Ozanam Come Dancing would not take place as an event without the hard work and generosity of the companies that support us. Thank you one and all.

The Argentine Tango was born in the wealthy suburbs of Buenos Aires in the late 19^th Century. Typically it has a 2/4 or 4/4 timing.

This dance is a slow, almost walking pace, set-up that is based on passion and feeling the music. Feeling the emotion and dancing at the relevant speed is key to the Tango.

Performed on the night by Tereza and Graham to “Buenos Aires Underground” by Jose Rendon Santana

The Paso Doble was a military march that emulates the movements of a matador for the man and the cape for the woman. It is believed to have come from Southern France and many of the terms relating to the dance are French.

Ballroom Paso Doble dancing is heavily choreographed and is usually performed in competitions and rarely danced socially.

Performed on the night by Rita and Krishna to “Fuegos” by Dance Life

American Smooth along with American rhythm are the two forms of ballroom dancing that make-up the American style. It is made up of four dances; the waltz, Tango, Foxtrot and Viennese Waltz. He dance is influenced by Fred Astaire and Arthur Murray amongst others.

The Viennese Waltz is the original form of the Waltz and is the oldest ballroom dance created in the 1780s. As the name suggests, it comes from Austria and Germany.

The Viennese Waltz created a stir when it was first viewed by the public as it was the time men and women danced in hold and the ladies’ ankles were clearly visible. This version is usually more up-tempo than the regular Waltz.

Performed on the Night by Orla and Declan to “If I Ain’t Got You” by Alicia Keys

Samba originated in 19^th Century Brazil and its rhythms and movement were heavily influenced by African dances. The early samba dances were performed with one person in a circle and consisted of shifts, rapid steps, sides and a still upper body with leg and arm movements.

The dance moved from the sugarcane plantations to the favelas and then to the streets and carnivals. This was very much a dance of the poor and was frowned upon by the rich.

Samba ballroom is a Latin dance and has moved somewhat away from the original Samba dance and has more in common with the music of the same name. It was transformed in France in the 1910s and was popularised by Carmen Miranda in That Night in Rio. It consists of a rhythmic bouncing action with bending the knees and exuberant hip action.

Performed on the Night by Áine and Peter to “The Shape of you” by Ed Sheerin (DJ Ice Version)

This is a Latin dance and is a mix of different Cuban dances. There are many different regional versions of the Salsa, most of which are North American.

In Salsa, weight shifts are done in the hips with arm and shoulder movements incorporated.

With the New York style, the dancers remain in front of each other while in the Cuban style they circle around each other.

Performed on the night by Kirsty and Tim to “La Bomba” by Ricky Martin

American Smooth along with American rhythm are the two forms of ballroom dancing that make-up the American style. It is made up of four dances; the Waltz, Tango, Foxtrot and Viennese Waltz. The dance is influenced by Fred Astaire and Arthur Murray amongst others.

The Foxtrot is a smooth dance and is known for its long, continuous flowing movements across the width and depth of the dance floor. It was developed in the 1910s reached its height in popularity in the 1930s.

Performed on the night by Olivia and Rory to “Fly Me to the Moon” by Frank Sinatra

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mQR0bXO_yI8

‘Xquisite Dance’ are a dance school operating in Tallaght, Dublin and in Cork, where children and adults can learn everything from Hip Hop to Ballroom and Latin dancing. Xquisite consider themselves not just a dance school but a family and encourage all who are involved to express themselves in so many ways.

Tonight we are delighted to have on the stage a group of young children from Xquisite Dance. This group become world famous when they came second in the ‘Ireland’s Got Talent’ TV competition in  March 2018. They performed incredible routines in ballroom and latin dance and won the hearts of the nation in their journey to the final and runners up spot.

We are thrilled to have the children perform for us tonight.

OUR HOST

Brendan Courtney

Brendan has hosted our show for the last four years and has become a huge contributor to the success of Ozanam Come Dancing! Brendan is a TV Presenter,  producer and a fashion designer. Brendan has produced and presented countless TV programmes over the years and has been a regular face on our screens for nearly 20 years.  Brendan won great acclaim for his documentary’s including  ‘We need to Talk about Dad’ and most recently his RTE series ‘This Crowded House’.

In 2012 Brendan co-launched women’s wear collection  “Lennon Courtney” which is now exclusively available at Dunnes Stores.

We are delighted and honoured to have Brendan back as our host again for tonight’s show.

“The whole crew in Ozanam House are inspiring to say the least, I am honoured and humbled to be invited back to host this wonderful, fun and spectacular show”

OUR JUDGES

Eilish O’Carroll is an actress, writer, comedian and cast-member of the popular TV sitcom, Mrs. Brown’s Boys, where she plays the title character’s best friend and neighbour, Winnie McGoogan. Eilish has played the role of Winnie since the show’s debut in 2011. Eilish is fresh from her exploits as a contestant on RTE’s ‘Dancing with the Stars’ where she learned all of her great dancing knowledge that she is looking forward to sharing with us tonight. Eilish is delighted to join our judges table and is proud to be supporting Ozanam House SVP.

Neili Conroy stars as Sharon Collins in Fair City. She has acted in Film, TV and Theatre for the past twenty-five years and is known for her roles in Love Hate, Intermission, Roddy Doyle’s  films The Van and Family. Neilí has also appeared in The Clinic, The General and Kisses. Neili is delighted to be asked to judge SVP’s annual fundraising event Ozanam Come Dancing and is looking forward to the performances on the night

Brian Keogh began his career on the ballroom dance floor at the tender age of 4. He has represented Ireland for many years in numerous international competitions across the world. Brian is a qualified adjudicator and is no stranger to “Come Dancing”.  He has also performed in numerous stage, TV and film productions and has worked on productions at the Gaiety, Olympia and the Helix. Along the way Brian has been nominated and won a number of awards at festivals throughout the country. We are delighted to have Brain back again with us this year to share his expertise with us this evening.