Get Ready to Dance as CBBC Brings “Strictly” Into the Ballroom for Kids

Watching talented dancers glide across a ballroom floor can make even the least coordinated among us wonder what it would be like to give it a try. For younger “Strictly Come Dancing” fans, they are about to get their chance to learn some of those moves directly from the professionals.

So clear a little room on the floor. It is time to dance.

CBBC is bringing some of the sparkle of “Strictly Come Dancing” to younger audiences with “Strictly Pro Dance Off,” a new short-form series that will teach kids different dance styles while adding a little friendly competition between the show’s Professional Dancers.

Each seven-minute episode will bring three Strictly Pros into a virtual training room, with one stepping into the role of teacher and leading the other two through a routine. Once they’ve learned the steps, the two students will face off on the dance floor as their teacher grabs the familiar Strictly score paddles and decides how well they did.

Young viewers won’t simply be watching from the sidelines either. The tutorials will break down the different dance styles step by step, encouraging kids to get up and follow along at home if they can. Those who would rather leave the dancing to the professionals can still enjoy the performances, competition and behind-the-scenes fun.

There is something particularly clever about where CBBC is placing the new series. Each episode will first air live during “Saturday Mash-Up!” and connect with the “Strictly Come Dancing” theme families will see later that same evening. That makes “Strictly Pro Dance Off” more than an isolated spin-off; it can become the warm-up before families settle in together for the main event.

And maybe a few living rooms become temporary ballrooms along the way.

The series will feature all of the returning Strictly Professional Dancers as well as the show’s five new Pros, giving younger fans an opportunity to see more of their personalities while also getting a closer look at the work and technique behind those polished performances.

Dianne Buswell will lead the first lesson, teaching Kai Widdrington and Lauren Oakley how to Jive before sending them onto the floor to see who can impress their teacher.

Dance has always had an inviting quality because watching someone perform can so easily inspire the thought, “I want to try that.” With “Strictly Pro Dance Off,” CBBC is taking that feeling and giving younger viewers somewhere to start. They can learn a few steps, discover what separates the different ballroom styles and see that those effortless-looking performances actually require plenty of practice.

Then, when “Strictly Come Dancing” begins later that evening, they might understand a little more about what they’re watching—or decide to demonstrate their newly acquired Jive skills for everyone in the room.

“Strictly Pro Dance Off” premieres Saturday, September 19 as part of “Saturday Mash-Up!” on CBBC, with episodes available afterwards on BBC iPlayer.

The ballroom is open.

Just try not to knock over the furniture.