This week, Kevin chats to television and stage star, Jonny Labey, breakout star of such TV favourites as Eastenders, Dance Dance Dance and Celebrity X Factor, and the West-End's very Scott Hastings - leading man of Strictly Ballroom!

As Kevin is due to take on the role of Scott Hastings in a soon-to-kick-off tour of Strictly Ballroom, he's invited Jonny onto the podcast today to pass on any words of wisdom and guidance in playing this electrifying part, while also sharing some of the extraordinary highlights of his fabulous career.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Some roles do not feel like work. Strictly Ballroom is one of those rare productions that is as much fun to be a part of, as it is for the audience to watch.
• Competitive ballroom dancing, and dancing in general, is something in which Jonny has no formal experience. However, the art was important to the role of Scott Hastings, and so intensive training was required.
• The reason that Strictly Ballroom has endured is because of its comparative relevance to many of society's most common personalities. There are glimmers of many contemporary figures in each of the characters - some positive and some negative. This keeps the show relevant.
• As performers, we work hard to achieve moments of supreme glory and transcendence. This is especially keenly felt if performing live on stage. These moments of magic are fuel for further effort.

BEST MOMENTS

'It fills my heart with so much love. The show was made with love' - 1:54

'It was having to re-learn everything that I'd known, and still keep that coolness' - 9:55

'The stakes are life and death to these ballroom performers' - 17:47

'I've worked my ass off my whole life to achieve something like that' - 26:17

 VALUABLE RESOURCES

Jonny Labey Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jonnylabey/?hl=en

Jonny Labey Twitter - https://twitter.com/jonnylabey?lang=en

ABOUT THE HOST

Kevin Clifton is a professional dancer who has been performing & competing at the highest level for over a decade. Kevin has worked on shows like 'Burn the floor' & 'Rock of Ages' to 'Strictly Come Dancing' one of the biggest TV shows in the UK which Kevin won in 2018. 

CONTACT METHOD

Kevin Clifton Instagram

Kevin Clifton Facebook

Kevin Clifton YouTube

When it comes to theatrical legends, they don't come any more respected or adored than this week's special guest, the star of such stage shows as Mary Poppins, The Car Man and Strictly Ballroom, and featured performer in 2019's big screen adaptation of Cats - Zizi Strallen!

Zizi joins Kevin to talk about her incredible career, the ways in which her family's connections to performing shaped her ambitions, and what's coming up in the future.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• One of the worst parts of the COVID restrictions upon theatre is that there is so much uncertainty about when, if ever, some shows will start back into life. It has meant limbo for scores of performers.
• The time away from the shows has given many performers the chance to reconnect with other ambitions, such as writing or fitness, allowing a new pathway of creativity to open up.
• It's never wise to become a stage star if you're in search of fame. It should be about the passion you have for performing live, and the unique ability you bring that can make a show special.
• Confidence is a trait that's built over time. It helps if support is offered from those who raise you, especially when it comes to being a performer. Grow your confidence and you will achieve self-belief.

BEST MOMENTS

'The months go by so quickly when you're enjoying a show that you're doing' - 2:28

'As performers, it's not just a job to us. It's a real part of us' - 11:06

'Never do it for the fame because it is not worth it!' - 16:27

'I am confident, but I'm also thankful for my humility' - 30:25

 VALUABLE RESOURCES

Zizi Strallen Twitter - https://twitter.com/ZiziStrallen

Zizi Strallen Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/zizistrallen/

ABOUT THE HOST

Kevin Clifton is a professional dancer who has been performing & competing at the highest level for over a decade. Kevin has worked on shows like 'Burn the floor' & 'Rock of Ages' to 'Strictly Come Dancing' one of the biggest TV shows in the UK which Kevin won in 2018. 

CONTACT METHOD

Kevin Clifton Instagram

Kevin Clifton Facebook

Kevin Clifton YouTube

In this week’s show, Kevin talks to one of his mentors, author, property investor and host of the ‘Disruptive Entrepreneur’ Rob Moore. Kevin asks Rob his view on various subjects such as the impact of Covid 19 on his business and how he turned the downside to an upside, his coping strategies and the use of social media.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Having more structure to your days and creating a new routine for yourself can be beneficial to your productivity. Having a structure whereby you map out your days means that you are more likely to achieve these things. Having this also forces you to be more disciplined.

• There is a lot of pressure from society to work a certain amount of hours per day. Comparison is often the thief of all joy. Stop comparing your routine to others and do what works best for you.

• The social media algorithms are designed to make us addicted to those platforms. The more they have us on their channels the more money they make. Everything has an upside and a downside, as soon as you see something as all upside you’re in a fantasy. If you go on social media expecting nothing but upside, then you are naive about the reality of it.

• It is important to set rules. Even if it is something as small as what time you read your book or what you have for breakfast. Putting those rules in place means that you are now a disciplined person.

• The line between social media being good for you and damaging for you is very fine. You need to have the wisdom to know where that line is. Keep the way you use social media ever-evolving. Social media feeds you what you have told it you want to see. If you are seeing things you don't want to see you need to give the platform feedback so that it will show you other stuff.

• Make sure you are consuming media that you enjoy. If you know something will harm you, don't listen to something because others said that they enjoyed it. Surround yourself with stuff that is going to influence you in the way that you want to be influenced.

BEST MOMENTS

‘If you knew your future that would ruin it immediately’  21.12

‘Anxiety is a worry about the future, guilt is a regret of the past’ 23.19

‘Routine equals results, discipline equals freedom’ 29.28

‘Do easy things for a hard life or do hard things for an easy life’ 30.50

‘The line between social media being good for you and damaging to you is a fine line’ 57.07

VALUABLE RESOURCES

https://robmoore.com/
bit.ly/Robsupporter

ABOUT THE HOST

Kevin Clifton is a professional dancer who has been performing & competing at the highest level for over a decade. Kevin has worked on shows like 'Burn the floor' & 'Rock of Ages' to 'Strictly Come Dancing' one of the biggest TV shows in the UK which Kevin won in 2018.

ABOUT THE GUEST

Rob Moore is an author of 9 business books, 5 UK bestsellers, holds 3 world records for public speaking, entrepreneur, property investor, and property educator. Author of the global bestseller "Life Leverage" Host of UK's No.1 business podcast "The Disruptive Entrepreneur."

CONTACT METHOD

Rob’s official website: https://robmoore.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/robmooreprogressive/?ref=br_rs
LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/robmoore1979

In this week's very special show, Kevin talks to theatre legend, Cassidy Janson, recent recipient of an Olivier Award for her work in '& Juliet', about her incredible stage career, including the many highlights, as well as the lessons learned along the way.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• William Shakespeare really was the rock star theatre producer of his day. His work drew crowds from far and wide, and as well as being critically adored, he was also publicly renowned.
• The arts, in particular, have been as essential as any other service during lockdown in terms of keeping people's spirits high, and reminding everyone of the beauty of life.
• Stories allow us to take the journey of someone else. This is why stories have remained at the core of every artistic pursuit since the beginning of time. They are the perfect vehicle for providing escapism.
• People are far too quick to write off the arts as unnecessary, but aside from the cultural enrichment, the arts also bring in vast amounts of money to the economy. Therefore, its dismissal by the government has been very hard to take.

BEST MOMENTS

'We knew it was funny, but you never know how funny it is until the audience arrive' - 9:56

'During lockdown everyone has turned to the arts in one form or another' - 12:37

'If we do bring this much to the economy, why are you not investing in something that will help the economy come back?' - 15:39

'I don't know how I made it through my early twenties, I was so naive!' - 38:00

 VALUABLE RESOURCES

Cassidy Janson - http://www.cassidyjanson.com

Cassidy Janson Twitter - https://twitter.com/cassidyjanson

Cassidy Janson Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/cassidyjanson/?hl=en

ABOUT THE HOST

Kevin Clifton is a professional dancer who has been performing & competing at the highest level for over a decade. Kevin has worked on shows like 'Burn the floor' & 'Rock of Ages' to 'Strictly Come Dancing' one of the biggest TV shows in the UK which Kevin won in 2018. 

CONTACT METHOD

Kevin Clifton Instagram

Kevin Clifton Facebook

Kevin Clifton YouTube

We've arrived at the end of the 2020 series of Strictly Come Dancing, and it was an emotional ride for sure!

Here with Kevin to discuss the series as a whole - the highlights, the surprises, and each dance in turn - are returning guests, Strictly performer, Joanne Clifton, Burn The Floor star, Lauren Oakley, and special guest, poet Becky Bishop!

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• The 2020 series saw a particularly strong line up of performers, both professional and celebrity. Each celebrity seemed to flourish under their instructor leading to some truly memorable performances.
• Despite the many setbacks throughout the year, Strictly has provided a beacon of hope and joy for the nation when it was needed the most.
• The journey of Strictly is not just about winning the glitterball. It is about pushing ourselves to do better and grow as a person. It is about beginning at point A and ending up somewhere completely different. Winning is less important than the journey itself.
• Strictly is the best medicine for the nation. It has been likened to everyone's favourite Christmas movie. It doesn't matter how many times you've seen it, it still provides comfort and joy.

BEST MOMENTS

‘I honestly think that this was one of the best finals ever!' - 3:28

'If there was ever a show-dance, it was this show-dance. It was a show in itself' - 6:46

'We literally had the conversation - we're not going to win, but we're so happy we got this far' - 20:00

'Anyone can enjoy Strictly. It's for everyone' - 23:20

'If you can't describe it in words then you create it in art' - 40:28

 VALUABLE RESOURCES

Becky Bishop Twitter - https://twitter.com/beckysbijoux?lang=en

Joanne Clifton Twitter - https://twitter.com/joanneclifton?lang=en

Joanne Clifton Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/realjoanneclifton/?hl=en

Lauren Oakley Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/laurenmayoakley/?hl=en

Lauren Oakley Twitter - https://twitter.com/laurenmayoakley?lang=en

To join the Zoom group for the Strictly Round-Up send an email to [email protected]

ABOUT THE HOST

Kevin Clifton is a professional dancer who has been performing & competing at the highest level for over a decade. Kevin has worked on shows like 'Burn the floor' & 'Rock of Ages' to 'Strictly Come Dancing' one of the biggest TV shows in the UK which Kevin won in 2018. 

CONTACT METHOD

Kevin Clifton Instagram

Kevin Clifton Facebook

Kevin Clifton YouTube

We've arrived at the semi-final of the 2020 series of Strictly Come Dancing, and it was all to play for, with just Ranvir, Maisie, Bill and HRVY left in the competition! The weekend saw its share of thrills, and of course, the dreaded elimination...

Here with Kevin to discuss the highlights, the surprises, and each dance in turn are returning guests, Strictly performer, Joanne Clifton and Burn The Floor star, Lauren Oakley!

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• At this late stage in the competition, you can be tempted to play it safe, but the ones who really stand out are the ones who go for it and enjoy the fact that their time is running short.
• There are a certain set of rules for professionals on the series. This can affect the number of specialist moves you can perform in each dance. This practice has evolved over time in order to meet consistency guidelines.
• Faults or flaws in technicalities during a performance affect scores, but this is also a flaw in itself. Technical moves are not the only element that makes a dance unique. You can be technical but still boring.
• The celebrities in this year's series have been incredible, but we should never forget the tireless, peerless work done by this year's pros, who have produced some stunning performances and made this series a real highlight in an otherwise downbeat year.

BEST MOMENTS

‘I feel like he dances every dance as though it's his last dance and that's why he's so magical to watch' - 5:23

'His arms bent a little bit but I really don't care because it entertained me' - 13:40

'There's a lot more ingredients that go into the cake that is a dance' - 14:30

'I think the pros this year have excelled - clap for the pros?' - 39:10

 VALUABLE RESOURCES

Joanne Clifton Twitter - https://twitter.com/joanneclifton?lang=en

Joanne Clifton Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/realjoanneclifton/?hl=en

Lauren Oakley Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/laurenmayoakley/?hl=en

Lauren Oakley Twitter - https://twitter.com/laurenmayoakley?lang=en

To join the Zoom group for the Strictly Round-Up send an email to [email protected]

Turn Your Passion Into Profit - www.tiny.cc/passionprofit

ABOUT THE HOST

Kevin Clifton is a professional dancer who has been performing & competing at the highest level for over a decade. Kevin has worked on shows like 'Burn the floor' & 'Rock of Ages' to 'Strictly Come Dancing' one of the biggest TV shows in the UK which Kevin won in 2018. 

CONTACT METHOD

Kevin Clifton Instagram

Kevin Clifton Facebook

Kevin Clifton YouTube

Week Seven of the 2020 series of Strictly was an especially musical affair... Yes, folks, it was Musicals Week - featuring some of the grandest melodies from popular shows, all set to the most incredible series of dance performances.

Here with Kevin to discuss the highlights, the surprises, and each dance in turn are returning guests, Strictly performer, Joanne Clifton and Burn The Floor star, Lauren Oakley!

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• The best kinds of dances are ones that remove the element of safety, that dare to experiment, and which have the glamour, fun and excitement that gets people tuning in each week.
• In Musicals Week, we are given a great responsibility - to celebrate the art of the musical itself whilst also attempting to put our own spin on some of the most famous numbers of all time.
• Many viewers receive their dance education regarding ballroom and latin styles from Strictly itself. This has raised the profile of these styles, but it has also provided a slightly uneven education in what these styles actually encompass.
• Props have been an integral part of dance and performance for the longest time. Many associate their use with TV variations, but they have been used for many generations.
• Performance is all about authenticity. Despite what many think, sometimes dancers may employ more natural movements, such as walking, in order to achieve an effect. It's all part of creating the perfect performance.

BEST MOMENTS

‘I don't have words - it was INCREDIBLE!' - 7:54

'This number is everything that I want to see in a Strictly Come Dancing number' - 19:39

'He's just having a great time and giving everything he can!' - 37:15

'Do you know what it was - she probably fell for the energy that you brought to the show...' - 50:57

'Dancing is body language' - 1:06:26

 VALUABLE RESOURCES

Joanne Clifton Twitter - https://twitter.com/joanneclifton?lang=en

Joanne Clifton Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/realjoanneclifton/?hl=en

Lauren Oakley Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/laurenmayoakley/?hl=en

Lauren Oakley Twitter - https://twitter.com/laurenmayoakley?lang=en

Turn Your Passion Into Profit - www.tiny.cc/passionprofit

ABOUT THE HOST

Kevin Clifton is a professional dancer who has been performing & competing at the highest level for over a decade. Kevin has worked on shows like 'Burn the floor' & 'Rock of Ages' to 'Strictly Come Dancing' one of the biggest TV shows in the UK which Kevin won in 2018. 

CONTACT METHOD

Kevin Clifton Instagram

Kevin Clifton Facebook

Kevin Clifton YouTube

Strictly Come Dancing is back, and Week Six of the 2020 series was a tense affair, especially when it came to the results!

Here with Kevin to discuss the highlights, the surprises, and each dance in turn are special guests, Strictly performer, Joanne Clifton and Burn The Floor star, Lauren Oakley! Plus, there's some incredible news about Kevin and Joanne's new touring show...

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Strictly is definitely a show that seems to work in many different ways depending on where you are. Audience members experience a very different show to the dancers, who get to see the entire workings. This has never been truer for Kevin since he left the show, and now gets to see both sides.
• The dark horse dancers are the couples who work their way slowly up the leaderboard, improving with each week. It is a great way to dance slowly into the hearts of the audience.
• Voting is incredibly important. If we as fans, want to see our favourites do well, then not actually voting is a mystifying decision to take. We need to get behind the performers we love!
• It is sometimes impossible to leave the scars of a bad week behind. As performers, they must develop the resilience to treat each week as a new opportunity to impress.

BEST MOMENTS

‘It's genius. It has to be timed exactly!' - 7:55

'It shows the magic of Strictly - why the nation is hooked. It's definitely the best show on TV' - 13:00

'Everything can change in the final in terms of who's voting for who' - 38:32

'He's not afraid to use his knees!' - 1:02:44

VALUABLE RESOURCES

Joanne Clifton Twitter - https://twitter.com/joanneclifton?lang=en

Joanne Clifton Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/realjoanneclifton/?hl=en

Lauren Oakley Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/laurenmayoakley/?hl=en

Lauren Oakley Twitter - https://twitter.com/laurenmayoakley?lang=en

An Audience With Kevin And Joanne Clifton - https://www.kevinandjoanne.com

Strictly Ballroom - https://strictlyballroomtour.co.uk

Pub In The Park - www.pitpfestivetheatre.com

ABOUT THE HOST

Kevin Clifton is a professional dancer who has been performing & competing at the highest level for over a decade. Kevin has worked on shows like 'Burn the floor' & 'Rock of Ages' to 'Strictly Come Dancing' one of the biggest TV shows in the UK which Kevin won in 2018. 

CONTACT METHOD

Kevin Clifton Instagram

Kevin Clifton Facebook

Kevin Clifton YouTube

Strictly Come Dancing is back, and Week Five of the 2020 series was a particularly high-scoring week, with many routines earning joyful praise from not just the judges but the audience at home.

Here with Kevin to discuss the highlights, the surprises, and each dance in turn are special guests, Strictly performer, Joanne Clifton and Burn The Floor star, Lauren Oakley!

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• High scores add an element of drama to Strictly Come Dancing, with each couple working their way up to the ultimate score. There's a sense of a race, and this adds tension and competition to the show. However, the tens have come much earlier this time, meaning that some of this tension has been lost.
• Everyone's idea of perfection is very different, especially when it comes to dance, which is one of the more subjective arts. This is what makes judging a performance so difficult, and so singular.
• The aim of any art is not to be completely faultless. It is to do something magical. The aim is to create, and creation is never without its mistakes. Sometimes these mistakes make creation even more beautiful.
• There is a delicate balance between trying out something daring and netting more points, or playing it safe and netting a lower score. Sometimes the gamble pays off hugely, but if it fails it can mean disaster.
• Opinions matter, but they are highly personal. If our opinion will hurt others, then we must ask ourselves whether sharing it in a public forum is constructive in any way.

BEST MOMENTS

‘Let's call it "the week of the 9's!"' - 2:53

'Dance is such a subjective art. Everyone's ten is different. Everyone's five is different' - 5:37

'The aim of being a great dancer is NOT to do nothing wrong. It's to entertain' - 26:14

'I don't know if it's cool, but I'm going to say he had all the swag' - 53:16

VALUABLE RESOURCES

Joanne Clifton Twitter - https://twitter.com/joanneclifton?lang=en

Joanne Clifton Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/realjoanneclifton/?hl=en

Lauren Oakley Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/laurenmayoakley/?hl=en

Lauren Oakley Twitter - https://twitter.com/laurenmayoakley?lang=en

An Audience With Kevin And Joanne Clifton - https://www.kevinandjoanne.com

Strictly Ballroom - https://strictlyballroomtour.co.uk

ABOUT THE HOST

Kevin Clifton is a professional dancer who has been performing & competing at the highest level for over a decade. Kevin has worked on shows like 'Burn the floor' & 'Rock of Ages' to 'Strictly Come Dancing' one of the biggest TV shows in the UK which Kevin won in 2018. 

CONTACT METHOD

Kevin Clifton Instagram

Kevin Clifton Facebook

Kevin Clifton YouTube

Strictly Come Dancing has arrived back onto our screens at last, and not a moment too soon! Week Four of the series has seen its fair share of controversy and fireworks, superlative dances and striking productions!

Also, a surprising dance-off resulted in a social media response and a discussion in today’s show around why confidence matters, and why society still has some way to go when it comes to treating male and female performers the same. Here to discuss everything with Kevin is special guest, Burn The Floor star, Lauren Oakley!

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Social media’s reaction has demonstrated that while we are allowed to express an opinion, we must also be humble enough to accept that very few people know the performers intimately, and that the opinion may well be wrong.
• People often feel that confidence is a negative quality, but this is misplaced. Many people struggle with confidence, and find that the only way to find self-belief is to act in a confident way.
• Audience empathy plays a significant role in how we view a performer. It is unfortunate that many have taken against a perceived confidence in certain performers, and that this reaction seems regrettably to be aimed more toward females. This seems to be a societal issue.
• People often assume that being partnered with someone who has had previous physical training makes their job easier. There is actually far more pressure for the pro, as there is a higher level of expectation.

BEST MOMENTS

’Just because that’s your opinion doesn’t mean that you’re right - that’s just your perception’ - 5:34

’I want people to feel good about themselves. Too many people nowadays don’t feel good about themselves’ - 11:50

’We need to make more space for confident women’ - 22:11

’It’s like if you’ve got a Rolls Royce, and all you’re doing is driving it to the corner shop and back...’ - 40:35

’Everyone’s been saying Craig’s nicer this year. I felt like he came crashing back down this week!’ - 1:00:43

VALUABLE RESOURCES

Lauren Oakley Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/laurenmayoakley/?hl=en

Lauren Oakley Twitter - https://twitter.com/laurenmayoakley?lang=en

ABOUT THE HOST

Kevin Clifton is a professional dancer who has been performing & competing at the highest level for over a decade. Kevin has worked on shows like 'Burn the floor' & 'Rock of Ages' to 'Strictly Come Dancing' one of the biggest TV shows in the UK which Kevin won in 2018. 

CONTACT METHOD

Kevin Clifton Instagram

Kevin Clifton Facebook

Kevin Clifton YouTube