Radio 2 makes a festive song and dance

Eight special documentaries with the likes of Arlene Phillips, Gloria Estefan and Pete Waterman will feature on BBC Radio 2 this Christmas.

They will all be dance related and run throughout December on the national network.

Other highlights are comedian Stewart Lee’s exploration into the misunderstood art of Morris dancing, Strictly’s Len Goodman looking at the work of Gene Kelly and the swing dance phenomenon, and a show hosted by Ryan Tubridy that charts the success of Riverdance.

On Tuesday 20 December “In Too Darn Soulful: Northern Soul”, Smooth Radio presenter Pete Waterman tells the story of Northern Soul and dance. He examines what makes Northern Soul music so all consuming for the devoted fans and introduces the uninitiated to this intoxicating mix of music and dance. And he meets the people for whom Northern Soul is a way of life. A Unique production.

Pete Waterman said: “Northern Soul is such a phenomenon, it’s great to be looking at this fascinating insight into the continuing fan base it has. I was the only man who always went to Wigan for his summer holidays – I loved Northern Soul that much! I only got two weeks off from being a DJ back then, and I spent those 14 days just going to Northern Soul Clubs.”

Other BBC programming includes a special edition of Between The Ears – Tap City which follows an adventure in rhythm in New York City, and Ballet Goes To The Music Hall is a music feature, both on Radio 3.

For the full line-up, click here.