Last minute inspiration..

Good times!

LA is growing on me, apart from the fact you have to constantly tip everyone, even if the service is not up to scratch, I'm enjoying myself! Rehearsals have been great fun and it's fantastic to work with dancers of this calibre, it makes you pull up too!!
I'm really happy how the routine has turned out, because leaving us in charge of our own choreography like they do at choreography camp at the beginning of each series, it could of been a disaster.. But they bought into my concept and we pitched together to create, we may even walk away with an Emmy :)
I am going to be in the live audience tomorrow night (Wed) for the 1st part of the finale, then my performance is on Thursday and I am very excited.. I don't believe there is a way to watch it live in the UK but I will post it as soon as it becomes available online..
Meeting up with Mandy Moore tonight to start some prep for Strictly but I'm back at CBS for wardrobe fitting this morning.. Yesterday after morning rehearsal and lunchtime pool we met Tristan again and hiked up Runyan Canyon to witness the stunning views over LA, I sat for 15 minutes and just let it soak in what I am actually doing! How my life has changed! and how lucky I am to be out here working with some of the best dancers in the world! Happy!
Heard about the crazy stuff going on back home in London and hope everyone is ok.. The pictures look like Gaza not Clapham.. Let's hope it ends soon..
Anyway, stay safe...
Matt

Exciting times!

Spent the day in Santa Monica yesterday, picked myself up a rather sun burnt neck, I have such Yorkshire skin.. Tried to relax on the beach, but couldn't because I had the uncertainty of what I'd be doing hanging over me! Got back to the hotel to discover another email from production.. Their plans had changed again for my finale performance! Now I'm to meet up with 2 of this seasons tappers to create a 'dynamic trio' and its to be a collaboration with Nick and Jess.
It is 10.44am on Saturday 6th and I'm at the studios at 2pm, at least I will feel that it has started! Then I expect the next 96 hours to be a roller coaster of changes that I need to grip on tight to....
If you don't have a car in LA it can be very frustrating, took a walk into central Hollywood on Thursday, underestimated the journey and I returned back at my hotel 5 hours later looking like I should use a higher factor sun block.. Everywhere you look your reminded of elements of the movie industry.. I kept imagining Jack Bauer running across Melrose Avenue or Vincent Chase hanging at the grove. In fact Hollywood could do with a good clean and a bit of an update :)
Met up with a friend of mine, Tristan, who is a Ballroom dancer on Dancing With The Stars. We hit a couple of bars but couldn't get into some because I forgot my ID! I'm 29 for gods sake! Good to see him though!
Got some exciting news as well! A couple of weeks ago Mandy Moore asked me if I would be assistant choreographer for her at the BBC working on Strictly Come Dancing :) It's all been confirmed and we jump into rehearsals for 3 production numbers the day after I get back to the UK! Happy days!!
Might as well learn from the best...
I will check in again after my first session in the studio..
Good night England!

What time is it?

So after being made to do a tap dance by the lady at the Virgin Atlantic check in desk, spending 11 hours sat next to a rather large Mexican women who snored like Santa and being rinsed at LAX customs for two hours on why I wanted to 'do a dance on the tele' I made it to Los Angeles, California!
This is my 2nd visit, 8 years ago I spent about 6 weeks here touring with Matthew Bourne. I forgot how bloody helpful everyone is, is it for real? Why can't people in London be like this?
I got picked up from my flat in London in a Nissan and at LAX airport it was a Lexus! Really? There is definitely something different going on out here, I spent the car ride to the hotel trying to work it out.. No conclusion.. I'll make it the aim of this trip to work it out..
I woke today at 4.30am LA time (damn jet-lag) and started thinking about my performance next week. I'm quite anxious, purely because of the nature of the show, music doesn't get cleared till quite late on, so you have to wait to find out what your allowed to do. Then it has to go on to the editors etc.. I still don't know if I'm allowed my song choice, so its hard tying to choreograph!
Dom arrives today from New York, she is having meetings and castings and I'm excited for the things that are going to happen for her!!
I'm heading out soon to explore the area and eat some pancakes, bacon and syrup!
Peace out, A town!

Flying today!

Just finished packing and waiting to get picked up to go to the airport.. I had a phone call last night from a producer out in LA to tell me I will be doing a solo in the finale and that I will be choreographing myself!! I wasn't expecting that at all, at first I didn't know what to think, but after speaking to a few people and letting the nerves settle a little, I realised it is a very good thing..
I don't think it actually hit me till last night, what I'm about to do.. Aaahh!
It's gonna be great to see everyone again and be back in the SYTYCD bubble for a short time. Mandy Moore and her assistant Dana are taking me out when I get to LA and I have quite a few friends out there so it should all be good fun.. The weather in London is probably on a par with LA at the moment, it's putting me in the mood :)
Hope you all have a wonderful day!

Welcome!

I have decided to create a blog while I'm on my travels to Hollywood land to keep those of you who have asked, up to date with what's going on and any link's/photo's that may be interesting.
I am jetting off on Wednesday and I am slightly apprehensive to say the least. I have no idea what I'll be doing on the finale as of yet, I thought I may be doing 'Total Eclipse Of The Heart' but having just watched  the current US episode, Mandy Moore just recreated it with 2 wonderful American dancers! So I guess not!!
I'm hoping that I'll be tapping now, its going to be an experience, whatever happens..
I will post it to my fan page to keep you all up to date..
With love Matt x