Dance

Scottish Ballet has committed to a five-year extension of its health and wellbeing programme.

The dance company offers classes across Scotland for people living with long term conditions including Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson’s, and Dementia.

Scottish Ballet’s Director of Engagement Catherine Cassidy said support from investment company Baillie Gifford will help develop the programme, which has run since 2015.

More than a million Scots live with neurological conditions. Studies show taking part in regular dance classes can improve balance, fatigue and cognitive performance.

Brighton & Hove's first purpose-built dance studio is set to open in July.

Construction of The Dance Space began nearly five years ago, following a 10-year fundraising campaign and financial support from Brighton & Hove City Council and the National Lottery.

The completed studio features two accessible ground-floor dance studios and a first-floor creation and performance space, as well as rooms and offices spaces for hire.

Artistic Director Cath James says the space will allow professional artists to work alongside dancers of all ages and abilities.

"The launch will mark a significant moment for Brighton & Hove, providing an important new cultural asset for the whole community to experience the joy and wellbeing that dance can offer every body."

A new partnership will "lift the curtain" on the the dance industry for students.

Birmingham Royal Ballet and the Royal Academy of Dance will launch the new programme in February with a series of pre-show talks and workshops for dancers and company staff.

They aim to inspire young dancers and deepen their understanding and appreciation of ballet as an art form.

The academy's Artistic Director Gerard Charles says there is "so much more to studying ballet than simply learning the steps".

"We are all part of a large dance community that includes beginners, experienced dancers and teachers, and we learn from each other. I cannot wait to see how our dancers and teachers benefit from this amazing opportunity."

Professionals on Strictly Come Dancing who refuse to get vaccinated are trying to keep their identities hidden.

The Times reports they have hired lawyers in a bid to stop the Mail on Sunday naming two of the three dancers.

Whilst vaccination is not a requirement to take part in the popular TV show, the vaccine status of competitors and the right or otherwise of their partners to know has been a talking point in recent weeks.

Despite the show's strict safety protocols, singer Tom Fletcher and his professional partner, Amy Dowden, tested positive for Covid-19 over the weekend. There is no suggestion either was unvaccinated.