Strictly Come Dancing star Giovanni Pernice set to be joined on stage by Halifax dancer as he brings his nationwide tour to the Victoria Theatre

A Halifax dancer will return to her hometown to perform alongside some of the stars of Strictly Come Dancing.
By Dominic Brown
Published 12th Feb 2024, 16:30 GMT
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

Emily Layden-Fritz, 19, will be on stage at the Victoria Theatre on Thursday, February 15, with Strictly pro Giovanni Pernice as part of his “Let Me Entertain You” nationwide tour.

Emily will be going back to her dancing roots as she gave her first performance on the Victoria Theatre stage on a Baby Ballet catwalk, aged just two years old.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Since then, she has danced her way from Baby Ballet in Halifax, through Whiteley’s Dance Academy, via Dorothy Steven’s Ballet and Theatre School, onto Elmhurst Ballet, the Northern Ballet School and Renaissance Arts Conservatoire in Leeds.

Most Popular
Halifax dancer Emily Layden-Fritz returns to the Victoria Theatre - where she first appeared on stage as a two-year-old in Baby Ballet - to perform with Strictly Come Dancing professional Giovanni Pernice in his 'Let Me Entertain You' nationwide live tour on February 15Halifax dancer Emily Layden-Fritz returns to the Victoria Theatre - where she first appeared on stage as a two-year-old in Baby Ballet - to perform with Strictly Come Dancing professional Giovanni Pernice in his 'Let Me Entertain You' nationwide live tour on February 15
Halifax dancer Emily Layden-Fritz returns to the Victoria Theatre - where she first appeared on stage as a two-year-old in Baby Ballet - to perform with Strictly Come Dancing professional Giovanni Pernice in his 'Let Me Entertain You' nationwide live tour on February 15

She has never stopped dancing, and is preparing to make her West End debut at the London Palladium on Sunday, April 21, in what is set to be a memorable year for the talented teenager.

“Dance is more than a passion, it is my heart, body and soul. It is my life,” she said.

“Every day brings a chance for you to draw in a breath, kick off your shoes and dance.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"Believe and you can achieve, because dancers don’t need wings to fly.”

Giovanni Pernice brings his live tour to the Victoria Theatre, Halifax, on February 15. Photo: Ray Burmiston/BBCGiovanni Pernice brings his live tour to the Victoria Theatre, Halifax, on February 15. Photo: Ray Burmiston/BBC
Giovanni Pernice brings his live tour to the Victoria Theatre, Halifax, on February 15. Photo: Ray Burmiston/BBC

A dancer on the smash hit BBC show since 2015, Giovanni is one of the most successful professionals in the show’s history. He was crowned champion in 2021 alongside his dance partner, EastEnders actress Rose Ayling-Ellis.

Giovanni will be joined by a world class cast of professional dancers and West End performers, including fellow Strictly professional Lauren Oakley.

For more information and to book tickets, visit https://www.victoriatheatre.co.uk/whats-on/giovanni-pernice-let-me-entertain-you

Related topics:DanceWest End