Bruno Tonioli: La Voix explains why drag belongs on Strictly Come Dancing

Estimated reading time: 7–9 minutes
  • Drag is a multifaceted art form that enhances the spirit of Strictly Come Dancing.
  • The show has a legacy of inclusivity, making it a perfect fit for drag performances.
  • Bruno Tonioli’s influence shaped the entertainment value of the show.
  • La Voix aims to broaden perceptions of drag as serious artistic expression.
  • The incorporation of drag can continue to foster an inclusive environment on the show.

The Strictly Legacy: More Than Just Ballroom

Strictly Come Dancing has never been just about the Waltz and the Cha-Cha-Cha. It’s a televised extravaganza built on glamour, storytelling, and character. From the glittering costumes designed by Dianne Buswell to the powerful, silent Couple’s Choice by Rose Ayling-Ellis, the show consistently proves that dance is a medium for powerful expression. The judging panel, featuring the sharp eye of Shirley Ballas and the theatricality of the late, great Bruno Tonioli, has always appreciated performance value alongside technical skill. This creates a natural environment for diverse art forms to flourish.

The professional dancers, from Giovanni Pernice to Gorka Marquez, Karen Hauer, and Katya Jones, are not just technicians; they are performers who embody different characters each week. This theatrical foundation is why the Strictly Come Dancing tour and events like the Strictly Christmas Special are so successful. They are celebrations of performance in its broadest sense. As one report on breaking barriers in entertainment highlights, shows like Strictly have a unique power to normalize diversity (Strictly’s a dream come true, says Essex’s Ellie Goldstein – BBC).

Bruno Tonioli and the Theatrical Bridge

It’s impossible to discuss theatricality on Strictly without acknowledging the original force of nature: Bruno Tonioli. His background in stage and screen choreography meant he brought a West End sensibility to the judging desk. He didn’t just look for clean footwork; he looked for passion, story, and performance. This ethos paved the way for the show to embrace a wider definition of dance and entertainment. While current judge Anton Du Beke brings a more traditional ballroom perspective, and Craig Revel Horwood offers a brutally honest technical take, Bruno’s legacy is one of unbridled joy and celebration of the dramatic.

This legacy is evident in the work of pros like Johannes Radebe, whose open-hearted and flamboyant performances have made him a fan favourite, and Oti Mabuse, whose choreography was always packed with character. They, along with other beloved pros like Aljaž Škorjanec, Nadiya Bychkova, and Nikita Kuzmin, understand that connecting with the audience is as important as the steps themselves. For the latest performances that capture this spirit, you can always find ways to Watch TV without cable here.

La Voix’s Mission: Shattering Misconceptions with a Smile

La Voix’s experience mirrors a broader cultural shift. She notes that many people hold preconceived notions about drag but often discover its universal appeal once they witness a performance. Her initial routines on related shows incorporated humor, a classic tool to break the ice and connect with an audience. Partnering with a consummate professional like Aljaž Škorjanec (or Aljaz Skorjanec), she found a perfect collaborator to blend comedy with genuine dance craft.

However, La Voix is now keen to showcase her versatility, aiming to prove she can deliver sincere, technically ambitious routines alongside the playful ones. This desire to be taken seriously as a dancer echoes the journeys of many Strictly Come Dancing celebrities who start as novices and evolve into competent performers. Her playful quips, particularly those aimed at host Tess Daly, have been met with an overwhelming positive response, demonstrating that the audience is ready for and enjoys this type of witty, inclusive entertainment. This kind of mainstream integration is happening across genres, as seen in the success of reality TV stars branching out (Pete Wicks’ hit dog-umentary back for series two – BBC).

Why Drag is a Natural Fit for the Ballroom

The world of competitive ballroom dance has always had an element of drag in its DNA—the exaggerated makeup, the dramatic costuming, the heightened characters of the Latin dances. Drag, at its core, is about transformation and storytelling, much like a contestant on Strictly Come Dancing 2024 becoming a Tango villain or a Viennese Waltz romantic for a night.

  • Performance Art: Both drag and ballroom are visual and performative arts that rely on captivating an audience.
  • Inclusivity: Strictly has made great strides in inclusivity, from featuring same-sex couples to celebrating dancers with disabilities. Embracing drag is a logical next step in this mission.
  • Family Entertainment: La Voix firmly believes drag belongs at the heart of family entertainment. The positive reception from Strictly’s broad family audience proves that the art form can be appreciated by all ages, much like the pantomime tradition in the UK.

The journey of integrating new forms of performance isn’t unique to entertainment; the world of sports also constantly reevaluates its tactics and systems to achieve success, as seen in analyses of soccer strategies (Shattering soccer myths in 2025-26: Man United must ditch system, Barca the high line – ESPN).

Bruno Tonioli’s Lasting Impact on a Changing Show

While Bruno Tonioli may have moved on to other international projects, his spirit is very much alive in the show’s continued evolution. His embrace of the spectacular created a foundation upon which artists like La Voix can now stand. The current lineup of pros, including Amy Dowden, Janette Manrara, and Nikita Kuzmin, are products of an era that values entertainment as much as elegance.

The success of the SCD tour and the high demand for Strictly Come Dancing tickets show that the audience craves this full package of dance, drama, and delight. Securing your Strictly Come Dancing show tickets means signing up for an evening of transformative performance—the very essence of drag. To ensure you don’t miss a moment of the magic from the BBC Strictly Come Dancing cast, explore options to Watch TV without cable here.

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Is La Voix competing on Strictly Come Dancing?

La Voix has not been a contestant on the main Strictly Come Dancing show but has been involved in the wider Strictly universe and has spoken extensively about her participation in related dance projects and her support for drag on the program.

What did Bruno Tonioli do before Strictly?

Before becoming a household name on Strictly Come Dancing, Bruno Tonioli had a prolific career as a choreographer and dancer for top artists like Elton John, the Rolling Stones, and Freddie Mercury, and worked on numerous films and West End productions.

How can I get tickets to see the Strictly live tour?

Strictly Come Dancing tickets for the annual live tour, known as the Strictly Come Dancing show tour, are typically sold through official ticketing platforms and the BBC website following the announcement of the tour dates and venues.

What is the difference between Strictly and other dance shows?

Strictly Come Dancing focuses exclusively on ballroom and Latin dance, pairing celebrities with professional dancers. Its charm lies in its glitzy, family-friendly BBC production, distinct from competition formats like So You Think You Can Dance tour or the casting process of Come Dance with Me.

Has drag been featured on Strictly before?

While not a central theme, elements of performative cross-dressing and gender-bending have appeared in comedy routines over the years. However, advocates like La Voix are pushing for its recognition as a serious and integral part of the performance art spectrum on the show.