Inside Giovanni Pernice’s dance classes outside of Strictly

Giovanni Pernice has been running dance workshops with his company Ballando outside of Strictly Come Dancing.

It's 20 years of Strictly Come Dancing this year but Pernice has left the show after nine years. Amanda Abbington quit Strictly early while he was teaching her to dance in the 2023 series. Their feud has played out in the headlines ever since. Abbington complained Pernice's dancing methods were "militant" and she said she was diagnosed with "mild PTSD". BBC are investigating and Pernice has denied any suggestion of "any suggestion of abusive or threatening behaviour".

Moving on, Pernice has been focusing on his projects outside of Strictly. One of his focuses includes his Ballando dance classes. So what are the Ballado dance classes, who is working with Pernice and what are the rules?

Giovanni Pernice's dance classes

Pernice's dance classes are open to everyone of all experiences, from beginnings to more advanced dancers. They are solo dance classes rather than teaching partnered dances. The style of dance is decided by the teacher, whether that's Pernice or one of his Strictly helpers.

Every class will have a different style of dance. The dance workshops are being taught all over the UK and Ireland. Pernice is going to be hosting the Ballando dance classes in different places while he performs his solo tour The Last Dance in 2025.

Pernice revealed he started the classes to share his love of dancing with the world. The Italian star said the classes are not designed to create champions but focus on having a good time. He said: "So I've created the platform Ballando just because I want to share with everybody the love and passion I've got for dancing. All you have to do is come to the class, join the class and have a good time! I always say Ballando is not created for people to become world champions but just to have a good time and feel good."

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The Strictly stars teaming up with Giovanni Pernice

Strictly stars have been teaming up with Pernice for the dance classes outside of Strictly Come Dancing. The Strictly judges Craig Revel Horwood and Motsi Mabuse are the latest stars to join forces with Pernice for the dance classes. More details on their dance classes - that will be taught on 29 September - are to be released later this week.

Strictly's head judge Shirley Ballas and fellow judge Anton Du Beke have taught dance classes with Pernice for Ballando. Ballas enjoyed teaching the Jive to the crowd while Du Beke got everyone dancing to the Quickstep. This time round Pernice had chosen to dance the Cha Cha Cha.

Ballas said: "Ballando is different from any other class I've done before. First of all, the atmosphere is electric. Everybody's here to learn something, and more than learn, have a great time. And I think the combination makes Ballando one of the most special classes in the world to be able to teach."

Du Beke said: "We had a lot of fun. We had the boys in the band as well. Who gets to dance with live music like this? This is magic! You meet wonderful people. You have a lot of fun and you learn a bit of dancing as well."

Giovanni Pernice's dance rules

Naturally, there are a few rules for the dance classes. Participants under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs will not be allowed into the event as stated on the dance booking.

Dance-goers are asked to be "respectful towards the professionals taking the class, the organisers and the other attendees so that everyone feels safe and welcome in the class". Unkind and disrespectful behaviour is not tolerated, the dance booking added.

During the lessons, only those taking part will be able to be in the room with the exception of chaperones for under 18s who must wait off the dance space. People taking part must be at least 14 years old and those who are under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.