DIRTY DANCING's Harvey Wins 'Critics Circle' Dance Award

Martin Harvey, the new Johnny Castle in the hit show Dirty Dancing, was today honoured with the acclaimed 'Spotlight Best Male Dancer Classical' Award at the prestigious Critics' Circle National Dance Awards 2009, held at Sadler's Wells Theatre. 

The Critics' award was in recognition of Martin's outstanding 11-year career at the Royal Ballet, dancing many of the great principal roles.  Martin stunned the ballet world when he decided, last Summer, to take the unprecedented leap from classical ballet to the star acting role of Johnny Castle in the West End's hit show, 'Dirty Dancing – the classic story on stage' at the Aldwych Theatre.

Martin saw off competition from the English National Ballet's Esteban Berlanga and Eric Underwood of the Royal Ballet. The Spotlight Award was presented to Martin by Eleanor Bergstein, writer and creator of the phenomenally successful film and theatre show, Dirty Dancing.

Martin Harvey auditioned for the role of Johnny Castle while still with the Royal Ballet. He had been taking acting classes for several years, however he never expected to get the first part he auditioned for.  Martin was on tour in Beijing when he got the call offering him the role, immediately accepted, and says his life turned around in that one phone call: his debut performance in Dirty Dancing was in September 2008.

Since opening at the Aldwych Theatre on 24 October 2006, Dirty Dancing – The Classic Story On Stage has been seen by over a million people and is now booking for dates through to April 2010 to meet public demand!

Photo by David Scheinmann

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