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STRICTLY: THE PROFESSIONALS Portsmouth Guildhall Wednesday, May 11 portsmouthguildhall.org.uk

The Strictly Professionals tour returns for the first time since 2019, with 10 of the hit BBC show’s pro dancers getting the chance to demonstrate their skills. Karen Hauer is a Strictly veteran having joined the show in 2012 and is the longest serving female professional. The last Strictly pro tour was in 2019 – ‘and it was exceptional,’ she says.

So what made it so special? ‘You’re surrounded by the best dancers in the world, people who are part of the Strictly family who you’ve danced with for a long time and with whom you have a deeprooted bond.’

She won’t single out a particular dance she likes best.

‘When you have a director and choreographer as gifted as

Jason Gilkison (Strictly’s creative director) the whole two-hour show is a treat. On Strictly, you only see a percentage of what we can do. On the tour, to be able to do complete dance routines live is electrifying.’

There are 36 shows on the UK tour, sometimes two in one day. ‘And yes,’ says Karen, ‘that can be demanding. It would be a bit like a footballer playing a match every day. But we’re ot only artists; we’re

hletes, too. It’s a very tense experience.’ aren is already matchthough, , having just mpleted a tour with w pro Gorka Marquez, who is also on this tour.

And she adds: ‘There’s enough bad news in the world today.

‘How nice to welcome the public into a happy bubble, to spread a little sunshine and offer two hours of unapologetic escapism.’

She is joined by other Strictly favourites including Dianne Buswell, Nadiya Bychkova, Katya Jones, Neil Jones, Cameron Lombard, Luba Mushtuk and Kai Widdrington.