Attention all Strictly Come Dancing enthusiasts! If you’re a die-hard fan of the glamorous world of ballroom dancing showcased on the BBC, then get ready to Cha-Cha your way through some truly fascinating tidbits.
Just like the mesmerizing dance steps you witness at Donaheys, these facts about your favourite TV programme will leave you twirling with delight!
1. **The Glitterball isn’t Solid!**
Yes, you read that right. The prized Glitterball Trophy isn’t a solid ball but a hollow one! While it shines bright on screen, it’s lighter than it appears.
2. **Foreign Affair:**
“Strictly Come Dancing” is loved not just in the UK but globally. It’s adapted in over 50 countries with names like “Dancing with the Stars” in the USA.
3. **No High Heels on Day One:**
The female celebrities aren’t allowed to dance in high heels right away. They start in flats and progress to heels as they get more comfortable!
4. **Spray Tan Galore:**
More than 57 litres of spray tan are used per series, ensuring all participants have that sun-kissed glow while they Tango and Waltz.
5. **First Dance:**
While the Cha-Cha-Cha and Waltz are popular first dances now, the very first routine performed on Strictly was the Rumba by Natasha Kaplinsky and Brendan Cole.
6. **Sartorial Choices:**
On average, over 500 metres of fabric and 170,000 sequins are used in a single series. That’s a lot of sparkle!
7. **No Love for the Lifts?**
In the early days of “Strictly,” lifts weren’t allowed in any of the dances. It was only after a rule change that they became an integral part of the performances.
8. **A Royal Fan:**
Queen Camilla is a self-proclaimed fan of Strictly Come Dancing. She has even attended the live shows and has had a private dance lesson with some of the pros!
9. **Long Live the Music:**
Did you know the show’s resident band, led by the brilliant Dave Arch, has over 4,500 music arrangements in their collection?
10. **Green Room Rename:**
The Green Room isn’t green at all. It’s been called the ‘Red Room’ since 2013 because, well, it’s red!
11. **Strictly Ghosts:**
Rumours have it that the Blackpool Tower Ballroom, one of the iconic venues, is haunted! Some contestants have even reported eerie experiences.
12. **A Mile of Dance:**
By the end of a series, the celebrities will have danced, on average, the equivalent of a marathon. That’s 26.2 miles of Waltzing, Jiving, and twirling!
Now that you’re armed with these fantastic and lesser-known facts, you’re sure to impress fellow “Strictly” aficionados at your next TV viewing party or even during your next Donaheys dance class.
Keep dancing and keep discovering the magic of “Strictly Come Dancing“!
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