Strictly Blackpool

Strictly Blackpool
Author: Alison Maloney
Publisher: Random House
Total Pages: 301
Release: 2024-09-12
Genre: Performing Arts
ISBN: 1473533694

Magic moments and memories from the world capital of dance Ask a Strictly star at the start of their journey what their goal is and the chances are they'll say 'Getting to Blackpool.' The iconic Tower Ballroom has been a Mecca to the ballroom dancing world since 1894, and Strictly's annual trip to the bright lights is a highlight of the series for contestants and viewers alike. Strictly Blackpool takes fans on a trip down memory lane, celebrating the most memorable routines from specials of the past and the dancers' own Blackpool experiences, as well as a behind the scenes glimpse of how the BBC's flagship show is transported to the seaside town every year for the magical ballroom special. There is a fascinating look at the Tower Ballroom's amazing history and secrets - from the circus in the basement to the elephants that lived in the building and bathed on the beach - as well as special photos from the Tower's archives. Bringing together the exciting history of the Ballroom and the magic of the annual Blackpool special, this beautifully-packaged book is a true celebration of Blackpool's dance heritage, and a must-buy for any Strictly fan!

Art and Identity at the Water's Edge

Art and Identity at the Water's Edge
Author: Tricia Cusack
Publisher: Routledge
Total Pages: 229
Release: 2017-07-05
Genre: Art
ISBN: 1351575732

The water's edge, whether shore or riverbank, is a marginal territory that becomes invested with layers of meaning. The essays in this collection present intriguing perspectives on how the water's edge has been imagined and represented in different places at various times and how this process contributed to the formation of social identities. Art and Identity at the Water's Edge focuses upon national coastlines and maritime heritage; on rivers and seashore as regions of liminality and sites of conflicting identities; and on the edge as a tourist setting. Such themes are related to diverse forms of art, including painting, architecture, maps, photography, and film. Topics range from the South African seaside resort of Durban to the French Riviera. The essays explore successive ideological mappings of the Jordan River, and how Czech cubist architecture and painting shaped a new nationalist reading of the Vltava riverbanks. They examine post-Hurricane Katrina New Orleans as a filmic spectacle that questions assumptions about American identity, and the coast depicted as a site of patriotism in nineteenth-century British painting. The collection demonstrates how waterside structures such as maritime museums and lighthouses, and visual images of the water's edge, have contributed to the construction of cultural and national identities.

Dancing in the Rain

Dancing in the Rain
Author: Amy Dowden
Publisher: Piatkus
Total Pages: 226
Release: 2024-09-05
Genre: Biography & Autobiography
ISBN: 0349442037

Strictly Come Dancing professional and breast cancer and Crohn's awareness advocate Amy Dowden shares her journey from growing up in the Welsh Valleys to dancing on the glittering stage of prime-time television. Through her debilitating illness as a teen and her recent chemotherapy treatment for stage 3 breast cancer, Amy's is a story of an unbreakable spirit with an irrepressible joy for life and dance; she is living proof that our darkest times do not define us. From her first dance lesson, Amy never wanted to be off the dance floor; when the music is on, nothing else matters, and it has been what has kept her going in the toughest of times. Despite facing the relentless challenges of undiagnosed Crohn's disease through her teens, Amy's love for dance remained unwavering. Her passion led her to win the British Championships with her partner and become the first Welsh professional dancer on Strictly Come Dancing. However, Amy's journey took an unexpected turn when she discovered a lump in her breast just before her honeymoon. Despite undergoing a mastectomy and enduring gruelling chemotherapy, her journey was far from over. Complications arose, and she faced the harsh reality of reduced chances of having children. Yet, through it all, Amy's spirit remained unbroken, fuelled by her love for dance and the unwavering support of her family, friends and supporters. In Dancing in the Rain, Amy Dowden shares her poignant and deeply personal story, offering solace and inspiration to anyone navigating life's storms. With courage and vulnerability, she reminds us that no matter the challenge, the human spirit can prevail, and that even in the darkest of times, there is always hope.

Alesha

Alesha
Author: Sean Smith
Publisher: Simon and Schuster
Total Pages: 273
Release: 2012-08-16
Genre: Biography & Autobiography
ISBN: 1471102173

Alesha Dixon has one of the most incredible stories of any star, yet she remains an enigma. Behind the fabulous smile and signature laugh is a private woman whose childhood was blighted by domestic violence, poverty and a lack of confidence. As a beautiful young woman, she has struggled to overcome professional failure and the devastating effect of her husband's infidelity. The UK's leading celebrity biographer Sean Smith has travelled to her home town to uncover the truth about her upbringing, her unconditional love for her mother, her loyalty to her extended family, her feud with her elder brother and her unsettled relationship with her Jamaican father, who left home for good when she was four. He discovers a sensitive and secretive woman, who managed to keep her long-term relationship with a member of one of the country's best-known boy bands hidden from public scrutiny. For the first time that love affair can now be revealed. He examines the circumstances that led to the break-up of her marriage to rapper MC Harvey and the effect that unhappy time has had on her life. Aleshadescribes a roller-coaster career that began when she was 'discovered' at a dance class in Central London. She achieved huge early success with Mis-Teeq, who had seven consecutive top ten hits before their record label went bust. Her subsequent solo career stalled when she was dropped by Polydor before her debut album was even released, but she turned things around with a spectacular victory on Strictly Come Dancing. Sean Smith lays bare her subsequent TV career, including the row over her appointment as a judge on the programme, as well as her triumphant switch to Britain's Got Talentin 2012. Aleshais the dramatic and uplifting account of her journey from a humble start in life and how she overcame all obstacles in her way to become an inspiration to women everywhere.

Strictly Ballroom

Strictly Ballroom
Author: Diana Melly
Publisher: Short Books
Total Pages: 64
Release: 2015-11-05
Genre: Performing Arts
ISBN: 1780722559

In this delightful and gently humorous book, Diana Melly takes us on an eye-opening tour of dance halls up and down the country, introducing us to everything from tango to swing.

Children In Her Shadow

Children In Her Shadow
Author: Keith Pearson
Publisher: Grosvenor House Publishing
Total Pages: 256
Release: 2011-04-28
Genre: Fiction
ISBN: 1908105070

Ruth leaves Wales to serve the war effort, firstly in Cardiff and then in Blackpool. But the moment she meets Edward who is on the rebound from Sarah, she is out of her depth and unable to resist his advances.Ruth visits a gypsy who tells her; "In your life you will have the blessing of many children but you will endure lifelong sadness. I can see the life you have yet to live and I warn you now, you will go through life seeing children in your shadow." She warns Ruth; "You will walk many paths in your life but before the sun sets every day you will see those children in your shadow."

How (Not) To Be Strong

How (Not) To Be Strong
Author: Alex Scott
Publisher: Random House
Total Pages: 232
Release: 2022-09-29
Genre: Biography & Autobiography
ISBN: 1529159148

An inspiring memoir of finding strength and resilience from the former England Lioness. From the football cages of East London to broadcasting to millions, the engine powering Alex Scott's remarkable journey has always been her resilience. But thanks to a 'push-through mentality' the world has only ever seen the 'strong' side of Alex. Now, she is ready to lower the shield. In her candid memoir How (Not) to Be Strong, Alex shares the lessons that have shaped her, from finally confronting the legacy of a tumultuous childhood to tarnished truth behind the gleaming football trophies. With raw honesty, Alex shows how she's tackled life's challenges and that sometimes the strongest thing you can do is show your most vulnerable side to the world.

Blackpool's Angel

Blackpool's Angel
Author: Maggie Mason
Publisher: Sphere
Total Pages: 246
Release: 2019-07-25
Genre: Fiction
ISBN: 0751577146

______________ THE FIRST BOOK IN A BRAND NEW TRILOGY BY ">Bestselling author Mary Wood writing as Maggie Mason The next instalment - Blackpool Sisters - is available to PRE-ORDER NOW! 'In the grand tradition of sagas set down by the late and great Catherine Cookson' Jean Fullerton on Blackpool Lass ______________ Blackpool, 1893 Tilly has come a long way from the run-down tenements in which she grew up. She has a small but comfortable home, a loving, handsome husband, two beautiful little'uns - Babs and Beth - and she earns herself a little money weaving wicker baskets. Life is good. Until the day Tilly returns home to find a policeman standing on her doorstep. Her Arthur won't be coming home tonight - nor any night - having fallen to his death whilst working on Blackpool tower. Suddenly Tilly is her daughters' sole protector, and she's never felt more alone. With the threat of destitution nipping at their heels, Tilly struggles to make ends meet and keep a roof over her girls' heads. In a town run by men Tilly has to ask herself what she's willing to do to keep her family together and safe - and will it be enough? The perfect read for fans of Mary Wood, Kitty Neale, Val Wood and Nadine Dorries

Eureka!

Eureka!
Author: Maggie Burleigh
Publisher: Austin Macauley Publishers
Total Pages: 354
Release: 2024-05-24
Genre: Fiction
ISBN: 1035803232

Rita Hush knows she’s lucky. She lives in a dream location with her Border Terrier Jazz, walks most days, along the beach to her dream job in the village library where, along with her sidekick, Sharon, they entertain the punters and serve the community in equal measure. The only thing missing is her dream man and she’s in no hurry to find him, much preferring her hard-won independence and freedom. When a psychic brings through a message from her beloved Granny Maggie advising that despite her idyllic lifestyle, she needs to prioritise mending her badly bruised heart, Rita goes on a voyage of self-discovery and with a little help from her friends, gets way more than she bargained for.

Follies of Lancashire

Follies of Lancashire
Author: Gwyn Headley
Publisher: Heritage Ebooks
Total Pages: 54
Release: 2011-10-12
Genre: Travel
ISBN: 190861918X

An Account of those Architectural Eccentricities commonly known as Follies to be found in the County