People who know me, know my exuberance is not attention-seeking but a way of dealing with my extreme nerves’   VALUABLE RESOURCES The Kevin Clifton Show podcast Odd One Out Jesy Nelson documentary    ABOUT THE HOST Kevin Clifton is a professional dancer who has been performing & competing at the highest level for over a decade. Kevin has worked on shows like 'Burn the floor' & 'Rock of Ages' to 'Strictly Come Dancing' one of the biggest TV shows in the UK which Kevin won in 2018.    CONTACT METHOD Kevin Clifton Instagram Kevin Clifton Facebook Kevin Clifton YouTube

Part Two of Kevin's interview with Kevin Kennedy, one of the stars of the show ‘Rock of Ages’.  Kevin is most recognisable from TV as ‘Curly’ in Coronation Street but now pursues a successful career in musical theatre. He shares his journey and experiences as a successful performer and some amazing insights into the craft of the actor. In this episode, Kevin discusses the influence of Coronation Street, the challenges of addiction, the rise of his career in music and the fascinating story of his transition into musical theatre. KEY TAKEAWAYS Curly Watts, who proved to be a huge hit with audiences in Coronation Street, wasn’t meant to be a character with any longevity. But after proving a hit, the producers were keen to put Kevin under contract. At the height of his success, Kevin fell into an addiction spiral, and was forced to go to rehab. Upon repairing himself, Kevin needed to start again. Kevin credits Coronation Street with taking good care of him and saving his life during this period. Using a pseudonym, Kevin submitted his music to Simon Cowell at Sony BMG, who was on the lookout for TV-led musical talent, and was signed immediately. From here, Kevin embarked on a successful career as a musician, especially in the United States. Having been let go from Coronation Street, Kevin had to make a choice about the future of his career. As he liked acting and music, he decided to marry the two and go into musical theatre. His first role was in The Rocky Horror Picture Show. Musical theatre can be daunting, but each experience is there to be relished and enjoyed. Even auditions, which Kevin enjoys. Many consider soap opera actors to be somehow inferior, but Kevin doesn’t see it that way. In fact he credits them with a set of unique talents, such as carrying a story for months or sometimes years, and the ability to learn and memorise scripts at speed. Fame was never important for Kevin. The important thing was to enjoy his work, and to develop as an actor. His subsequent fame opened many doors, which is far more valuable. When things are going wrong, there’s often a mindset that says “I have to be something different”, but the real lesson is to focus upon who you are. To do the things you want to do.  Acting can be a struggle sometimes. It’s not always glamorous. But if you love what you do, then each struggle becomes a lesson, and as Kevin says, “If you’re doing something you love, then you never have to work a day in your life" No problem is insurmountable. Facing challenges down and defeating them makes you a better person, and you can’t run away forever.   BEST MOMENTS ’The great thing about that was that it was a home gig’ ’That was the first time I ever saw the power of Coronation Street. Her attitude completely changed’ ‘Coronation Street were like a family’ ’There’s always a positive to look for. Always’ ‘Mistakes make you a better actor’ ‘You need to get back in touch with the things that you want’ ’This business is great if you’re at, or near, the top' ‘No problem is insurmountable’   ABOUT THE HOST Kevin Clifton is a professional dancer who has been performing & competing at the highest level for over a decade. Kevin has worked on shows like 'Burn the floor' & 'Rock of Ages' to 'Strictly Come Dancing' one of the biggest TV shows in the UK which Kevin won in 2018.    CONTACT METHOD Kevin Clifton Instagram Kevin Clifton Facebook Kevin Clifton YouTube

Kevin is speaking with Jake Wood previous competitor on Strictly and known on TV  to everyone as Max Branning in East Enders. His acting career began at 10 and spans 37 years, in this podcast he shares stories and the reality of taking part in Strictly and being in a high profile long-running soap series. Life is all about trial and error and Jake shares the great highs and the lows that he has experienced in a career that spans decades. This is a highly entertaining episode, listen in now and enjoy.   KEY TAKEAWAYS The best actors take something from all the different techniques, it all takes time. As an actor, you are always trying to do your best. The only way to learn it is to do it but this is the same for professional dancers. Being on Strictly The celebrities on Strictly  are only doing an impression of the dance. There are skill sets that are similar between what dancers and actors do. There are transferable skills such as self-discipline, work ethic and being able to perform on a stage in front of an audience Being an actor meant I was confident about doing a performance. Having previously completed work at the National theatre I had a skill set that helped me on Strictly being in front of a live audience. When I sat in the recording studio I realised this was going to be no fun, it was going to be high pressured scary stuff and I’d better be prepared. Before I came out and danced for the first time I didn’t know what I was going to be in  the series – the clown , the serious contender. If I didn’t have the skills that I had as an actor it would have been much more difficult. My approach was to do my best, regroup and then get ready for the next battle. Being an actor I was involved in acting from a young age and enjoyed improvisation classes very early on. I started at 10 and have been acting for 37 years, It’s about understanding emotions and learning about people. You need to understand a character to be able to be authentic and the best actors draw from themselves. You have to want to understand people and what drives their behaviour. Acting is a bubble and the important part is what you do when you come out at the other end. I love what I do but you have to get a balance because it can be a crazy life. It plays into all your insecurities and everyone makes mistakes. The most important is the dedication to be an actor, the process and loving it.   BEST MOMENTS ‘He’s announcing me dancing the Samba and I’m thinking is it the left foot or the right foot?’ ‘I’m playing a rock star which is very far removed from me as a person’ ‘I’ll give you 100% and do whatever you tell me but I haven’t got a fucking clue’ ‘It’s a funny show because you are not really on a level playing field’   ABOUT THE HOST Kevin Clifton is a professional dancer who has been performing & competing at the highest level for over a decade. Kevin has worked on shows like 'Burn the floor' & 'Rock of Ages' to 'Strictly Come Dancing' one of the biggest TV shows in the UK which Kevin won in 2018.    CONTACT METHOD Kevin Clifton Instagram Kevin Clifton Facebook Kevin Clifton YouTube    

Kevin is talking with one of the stars of the show ‘Rock of Ages’- Kevin Kennedy, they are ready to rock and roll the back to back shows and take the opportunity to catch up about all things from the explosion of the punk movement to being in the West End and on TV. Kevin is most recognisable from TV as ‘Curly’ in Coronation Street but now pursues a successful career in musical theatre. He shares his journey and experiences as a successful performer and some amazing insights into the craft of the actor.   KEY TAKEAWAYS I grew up in Manchester and never wanted to be anything other than be a performer and entertain. Across the Arts, the punk movement changed everything it was about people doing what they wanted to do. It was a massive movement, it wasn’t about the quality it was the involvement, the fact you could stand up and do it. I didn’t know what I wanted to do until I went to drama school. I chose The Manchester Poly School of Theatre,  it was down to earth, gritty and vocational they wanted to produce intelligent, thinking actors. You were always being pushed out of your comfort zone playing roles you would not be expected to play. I started out as a jobbing actor and got my break in a play which made it into the West End. With comedy, you must be tuned into the audience so you can get the timing right. When it works there is no better feeling in the world. You must never chase the laugh because the audience will know that’s what you are doing Every audience is different they catch you by surprise Being funny is about being honest with an audience. Truth is the key. Straight acting is more intense but you are telling a story. It can be exhausting telling a story to an audience. With musicals, the scenes are shorter with bigger set dance  pieces. The art is in conveying the story through the shorter scenes.   BEST MOMENTS ‘I’ve been all over the world and the power of Coronation Street is truly global’ ‘It was a brilliant grounding; I have enormous respect for the crew because I’ve done what they do’ ‘By the age of 21 I’d been in 2 West Ends, on TV and in a rock band’ ‘The more truthful it is the funnier it is’   ABOUT THE HOST Kevin Clifton is a professional dancer who has been performing & competing at the highest level for over a decade. Kevin has worked on shows like 'Burn the floor' & 'Rock of Ages' to 'Strictly Come Dancing' one of the biggest TV shows in the UK which Kevin won in 2018.    CONTACT METHOD Kevin Clifton Instagram Kevin Clifton Facebook Kevin Clifton YouTube    

‘It’s all about the work ethic’   Zoe and Kevin are currently both appearing in Rock of Ages and they take the opportunity to sit down together and discuss what it's like to be a performer and manage life in between. Zoe Burkett, singer, actor and dancer was part of the first Pop Idol series and has continued to develop a successful career working as both as singer and actor and has appeared many musical theatre shows both touring and in the West End. Zoe has a passion for life and a positive approach,  there is something for everyone in this episode, listen in now   KEY TAKEAWAYS Dancing was my early passion but  an injury at 14 resulted in me changing my focus to singing. It wasn’t until others recognised and were positive about my singing that I started to think  I could be a singer Being rejected at auditions was a devastating experience but my mum and dad were always there encouraging me to get back up and get on. People from the outside may perceive it as an overnight success but most people have been working and being rejected repeatedly before they find any success. When I made it through to pop idol I started to think I might be able to make singing a career When I was in the big brother house I stopped for the first time and thought about what I had achieved and had time to think about what my legacy would be It was life-changing,  for the first time I thought about family and after leaving the house my life changed, I got married and am now mum to a little girl What I’ve learnt as a singer and actor is you get better with experience When I sang as a teenager I wasn’t thinking about the emotion and telling a story because I hadn’t experienced it. Now I’m able to connect with a song emotionally because I have experienced life and I’m a better singer because of it. The best performers in the world can change how you feel, and it’s because  they are invested. Our job as performers is to deliver a truth to the audience so they believe it, in order for them to believe we also have to be invested. Luck is when hard work and determination meet an opportunity, It is about preparing for an unknown opportunity. I feel I am successful; money does not define success for me it’s about how I feel.   BEST MOMENTS ‘I do a lot of my work late at night, I come alive at this time’ ‘Often creativity comes when you create space for it’  ‘As performers saying ‘no’ to something is quite scary and we worry about losing momentum’  ‘Getting knocked back is part of the game’  ‘The support I have in the North is phenomenal’    ABOUT THE HOST Kevin Clifton is a professional dancer who has been performing & competing at the highest level for over a decade. Kevin has worked on shows like 'Burn the floor' & 'Rock of Ages' to 'Strictly Come Dancing' one of the biggest TV shows in the UK which Kevin won in 2018.    CONTACT METHOD Kevin Clifton Instagram Kevin Clifton Facebook Kevin Clifton YouTube  

Kevin is best known as a professional dancer on Strictly Come Dancing and in this first episode of the Kevin Clifton Show, he sits down with his mentor, Rob Moore and they talk all things from performing, dancing and Strictly to understanding yourself and why being in the spotlight has more than one side. This very personal podcast is an insight into the man who is the current glitterball champion and the journey he is on. He is someone who wants to entertain and has achieved this through Strictly  but if you want to get to know the real Kevin Clifton then this podcast is a must.   KEY TAKEAWAYS My vision for the podcast is to bring people from all areas of performing life to talk about what it is really like. When you have the chance to listen to successful people and hear about their journeys and vulnerabilities then you are able to identify more closely with them and imagine it is possible for you to do it as well. As a performer, your worth in your career is entirely based on the opinion of the judges or an audience. I have always worried about other’s opinions, have constant imposter syndrome and suffer from anxiety across all areas of my life. Instead of thinking  I love entertaining and I'm going out to entertain my thought process is focused on feeling I am not good enough, It’s the paradox of being successful. If there is no void there is no drive. My demeanour is co-dependant on how an audience reacts, in relationships, it’s  based on what my partner thinks. You can’t help but notice how the crowd are performing and I can be very reliant on the energy of the audience Winning Strictly was an amazing moment that I’ll never forget but there was that thought about this success being a result of the people voting and so you are dependent on the approval of others. I've always had this need to prove myself and it has resulted in me having an incredible drive  for work and to achieve. I went through a stage of total self-hatred  and I didn’t know how to deal with it I didn’t know how to function as a person, and I don’t know how to label it. I was constantly a ball of stress and emotion. I had been convinced I needed to change but it was about not becoming something different but getting back to who you are. As a kid, you live to your best values but as you grow up you put labels on yourself and then fight for the labels because they have become your identity. It’s vital to get rid of all the stuff and get back to what makes you feel happy and your values. Getting back in touch with who I am as a person and concentrating on what I really want to do in life and being clear about my values has moved my life from darkness and self-hatred to a much better place. You must be true to yourself and not be ruled by the expectation of others. You must be the person you are not the person you think others want you to be.     BEST MOMENTS ‘I’ve just never been that confident and worry about whether people like me all the time’ ‘I was constantly this ball of stress and emotion, constantly sad and emotional’ My mum and dad invested in me and my sister they did anything to help us along in our careers ‘I am starting to understand it doesn’t matter and most people don’t care’    ABOUT THE HOST Kevin Clifton is a professional dancer who has been performing & competing at the highest level for over a decade. Kevin has worked on shows like 'Burn the floor' & 'Rock of Ages' to 'Strictly Come Dancing' one of the biggest TV shows in the UK which Kevin won in 2018.    CONTACT METHOD Kevin Clifton Instagram Kevin Clifton Facebook Kevin Clifton YouTube