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Videos: Watch our Musicals Routines
We love a musical and we're taught many routines on our course from shows such as Chicago, Cabaret, Anything Goes, Thoroughly Modern Millie and West Side Story. You can take a look at past routines to get an idea of what we've taught and how fun they are! We’ve a whooping 13 routines to date!
We love a musical and we're taught many routines on our course from shows such as Chicago, Cabaret, Anything Goes, Thoroughly Modern Millie and West Side Story. You can take a look at past routines to get an idea of what we've taught and how fun they are! We’ve a whooping 14 routines to date!
Rhythm of Life - Sweet Charity
All That Jazz
America - West Side Story
Bad Guys - Bugsy Malone
Mein Herr- Cabaret
Hot Honey Rag - Chicago
Thoroughly Modern Millie
Fat Sam’s Grand Slam
All I do - Singin’ in the Rain
Jet Song - West Side Story
Rich Man’s Frug
Anything Goes
One, Singular Sensation - Chorus Line
Me Ol’Bamboo - Chitty Chitty Bang Bang
Tea for Two
Strictly Charleston Review: Nick Knowles & Tasha Ghouri
After a year long wait, Strictly Come Dancing has finally returned to our screens for their 22nd Series and last Saturday we were treated to not one but two Charleston routines! Both dances have received mixed opinions from both the audience and the judges, but which was your favourite?
After a yearlong wait, Strictly Come Dancing has finally returned to our screens for their 22nd Series and last Saturday we were treated to not one but two Charleston routines! Both dances have received mixed opinions from both the audience and the judges, but which was your favourite?
NICK KNOWLES AND LUBA MUSHTUK
First up we have DIY SOS presenter, Nick Knowles and his professional partner Luba Mushtuk, who danced an entertaining number to “Rain on the Roof” from Paddington 2. Although this week is not Movie Week, the couple were unable to perform the previous Saturday due to Nick’s injuries.
It appears that marmalade sandwiches are not everyone’s cup of tea, as the couple’s Charleston sparked controversy amongst the Strictly fandom; witch mixed opinions being shared. Even though some agreed with the lower scoring, others were quick to defend the pair, with one stating that Nick should be ‘given some slack due to his recent injury.’ But what do you think?
Watch their full routine here:
The routine opens with the couple setting the scene, with Luba emerging from the laundry basket- making direct reference to the film. The camera then pans to Nick and his Jazz Hands, completing a basic Charleston step, before the pair come together to complete Kick Charlestons, Inverted Scarecrows, and Bunny Hops. At 0:30, the couple continue with a sequence of ‘Mop-Ography’- adding comical value to the dance. At 0:58, some further partner work occurs, with a Side-to-Side Charleston, and a small lift. Later on further Kicks, Umbrella-Ography, and Jazzy celebratory runs occur before the pair come together for their final pose; and Nick enjoys a sandwich.
In my opinion, although it was entertaining to watch, this Charleston lacked substance and, as a result, it was a little bit boring as I felt Nick could have used his facial expressions to bring a bit of cheekiness to the Charleston. However, with that being said, I think Nick did extremely well to perform despite his injuries.
It seems I am not alone in thinking this, because one critic stated that the dance “needed more energy and more life,” however, opposing this; another stated “[His] efforts deserved that marmalade sandwich.”
It is clear that the Judges had the same view as Head Judge Shirley commented on how “[He] missed out on the sense of freedom” and Craig (who choreographed the routine in the film) stated that there was “no comparison unfortunately.”
Due to these comments, Nick and Luba found themselves in the dreaded Dance Off on Sunday evening, and although Nick took the Judges comments into consideration, it wasn’t quite enough to save them from leaving the competition.
Scores:
Craig Revel Horwood - 4
Motsi Mabuse – 6
Shirley Ballas – 5
Anton Du Beke – 6
MyCharleston – 5
TASHA GHOURI AND ALIAZ SKORIANEZ
Next up, we have Social Media Star and Love Island contestant Tasha Ghouri and her professional partner Aliaz Skorianez, who closed the show with a Coachella- themed Country Charleston set to the tune “UNHEALTHY” by Anne-Marie and Shania Twain and choreographed by the wonderful Jenny Thomas (check out her Instagram here.) Although unconventional with regards to theme and song choice, the audience seemed to really enjoy this Charleston, with one going as far to say that “it was perfection, [and] it is nice to have a break from the usual Jazzy routines.”
Do you prefer a more traditional Charleston, or are you in agreement with the critics relief from Jazz and though this routine deserved it’s high score? Let’s take a closer look…
Watch their full routine here:
The routine opens with the pair posing for pictures with selfie-sticks, and after only a few bars of music, they immediately go into a lift, followed by Charleston swivels, partner sequences, and a twirl. At 0:46, the couple then come together for some ‘Selfie-Stick-Ography’ and a further impressive lift; leaving the audience erupting with applause. Later on, the couple are in perfect synchronisation with their country-inspired moves, Suzy-Qs, Charlie Chaplin’s, Hitchhikes, and the SPLITS!
To conclude the routine, the pair have just enough time for a few Trucks, Side-to-Side Charlestons, and a lift before coming together for their final position.
I must admit, when I first heard about the theme of this Charleston, I was a little sceptical because I worried that the authenticity of the original Charleston would be lost. Whilst I felt this was the case for the theme, I think Tasha is an incredible dancer, and I LOVED the routine and the choreography as it really captured the fun and cheeky Charleston that we all know and love. It is clear that many others shared similar views, with one critic sharing that it was “the BEST dance of the series so far!”
The Judges also enjoyed this number as Tasha and Aliaz were the highest scoring couple of the night, and left Head Judge Shirley exploding with complimentary remarks, exclaiming how she “Could not fault it” and Motsi sharing a similar view with “FAB-U-LOUS!”
As a result, this highly scoring routine of 39, sent the couple safely swivelling into next week!
Scores:
Craig Revel Horwood - 9
Motsi Mabuse – 10
Shirley Ballas – 10
Anton Du Beke – 10
MyCharleston – 9
By: Eleanor O’Donnell
Videos: What's on this November
Our new term of the year begins on 4th Nov, watch all the previews here!
swivel into the next season with our exciting dance courses starting this November
Our new term of the year begins on 4th Nov, watch all the previews here!
CHARLESTON COURSE - PENNIES FROM HEAVEN
BRIGHTON & HOVE LEWES PORTSMOUTH ONLINe
Eastbourne
Step into the cooler months with our brand new Charleston course, set to the lively tune of Pennies from Heaven! Kicking off on 4th November, this umbrella-themed dance class is sure to brighten your day, rain or shine.
Online - 4th Nov,6pm BST
Brighton - 4 Nov, 7:30pm The Dance Space
Hove PM- 5th Nov,, Open Space Studios
Lewes- 12 Nov 6:30pm, The BodyWorkshop
Porstmouth 5th Nov, 7:30pm, CourtX
Eastbourne - 6th Nov, 6:30pm, Leaf Hal
Hove am, 7th Nov, 10:30am, Open Space Studios
MUSICALS COURSE - BAD GUYS
bugsy Malon
HOVE ONLINe
After many requests we are bringing back our Bugsy Malone themed routine to 'Bad Guys' for our final term of the year. This course will be available online and in-studio on the following dates:
4th Nov - 7pm GMT - Via Zoom
5th Nov - 7pm - Open Space Studios, Hove
PARTNER CHARLESTON
7th Nov- Open Space Studios, 6pm - 6 week course
ake a look at what's in store in our 1920s Partner Charleston Course which runs every Thursday at 6pm. If you fancy giving it a go, you can sign up to the next course either as a pair or solo dancer and join us from 7th Nov for the next course
INTERMEDIATE CHARLESTON - Hold TIGHT
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7th Nov - Open Space Studios, 7pm - 6 week course
Get ready to 'Hold Tight' for our next Intermediate course where we will be dancing some great Solo Jazz and Charleston choreography to this upbeat song by The Andrew Sisters. New term kicks starts 7th Nov at 7pm at Open Space Studios
Videos: What's on this September
Our new term of the year begins on September 9th, and all students participating this term are invited to perform at the MyCharleston Christmas Speakeasy on December 7th. In our Open Level Charleston Course, we'll be dancing to "The Charleston" by James P. Johnson, while the Intermediate group will take on the Black Bottom. Our Musicals Course will take you back to the 1970s with "Rhythm of Life," or you can explore the dynamic Partner Charleston to "I'll Always Be in Love with You." The new term is available both in-studio and online. Check out all the previews here!
swivel into the next season with our exciting dance courses starting this September
Our new term of the year begins on September 9th, and all students participating this term are invited to perform at the MyCharleston Christmas Speakeasy on December 7th. In our Open Level Charleston Course, we'll be dancing to "The Charleston" by James P. Johnson, while the Intermediate group will take on the Black Bottom. Our Musicals Course will take you back to the 1970s with "Rhythm of Life," or you can explore the dynamic Partner Charleston to "I'll Always Be in Love with You." The new term is available both in-studio and online. Check out all the previews here!
CHARLESTON COURSE - the charleston
BRIGHTON & HOVE LEWES PORTSMOUTH ONLINe
Eastbourne
Prepare to dance the iconic dance to the original song ‘The Charleston by‘ James P Johnson. Check out the timetable for each location below:
Online - 10 June, 6pm BST
Brighton - 9th Sept, 7:30pm The Dance Space
Hove PM- 10th 6pm, Open Space Studios
Lewes- 10th Sept 6:30pm, The BodyWorkshop
Porstmouth 10th Sept, 7:30pm, CourtX
Eastbourne - 10th Sept, 6:30pm, Leaf Hal
Hove PM- 13 June, 10:30AM, Open Space Studios
- Online 9 Sept 7pm with Fiona BST
- Studio - 10 Sept 7pm with Elena in Hove
PARTNER CHARLESTON
12 Sept- Open Space Studios, 6pm - 6 week course
For those new to the course we'll dive into the basics of Partner Charleston, focusing on the iconic 1920s Charleston steps and even stylish 1930s moves including Tandem Charleston, S-Turns and Hand to Hand Charleston. Our focus is getting you confident on the dance floor in both a social setting. Plus, you'll have the opportunity to learn a fantastic routine that'll have you dancing the night away!
INTERMEDIATE CHARLESTON - Black Bottom
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12 Sept - Open Space Studios, 7pm - 6 week course
Learn the detailed and famous Black bottom dance from the Roaring 20s. we will mixing advanced Charleston steps with classic Black Bottom choreography to create a dynamic and memorable routine which you will love.
Videos: Watch the 'Sugar Foot Stomp' Routines
Watch the ‘Sugar Foot Stomp ‘ routine by all our groups over the third term the year 2024. This routine was taught across Brighton & Hove, Lewes, Eastbourne, Portsmouth, Holland, the Midlands and Online. Take a look at the final performances in class.
Watch the ‘Sugar Foot Stomp ‘ routine by all our groups over the third term the year 2024. This routine was taught across Brighton & Hove, Lewes, Eastbourne, Portsmouth, Holland, the Midlands and Online. Take a look at the final performances in class.
Hove Morning GROUP
hOVE Evening GROUP
Brighton GROUP
Lewes gROUP
EASTBOURNE gROUP
PORTSMOUTH gROUP
Online gROUP
Midlands groups
Speakeasy Performances 2024
The MyCharleston Speakeasy is a dress-up and dance event where we transport you back to the Roaring Twenties. Our Hot Jazz band gets your toes tapping while the flapper dancers are knee-slapping, with group-led dances and performances. As part of the performances this year, we had 4 different groups of students from our classes perform group numbers throughout the afternoon. Take a look below at each of the group routines.
The MyCharleston Speakeasy is a dress-up and dance event where we transport you back to the Roaring Twenties. Our Hot Jazz band gets your toes tapping while the flapper dancers are knee-slapping, with group-led dances and performances. As part of the performances this year, we had 4 different groups of students from our classes perform group numbers throughout the afternoon. Take a look below at each of the group routines.
Partner Charleston - Puttin’ on the Ritz
Opening the show was our 1920s Partner Charleston routine set to the tune ‘Puttin’ on the Ritz’. The routine included a mixture of iconic Charleston steps in hold, turns and a tiny bit of 1930s Charleston too.
Hot Honey Rag- Musicals group
Our dancers from our musicals group brought the stage alive with reenacting the closing number ‘Hot Honey Rag‘ from the musical Hot Honey Rag. The choreography was inspired by the 2002 film adaptation.
Moten Swing
Intermediate Charleston and Solo Jazz
This classic tune is captured perfectly in this routine with each move expressing the musics with iconic Charleston and solo jazz moves. The routine was performed by MyCharlestons Intermediate group, who do a fantastic job of making complicated steps looked relaxed and smooth.
Shake That Thing - Open Level Charleston Group
Closing the show were our fantastic open level students who put together a grand finale with their Charleston routine ‘Shake That Thing‘. Students joined from all over Sussex and Hampshire. We even had our teacher from Holland fly over especially to take part in the day.
Our next social is 30 June on Worthing Pier. Taking place in the beautiful Atrium overlooking Worthing Pier and beach, you’re invited to a Summer Dance full of Charleston Lessons, feisty flappers and live entertainment.
Videos: What's on this June
Embrace the summer spirit with our Open Level Charleston Course set to the lively tune of 'Happy Feet,' or take your skills up a notch in the Intermediate Charleston class with the energetic beats of 'Sing Sing Sing.' You can also master the captivating 'Jet Song' routine from West Side Story in our Musicals course or explore the dynamic 1920s Partner Charleston to 'Don’t Bring Lulu.' The new term begins on June 10th, available both in-studio and online. Check out all the previews here!
Kick off your summer with our exciting dance courses starting this June
Embrace the summer spirit with our Open Level Charleston Course set to the lively tune of 'Happy Feet,' or take your skills up a notch in the Intermediate Charleston class with the energetic beats of 'Sing Sing Sing.' You can also master the captivating 'Jet Song' routine from West Side Story in our Musicals course or explore the dynamic 1920s Partner Charleston to 'Don’t Bring Lulu.' The new term begins on June 10th, available both in-studio and online. Check out all the previews here!
CHARLESTON COURSE - HAPPY FEET
BRIGHTON & HOVE LEWES PORTSMOUTH ONLINe
Eastbourne
Prepare to dance with this lively and energetic Charleston routine set to the tune of 'Happy Feet.' Check out the timetable for each location below:
Online - 10 June, 6pm BST
Brighton - 10 June, 7:30pm The Dance Space
Hove PM- 11 June, 6pm, Open Space Studios
Lewes- 11 June 6:30pm, The BodyWorkshop
Porstmouth -11 June 7:30pm, CourtX
Eastbourne - 12 June 6:30pm, Leaf Hal
Hove PM- 13 June, 10:30AM, Open Space Studios
- Online 10 June 7pm with Fiona BST
- Studio - 11 June 7pm with Elena in Hove
PARTNER CHARLESTON
13 June- Open Space Studios, 6pm - 6 week course
For those new to the course we'll dive into the basics of Partner Charleston, focusing on the iconic 1920s Charleston steps and even some stylish 1930s moves. Our focus is getting you confident on the dance floor in both a social setting. Plus, you'll have the opportunity to learn a fantastic routine that'll have you dancing the night away!
INTERMEDIATE CHARLESTON - SING SING SING
BOOK NOW
13 June - Open Space Studios, 7pm - 6 week course
Master the advanced steps of 1920s Charleston and learn a detailed choreographed routine in our 6 week dance course. Set to the tune Sing Sing Sing, we will mixing advanced Charleston steps with Solo Jazz to create a dynamic and memorable routine which you will love.
Watch Jenny Thomas Masterclass
On 11th May, we were delighted to host Jenny Thomas for two Charleston Masterclasses in Brighton. This was a unique opportunity for our students to learn from one of world’s top choreographers in Charleston & Authentic Jazz. She has devised several top scoring Charleston routines for BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing and now it was our turn to try out some of signatures moves.
On 11th May, we were delighted to host Jenny Thomas for two Charleston Masterclasses in Brighton. This was a unique opportunity for our students to learn from one of world’s top choreographers in Charleston & Authentic Jazz. She has devised several top scoring Charleston routines for BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing and now it was our turn to try out some of signatures moves.
Open Level Group
Strictly Choreographer Jenny Thomas is an ambassador for keeping the Charleston alive and kicking. She is one of the world’s top choreographers in Swing, Lindy Hop, Charleston and Authentic Jazz. Her ability to create a dance routine for beginners and make it look amazing is a unique talent. In this workshop she takes classic moves and adds a modern twist to create a routine which celebrates the Twenties.
Intermediate Level
In our intermediate level group we worked on more technical steps including The Chase and Trickeration.
To join any of our upcoming weekend workshops click here
Videos: Watch the routines from spring term 2024
Watch the videos from our second term of the year 2024. Our Shake That Thing routine was taught across Brighton & Hove, Lewes, Eastbourne, Portsmouth, Holland, the Midlands and Online. Below we have also included our Musicals Course ‘Hot Honey Rag‘ , Partner Charleston and Intermediate Level performance of Moten Swing.
Watch the videos from our second term of the year 2024. Our Shake That Thing routine was taught across Brighton & Hove, Lewes, Eastbourne, Portsmouth, Holland, the Midlands and Online. Below we have also included our Musicals Course ‘Hot Honey Rag‘ , Partner Charleston and Intermediate Level performance of Moten Swing.
Hove Morning GROUP
hOVE Evening GROUP
Brighton GROUP
Lewes gROUP
EASTBOURNE gROUP
PORTSMOUTH gROUP
Online gROUP
Holland group
dARLINGTON group
Midlands groups
CHICAGO - Musicals Group hoVE
CHICAGO - Musicals Group zOOM
intermediate group - mOTEN sWING
pARTNER CHARLESTON
Videos: What's on this April
Swivel in our Open Level Charleston Course to 'Sugar Foot Stomp' or try iconic number 'Me Ol’Bamboo ' from, Chitty Chatty Bang Bang, in our Musicals Course. Elevate your skills in the Intermediate Charleston course with the upbeat sounds of 'Why Don’t You Do Right.' Plus, mark your calendar for our new Partner Course starting 18th April, set to 'Jeepers Creepers.'
Spring into action with our dynamic dance courses launching this April
Swivel in our Open Level Charleston Course to 'Sugar Foot Stomp' or try iconic number 'Me Ol’Bamboo ' from, Chitty Chatty Bang Bang, in our Musicals Course. Elevate your skills in the Intermediate Charleston course with the upbeat sounds of 'Why Don’t You Do Right.' Plus, mark your calendar for our new Partner Course starting 18th April, set to 'Jeepers Creepers.'
CHARLESTON COURSE - sugar foot stomp
BRIGHTON & HOVE LEWES PORTSMOUTH ONLINE Eastbourne
Get ready to dance with this upbeat and energetic Charleston routine set to the tune 'Sugar Foot Stomp' . See below the timetable for each location:
Online - 15th April, 6pm BST
Brighton - 15th April, 7:30pm The Dance Space
Hove - 16th April, 6pm, Open Space Studios
Lewes- 16th April, 6:30pm, The BodyWorkshop
Porstmouth -16th April, 7:30pm, CourtX
Eastbourne - 17th April, 6:30pm, Leaf Hall
PARTNER CHARLESTON
18th April- Open Space Studios, 6pm - 6 week course
Our next Partner Charleston course is back from 18th April at Open Space Studios at 6pm.
For those new to the course we'll dive into the basics of Partner Charleston, focusing on the iconic 1920s Charleston steps and even some stylish 1930s moves. Our focus is getting you confident on the dance floor in both a social setting. Plus, you'll have the opportunity to learn a fantastic routine that'll have you dancing the night away!
INTERMEDIATE CHARLESTON - Moten Swing
BOOK NOW
18th April - Open Space Studios, 7pm - 6 week course
Set to Peggy Lee's "Why Don't You Do Right," we're blending Charleston, Solo Jazz, and Electro Swing styles. Anticipate a fusion of Jazz and Blues steps, featuring syncopated movements. Alongside the slower sequences, we've incorporated an energetic finale, rich in classic Charleston steps.