14 January 2022
January can be a tough month for us all, with festivities behind us and shorter, darker days making it a little harder than usual to get back into the swing of things. Fortunately for us in the dance community, we know that when you’re feeling low, the power of a unique dance performance can be just what we need to put a little pep back in our step.
Here, we’ve gathered some of our favourite dances to watch on those days we need some encouragement. From Classical Indian to Ballet, let these dances motivate you and help you start your day off on the right foot.
Rose and Giovanni’s Couple’s Choice Dance, Strictly Come Dancing
Kicking off our list is this iconic Couple’s Choice dance from 2021 Strictly Come Dancing winners, Rose Ayling-Ellis and Giovanni Pernice. Enjoy their effortless grace and captivating movements as they take us on an emotional journey. It might make you shed a tear or two, but this one of a kind dance always leaves us feeling inspired and ready to take on our toughest days.
Bill “Bojangles” Robinson and Shirley Temple Stair Dance, The Little Colonel (1935)
What better way to lift your mood than by watching legendary Tap dancer Bill “Bojangles” Robinson teach his iconic Stair Dance to the young Shirley Temple. Proving that Tap is for everyone, this unlikely duo brings out the joy and fun of dancing. Guaranteed to bring a smile to your face, this heartwarming dance is the perfect way to shrug off those January blues.
Vidya Patel’s Kathak Dance, TEDxBrum
A student of Classical Indian Dance [link to CID pages] Faculty Committee member Sujata Banerjee, Vidya Patel’s exhilarating Kathak demonstration is both mesmerising and powerful. Filmed as part of her Tedx talk in Birmingham, Vidaya’s dancing offers an inside look at the lesser known genre of Classical Indian dance through her masterful spins and artistic footwork. Dance begins at the 2:15 minute mark.
John Whaite and Johannes Radebe’s Cha Cha Cha, Strictly Come Dancing
Step into the electric world of Latin American dance with Strictly’s John and Johannes. If you need a little rhythm in your life, the Cha Cha Cha is sure to bring you some much-needed cheer and this non-stop, high-energy performance is sure to get your feet moving - even on the days, you feel sluggish.
Revelations, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater
An iconic dance from an iconic company. Let the strength and elegance of the performers from Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre whisk you away on a journey of self-empowerment and discovery. Modern dance set to the sounds of African-American spirituals, song-sermons, gospel songs and holy blues, this performance never fails to lift us up.
Frontiers, Scottish National Ballet
Classical ballet minus the outdated gender norms. This creative exploration of gender and performance from the dancers of Scottish National Ballet is both challenging and stimulating as they re-establish the meaning behind dance. Enjoy their fluid movements and fresh take on tradition as they present us with a look towards the future of ballet.
