Trips & Adventures – 26 January 2019

Six of us from Out in the City went to the Manchester Evening News Arena (courtesy of Unique X) for a VIP experience to see “Strictly Come Dancing” on tour. I have to admit I was a bit sceptical – I’m not a regular viewer of the show – OK, I’ve never seen a programme in full. But it was spectacular, sensational and stunning … and other words beginning with “s” (like superb).

Ore Oduba, a British television and radio presenter, best known for winning the fourteenth series of BBC One’s “Strictly Come Dancing”, hosted the show. Supported by a live band and some amazing singers, seven couples made up of a celebrity and a professional dancer did two dances each, from the classic waltz to the sultry rumba, and were marked out of 10 by four judges. These were Craig Revel Horwood, Dame Darcey Bussell, Shirley Ballas and Bruno Tonioli. When Dr Ranj and his partner danced a sexy salsa, Craig Revel Horwood said that it reminded him of the NHS – No Hip Swivel! We boo-ed playfully. Although one dance scored only 22 out of 40, the standard was generally so high that one dance scored 39 out of 40 and four dances scored full marks. However, the audience decided who won the ultimate prize; with fans having the power to vote for their favourites and choose who lifted the famous Glitterball Trophy.

The singers covered such gay classics as “I’m Coming Out” and “Dancing Queen(s)” when Craig and Bruno danced. When they sang “We are Family” it reminded me of the time I went to see Sister Sledge at the Hacienda Night Club. Only one sister turned up, but she still appeared on stage looking from left to right when she sang the lyrics: “We are family, I’ve got all my sisters with me”.

There were also professional dancers and a highlight for me was the dance performance at the end. The group led by two men dancing together filled me with pride and warm emotion. I shed a tear (don’t tell anyone!)

We had the chance to stand up and dance in our seats to the “Strictly Come Dancing” theme tune. There were costume changes, crowds and cha-cha-cha! Darlings, the whole event was fun, camper than a row of tents and totally Fab-U-Lous.