ANTON DU BEKE WILL HEADLINE MALVERN AUTUMN SHOW’S VINTAGE VILLAGE THIS SEPTEMBER AS THE ULTIMATE HARVEST FESTIVAL RETURNS TO THE THREE COUNTIES SHOWGROUND ON SATURDAY 24TH AND SUNDAY 25TH.
Eager movers and shakers will be donning their dancing shoes to join the BBC Strictly Come Dancing star as he takes to the floor to show off how to become the ultimate dance flirt of the 40’s and 50’s.
Ahead of his Malvern Autumn Show debut, Anton shares his insider advice hot off the heels of rehearsals for the new series of the best-loved BBC ballroom show:
- School’s Not Out – Start by learning from those who do it best and enroll at a dance school. They are great places to meet other beginners just like you, make friends and find a new dance partner. Dance Schools will also exposed you to the enormous variety of dance styles of offer, which will help you quickly find which one is for you – whether you’re a blissful ballroomer or fantastic at foxtrot, there really is a style for everyone and keep trying. It’s rare you’ll find love at first dance.
- Confidence Is Key – Being confident is key to feeling comfortable with your moves. Mistakes are inevitable; so don’t let beginner’s hurdles stop you. Continue with the routine and improvise. If you miss a step, create your own. Plus everyone wants a confident dance partner.
- Practice Makes Perfect – Dance like nobody’s watching, anytime, anywhere. Get comfortable moving your body to music, no matter if that’s with your headphones on waiting for the bus or with the radio blaring while cooking in the kitchen.
- Keep Your Head Held High – There’s an age-old phrase that say if you look down, you fall down. A sure fire way to get off on the wrong foot is to stare at the floor while you’re dancing. Keep your eyes up and know that your feet wont let you down. Posture is also very important. Slouching hides the beautiful shapes you have worked so hard to perfect so stand tall and be proud of your routine.
- Turn Up The Tunes – Dance to music you like as a song can make all the difference to how you feel about a routine. If you love the music your character and passion will come through in your steps.
- World Wide Web – YouTube, Facebook, Google, Twitter, Instagram are all great places to learn the ropes. There are countless videos, articles and step-by-step guides out there to help you continue learning away from the dance floor.
- Freshen Up – Having a mint before taking to the floor is a brilliant idea. Dancing is all about chemistry and often you’ll have to get up close and personal with your partner. Routines such as the Tango and Waltz showcase the connection between a pair, so a packet of mints is a staple to my kit bag to ensure I’m fresh and not self-conscious during rehearsals.
- Look After Yourself – Just like the world’s best athletes, to be at the top of your game it’s important to take care of yourself. Dance is as much a sport as swimming, running or cycling. Plenty of stretching before a class is a must. This will not only prepare your body, encourage your flexibility and overall dance agility, but also help ease any aches and pains afterwards. A long hot bath after a full training session is also the perfect way to relax your muscles while also unwinding yourself.
- Food Is Fuel – Feeding your body with all the good things will help you get more from your moves. You can’t beat a high protein dish the night before a class and a banana or handfuls of nuts are great sources of energy an hour or two before you take to the floor. Keeping hydrated is also vital, so keep a bottle of water handy at all times – not just when you’re dancing, but throughout your working day too.
- Shine Bright – Loving what you do is a must. Dance is a thrilling and enjoyable sport for all ages and once you’ve mastered the art, you have plenty to be proud of – 10’s all round!
Anton Du Beke headlines Malvern Autumn Show 2016 on Saturday 25 September alongside top TV chef Tom Kerridge. The Malvern Autumn Show takes place on Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 September. Tickets are now on sale. Advance tickets are priced at £16 for adults and £5 for children. Tickets are available on the gate at £19 for adults and £7 for children. Family and group tickets are available. For information on ticket prices please visit www.malvernautumn.co.uk or call 01684 584924.