Latest news with #PineappleDanceStudios
Daily Mail
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE Louie Spence: 'My mum had three kids by age 19 and was a cleaner on our council estate. She didn't care about my global stardom alongside Tina Turner and The Spice Girls'
Louie Spence has revealed how his council estate childhood with his mum Pat kept his feet firmly on the ground when he shot to superstardom. The famed Pineapple Dance Studio legend, 56, who grew up on a Braintree council estate, told MailOnline that his stoic mother Pat didn't really care about his global stardom working alongside the likes of Tina Turner and The Spice Girls. Over the years, Louie also worked with a string of showbiz legends such as Whitney Houston and Stevie Wonder as a dancer and became a household name with Pineapple Dance Studios' TV show as a choreographer. He revealed that his mum, who passed away in 2013, only cared if he and his two sisters were happy, and he confessed that 'money doesn't make your problems go away'. Louie explained that he felt he was more sensible with his influx of money due to being older and having already 'dealt with having no finances'. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMail's new Showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. He told MailOnline: 'My mom, as a kid, did tap dancing and ballroom and Latin, but she was pregnant at 17, had three babies by the time she was 19, so that went out the window. 'I mean, my mum could dance, my dad had a good sense of humour, like I say, they were going in like rabbits, I mean they actually would work to supply money to support the kids. 'She was a cleaner, she worked in the factory in between having a few nervous breakdowns.' Louie's success has seen him build a 'privileged' life for which he is grateful for as he now enjoys a life of gym, lunches and cooking. He spends his days alongside his husband of 25 years, Leto Fernandez, and they live their life to the fullest between Spain and London. Louie has previously revealed that his mum worked incredibly hard to make ends meet and keep his passion alive. He said that she used to buy the children occasionwear but keep the tags on, hang them up by the window and take them back to the shop. And during the same time, Louie's mum remortgaged the house they bought under the right to buy scheme to send Louie to Italia Conti stage school. Louie explained that he felt he was more sensible with his influx of money due to being older and having already 'dealt with having no finances' And despite gracing stages with some of the world's biggest stars, his mum was never too 'bothered' and his family 'weren't impressed'. He said: 'To tell you the truth, they were proud, but they weren't really bothered, and I weren't really bothered whether they were bothered either. 'It was like, what I'd always done and it was just my job. My family weren't really impressed by things like that, they didn't really care. 'As long as we're all happy, that's all that really mattered.' And while Louie catapulted to fame almost overnight, he explained that his boost in finances wasn't much of a priority as he knew he was 'earning good money' but didn't have a chance to spend it because of his busy workload. He said: 'I was working so much, I didn't really have a chance to even look at my finances. 'I knew I was earning good money. I would say, I was fortunately older when it happened to me. Pineapple started when I was 41, so, you know, I was already older and had dealt with having no finances. 'So I think I was a bit more sensible at that age, but I would say that it doesn't solve all of your problems. 'Because when you don't have money, you think that everything is going to be solved by having money, being able to pay your bills, it's gonna make you happy. 'But then you realise that it's not the money, there's other things deeper than that are going on, and no matter if you have money or not, they don't go away.' Before Pineapple Dance Studio's observational documentary, which helped Louie soar to fame, he led a very successful dancing career as he emerged on the West End scene as a teenager. He grew up in Braintree, Essex, and went to the local Doreen Cliff's dance school with his sisters on a Saturday morning. Louie landed a part in the West End in Bugsy Malone, aged 13, and then the BBC's Wayne Sleep's Hot Shoe Show. After leaving school with no GCSEs, he became a professional dancer with roles in Miss Saigon and Cats and spent a year as a backing dancer with the Spice Girls on their world tour. Now, Louie has partnered with Nationwide as the banking branch will have four million of their customers dancing with joy after their bank gives them an extra £100 in their account. New research from Nationwide has revealed that nearly two-thirds of Brits don't feel like life throws enough unexpected good news at them. But this week, many will receive news that will have them dancing and jumping for joy, as Nationwide gives over four million of its members £100 as part of its annual Fairer Share Day. Over half of Brits say they've experienced an involuntary physical reaction when receiving good news - and it's not as unusual as you might think. In a joyful display of celebratory dance, Louie showcased his moves in a new video alongside Peter Crouch to honour Nationwide's Fairer Share Day, which sees millions of its most engaged members rewarded In a joyful display of celebratory dance, Louie showcased his moves in a new video alongside Peter Crouch to honour Nationwide's Fairer Share Day, which sees millions of its most engaged members rewarded. Louie said: 'Whether it's a pirouette or the cha cha cha, dancing makes me feel alive - and there's nothing like great news to make me want to move! 'But I'm not the only one, with millions set to receive their Fairer Share bonus, we're calling on the UK's lucky huns to embrace their good news with a little shimmy, shake, or twirl to celebrate. Lean into it, darlings!'
Daily Mail
01-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE JoJo Siwa reveals the moment she realised she had feelings for Chris Hughes and hints she may relocate to the UK for him - as he shares steamy bedroom snap
JoJo Siwa has revealed the moment she realised she had feelings for Chris Hughes, as she hinted she may relocate to the UK to be with him. The dancer, 22, and Love Island star, 32 have sparked a social media frenzy since meeting in the Celebrity Big Brother house in April, after their friendship blossomed into romance. While JoJo and Chris have been tight-lipped on the official status of their relationship, the Karma hitmaker did appear to confirm their romance on stage earlier this week. And speaking at a Q&A with fans during a dance class at Pineapple Dance Studios on Saturday, JoJo was grilled on the exact moment she developed feelings for Chris. Chris also showed his relationship with JoJo is getting stronger by the day, as he shared a steamy bedroom snap with the dancer on Snapchat on Sunday. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMail's new Showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. The dancer and Love Island star have sparked a social media frenzy after their friendship blossomed into romance, with Chris sharing a steamy bedroom snap with JoJo on Sunday Reflecting on her feelings for Chris, JoJo said: 'Loads of different times, loads of different times on different levels. I'm very very happy where we are currently, obviously, I mean I literally smile every single second of every single day now. 'One of personal biggest frustrations in my life now is that I actually don't know, I genuinely don't know, and I've spoken to him about it, I've spoken to my mom about it, I don't know the moment that it,' before snapping her fingers. She added: 'It was never like a light switch happened, it was just... you know what I mean? And so I genuinely don't know! It's serendipity!' During the Q&A, another fan gushed that she 'fully supported' JoJo's relationship with Chris, leading the dancer to admit she's felt 'so loved' by her UK fanbase. She added: 'Interestingly enough I feel so loved right now by the world, it's been beautiful. 'It's the UK and I really feel it from here.. it's been really beautiful this last month, it's been beautiful, it's been lovely, and I think I have just been genuinely happier. JoJo then coyly went onto add: 'You can see it, it radiates off me, and yeah there's a reason why!' During the chat, the star was asked whether she'd be open to relocating to the UK to be with Chris, and JoJo said that while it may be an option in the future, she feels there's 'no shame' in dividing her time between the US and UK for now. 'Obviously I have a beautiful boy here and he's incredible, obviously he's here, his friends are here and his family is here,' she said. 'Obviously I'm in America, my friends are in America, my family is in America. 'Life is life, and I think there's no shame in splitting time, and all of a sudden one way is that way and the other way is that way, I don't know we go as we go! But yeah I love it here! It's beautiful. 'Honestly, coming here as a kid I used to, this sounds horrible, I used to dread it because I didn't understand the food, I didn't understand the culture. 'After Big Brother I have never loved a place more, and I think it's because I really got embraced with the culture and the food by being literally in a house with just that, when it's all that. 'But it's genuinely become my favourite place in the world, I could spend all my time here, I love it.' Following a pair of shows in London earlier this week, and with a US tour set to kick off in July, it was no surprise that the star was asked by British fans about the prospect of more shows in the future. She said: 'I'll say this, I can't say yes because on literal paper right now I don't have it in front of me. I will say yesterday I was pitched dates. 'So, bear with me here! I was pitched dates and I actually think this set of dates will work better, so it's not set in stone, but it's a very prominent conversation right now.' While JoJo attempted to stay coy over the prospect of a UK tour, she quickly mouthed the word 'yes' sparking delight from fans in attendance. Chris had previously described his relationship status as 'happy' when grilled in reference to his bond with JoJo, adding in an interview with House Of Cavani that she's become his 'favourite person.' And it seemed that the pair's relationship has gone from strength to strength, with Chris sharing a steamy bedroom snap with JoJo on Snapchat on Sunday. Sharing the sweet image of himself and JoJo cuddled in bed together, he captioned the image: 'Sleeping beauty.' JoJo also appeared on Sunday's edition on Sunday Brunch, and fought back tears as she emotionally shared how Chris has been embraced by her family since he first flew to the US to surprise her for her 22nd birthday last month. She said: 'She loves him, she does love him. My parents think the absolute world of him, and him and my Dad are like best friends, Chris was actually telling me this yesterday, they went to the spa together yesterday. 'They're literally best friends, Mom Siwa she absolutely adores him. I love watching her watch us, because I've never seen my mom so happy, and it's... it's... I could cry. 'Honestly, it makes me happy to have everybody act as... it feels like we're a family, it feels like he's been in my family for how ever many years it feels like forever. 'He gets along as well as I do. I think he loves me becuase of my parents!' On Wednesday, JoJo took to Instagram to reflect on her London shows, admitting she has never felt so 'content and happy,' and described her first few days in the UK as 'the perfect time with perfect people in a perfect place'. Her post included a slew of snaps from her performance, including a sweet image that showed herself and Chris embracing backstage. Chris recently revealed his relationship status with JoJo, after the singer seemingly confirmed their romance with a sweet on-stage tribute. The ITV star had a simple one-word answer when asked whether he and JoJo were in a relationship during a Q&A session. The presenter admitted: 'Happy. That's my relationship status - happy. Yeah, I'm just happy that's good. I'm happy with that.' Despite the guarded answer, Chris still gushed about his close relationship with JoJo, admitting she's become his 'favourite topic of conversation.' He said: 'She's just just my favourite human and somebody I can literally talk about relentlessly.' During her performance in London on Tuesday, JoJo seemed to confirm their friendship with Chris had blossomed into romance, before breaking down in tears as she told fans she feels 'incredibly loved '. The star once again performed her cover of Bette Davies' Eyes, and changed the end of the song's lyrics to sing ' Chris Hughes ' Eyes'. Admitting she'd changed the end of the song because it made her 'happy,' she added: 'I'll tell you this much, if it's not obvious, that ending lyric is very much true,' sparking a huge cheer from the fans in attendance. Chris had attended JoJo's first show in London the previous night, but the star admitted he couldn't attend Tuesday's performance. Instead, she brought along the orange beanie he'd given her while in the house, after she caught Chris singing one of her hits while she was still asleep. She told the audience: 'This morning I woke up and all I heard was [sings Nobody Can Change me] he was singing, so I figured today I'd bring a little bit of him while I sing this next song.' As the show came to a close, JoJo wept at the crowd's reception, telling her fans that after once feeling she was 'one of the most hated people in the world,' she felt 'so special and so loved'.
Telegraph
09-05-2025
- Health
- Telegraph
All the health benefits of a 10-minute dance session
Half an hour into a street dance class at Pineapple Dance Studios, my heart's pumping, I'm high on endorphins and close to imagining I'm moving like Jennifer Lopez – until a glimpse in the mirror proves otherwise. In fact, even when I'm not getting the choreography wrong, the shapes I'm throwing are more 'ungainly giraffe' than 'celebrity music video'. But at this moment, I don't care: it's the most fun I've had in an exercise class for years. New research suggests that dancing, especially with other people, is an excellent way to reduce stress, strengthen resilience and improve overall wellbeing. The study revealed that movement, music and social connection 'can have profound effects on our mental health,' says Dr Jonathan Skinner, the co-author of the study. Another study by the University of Oxford suggested these effects can be felt in as little as 10 minutes. Physically, it is highly beneficial, too, including improving strength and flexibility, reducing the risk of stroke, heart attack and breast and colon cancer, lowering the risk of dementia and even boosting memory. Here, we explain the best types of dancing to try for different health benefits, and Emily Stephenson, a dance instructor who teaches at Pineapple Dance Studios, demonstrates key moves you can try. For good heart health: Street dance One of the highest-intensity types of dancing, incorporating jumps, spins and quick footwork, street style is ideal for raising the heart rate. 'The movements are strong in street dance and it's energetic, which is great for getting the blood pumping,' says Stephenson, whose dance-based workout programme is called The Dancer Body. 'It's fun, too – it doesn't feel gruelling, like running on a treadmill can.' For me, this is by far the toughest style: as I try to master the footwork, keep up with the fast pace of the music and, just when I think I've got it, switch to a new series of moves, I'm scrambling. I'm also quickly out of breath and sweating profusely – not to mention certain I look ridiculous. But it's also exhilarating, and where I usually find the time drags during exercise classes, concentrating so hard takes my mind off clock-watching and it flies by. If you're older or less agile, a less vigorous style of dance such as ballroom will also boost heart health and reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke. One Australian study, which examined data from 48,000 British people, found that those who engaged in weekly moderate intensity dancing had a 46 per cent lower risk of death from cardiovascular disease compared with those who rarely or never danced. 'I work with people of all ages, and anybody can get cardiovascular benefits from dancing,' says Stephenson. For better brain health: Jazz In a 2003 study, researchers at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in the US discovered that dance can have an extraordinary impact on brain health. The study looked at the effects of 11 different types of physical activity, including cycling, golf, swimming and tennis, but found that only one, dance, lowered participants' risk of dementia – by a massive 76 per cent. This is because dancing can increase the brain's hippocampus, an area which plays an important role in learning, memory and co-ordination. In a 2017 German study, volunteers in their 60s were asked to take up dancing once a week for 18 months, or do a more traditional workout. After 18 months, brain scans revealed the increase in the dancers' hippocampus was more pronounced. 'Participating in a dance class presents cognitive challenges, as the brain has to adapt to changing moves,' explains Alice Marshall, senior lecturer in dance at the University of Derby. 'This approach differs from repetitive exercises and induces brain plasticity.' Scientists also believe the social interaction involved in a group class protects brain health. With its intricate choreography, and varied movements and rhythms, jazz is an ideal way to boost memory. When I try to nail a routine of kicks and expressive arm movements to fast music, it certainly tests my concentration skills; I have to focus hard to keep up, but it's fun to try something new and doesn't feel too physically arduous. For weight loss: Dance aerobics Back in the Nineties, dance aerobics classes were everywhere, incorporating moves from a host of different dance styles and setting them to high-energy music. Today, classes using weights have taken over in popularity. But if you've been missing grapevines, it may be time to dust off your shiny leotard because when it comes to calorie-burning workouts, very little beats this one. When I try a class, all the jumping, squatting, knee-lifting and bouncing is exhausting, but the booming retro pop music carries me through, along with the nostalgia – and the knowledge I'm burning around 250 calories in 30 minutes. Afterwards, though, I feel energised and considerably less stressed, which continues through the next day, despite me having several deadlines to meet. 'It doesn't matter if you get the steps wrong, and you don't need to be super-fit, the idea is just to keep moving as much as possible and enjoy it,' says Stephenson. In another study published last year, researchers at Hunan University in China found that dancing regularly for at least three months significantly lowered BMI and fat and reduced waist circumference in obese participants. Perhaps unsurprisingly, they also showed that more up-tempo dances, including hip hop, jazz and aerobics-style, led to greater fat loss compared to more traditional types such as ballet and ballroom. For stronger bones: Salsa I've never tried salsa before and trying it now is a daunting prospect. All the sensual hip swaying, shoulder shimmies and expressive arm movements are a challenge for the poorly co-ordinated, but I gamely give it a go. I feel self-conscious, but salsa, which has its roots in Cuba and encompasses many different Latin styles, has been proven to have many health benefits, including for bone health. 'The impact from all the jumping, stepping, shifting weight and changes of direction are great for bone density, which is particularly important for women in midlife and beyond,' says Stephenson. One study showed that in older women with osteoporosis, a year-long programme of salsa dancing caused a significant improvement in lumbar bone density in the lower back. As a result, it is often used as a treatment for sufferers. One German study found that balance and co-ordination, which are vital as we age to prevent falls and fractures, were improved by salsa. The research showed age-related deficits in static and dynamic postural control – measured by standing on one leg on a balance platform and walking on a narrow walkway, respectively – were lessened by the dancing. Salsa can also help keep joints lubricated, which can help to lower the chances of arthritis developing. For flexibility and posture: Ballet A wealth of research has shown the numerous benefits of ballet, and its fluid, controlled stretches and extended movements are an ideal way to improve flexibility, in particular. 'As we age, flexibility grows increasingly important to maintain mobility and prevent injury,' says Stephenson. According to the British Pain Society, more than half of people experience back pain at some point in their adult life, and one of the chief culprits is bad posture. 'Ballet focusses on opening the shoulders, lifting the chin, strengthening the core and aligning the body, which can really improve posture,' she says. Like many little girls, I once lived and breathed ballet, taking classes from the age of three until my teenage years. Now, although I remember many of the movements and poses, even basic plies (bends from the knees) feel tough on my joints, while attempting to balance on one leg immediately makes me wobble precariously. As I extend my arms and legs to try to hit graceful positions, it makes me realise how little I stretch in my day-to-day life, and how much more I should. I've never liked yoga, but ballet makes me feel poised and elegant – even if I don't look it.
BBC News
18-03-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Dorset: Boys stage Covent Garden flash mob performance
Forty young male dancers have taken part in a flash mob performance in London's Covent dance teacher Natalie Pearl, from Bournemouth, led the event on Sunday in collaboration with Pineapple Dance performance, which featured nearly 20 dancers from Dorset, was designed to celebrate boys in Pearl, who founded National Boys Dance Day, said some of those who danced were the only boys in their classes and it was "such a privilege to create such an event". "To be able to give all these boys the opportunity to dance with so many other like minded boys is amazing," she said."They were simply incredible, every single one of them."The boys work ethic was inspiring and their gratitude shone through, as well as of course their undeniable talent." The dancers rehearsed for the first time at Pineapple Dance Studio, just two hours before they routine was met with cheers, applause, and calls for an encore. One audience member said it was "inspiring and deeply moving seeing so many boys dancing together with such joy and confidence". Founder of Pineapple Dance Studios Debbie Moore said: "It's amazing to see boys from all over the country come together to create something so powerful in such a short time. "Their talent and dedication highlight the importance of boys in dance."Ms Pearl said she was "eternally grateful" for Pineapple Dance Studio for there collaboration and support."To have them united with me in promoting boys dance is just so wonderful," she added. You can follow BBC Dorset on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram.
