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The dancing world of ‘Strictly’ and you

05/05/2020

Strictly Come Dancing has become an icon within British television, with the Guinness Book of Records recently declaring it to be the world’s most successful reality TV format. The format has been exported to over 40 other countries, licensed by BBC Worldwide, and led to a modern dance-themed spin-off Strictly Dance Fever and Dancing with the Stars.

In Sweden, the spin-off show Just Dance peaked at two million viewers, a record for channel TV4. In China, that figure regularly tops 14 million. More than 250 million people are believed to have watched an international version of the programme since it was launched.

BBC Worldwide has described profits from the overseas versions of Strictly Come Dancing as "excellent." Australia was the first country to adopt the show, and the format has become hugely popular in the United States where it is now in its 11th season.

Head Judge of Strictly Come Dancing, Shirley Ballas, branded the show format as “magical”, further commenting: “I think it’s got everything, it’s funny, it’s got glitz and glamour. You watch these people go through this emotional journey every single week and what you see is real. It’s not staged.” 

Want to pursue a career in dance?

The popularity surrounding the TV show has inspired many dancers, of all ages, to take up the pastime and develop a passion. Those who start dancing at a young age often go on to take part in competitions similar to the TV show, from those who dance at a young age, another portion goes on to study at degree level and build a career from dancing.

With 33,000 people currently in the profession, only 2,500 are performers! 22,500 go into teaching careers, and the remaining 5,000 are employed in a variety of ‘support’ careers such as management, therapy and notation.

At the University of Bolton on our Shockout Arts course, you’ll be working with BAFTA-nominated choreographers, award-winning industry professionals, and developing your knowledge of the contexts and histories that inform professional and commercial dance.

For more information on courses, staff, events, and news, click here.