Calling all dancers - Strictly comes to Kilkenny's Newpark Hotel

Former Dancing with the Stars dancer John Edward Nolan is putting a call out to the people of Kilkenny  to take to the dance floor in 2024. 

Speaking to the Kilkenny People, the former Dancing with the Stars star said, “I have just confirmed that on April 26, 2024, I will bring an Xquisite Strictly competition to the Newpark Hotel. So, I am on the lookout for anyone that will brave the dance floor, and want lots of fun while raising money for charity.”

"So many people say to me that they would love to do what we do on the telly, well now is your chance to take to the dancefloor with a great time guaranteed."

John Edward’s Kilkenny branch of Xquisite Dance is based in Unit 27 Hebron Industrial Park, Kilkenny. He teaches ballroom, Latin and stage school on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays from age three to 93. He plans to expand his classes and dance styles in Kilkenny in the New Year.

Why did John Edward Nolan quit Dancing with the Stars?

The professional dancer and choreographer from Kilkenny John Edward Nolan has hung up his dancing shoes after six long seasons of Dancing with the Stars (DWTS).

One of the original dancers from the show, John Edward broke the news earlier this month on his social media channels. However, he informed the show’s producers as far back as last July.

Posting to his Instagram, John shared that it was the "end of a chapter" as he is now focusing on his dance and stage school in Kilkenny, Xquisite Dance and thanked everyone from his Dancing with the Stars journey.

He wrote, "I have decided not to return to @dwtsirl this year and focus on building the future generations with @xquisitedance and the brand-new location in Kilkenny.

Thank you to my beautiful partners for the amazing memories. Thank you to each and every one of you for the support over my time on the show.

I wish the very best of luck to the new pros on the start of their journey. Here is to the new chapter."

Speaking about his departure from the iconic live TV show, he told the Kilkenny People, “After six years dancing on the show, it only feels like yesterday when it all started.”

“However, I have given the show everything I have got.”

We couldn’t agree more after winning the glitterball trophy with dance partner and broadcaster Mairead Ronan, He also made it to the final with comedian Deirdre O’Kane.

Winning was fantastic for John Edward, but he also recalls one of his most enjoyable moments on the show.

“Never in my life did I think I would be flipping Mary Kennedy upside down and throwing her up on my shoulders! She was one of the best to work with and such a lady.”

The live TV show is intense with pro dancers preparing physically and mentally from late summer. “We start getting in shape in August/September to be camera ready for November when we do the group numbers, TV promos and green screens. Then in December we start training with our celebrity dance partners for the live shows which kick off the first week of January until the end of March.”

“So even on Christmas Day I would watch what I was eating. This year I can’t wait for Christmas, I can switch off, stay with family, and eat what I want to eat!”

John Edward will be a big loss to DWTS, however it will be Kilkenny’s win as he plans to dedicate more time to his dance business and himself. “I want to give 100% of myself to the Xquisite dance studio and to the kids.”