Selwyn Anthony Morgan
Can you bake Aliona and what is your favourite cake?

I cook but I’ve never tried baking, it’s definitely on my to do list though, as I love cakes. There are way too many favorite ones and it’s impossible to choose one. I’ve got a sweet tooth.

Eleanor Johnson
Hi Aliona, are you coming back to the UK for the next SCD?

That will be revealed to the public in the press on Wednesday, June 15th

Alex Baker
Would Aliona ever do a dance event in the UK like a few of the other SCD pros do?

I would definitely love to perform as much as possible in the UK. There are some things in the works so we’ll have to wait and see

Ben & Sally
Hi Aliona
My son Ben has pictures of you all over his wall and says you are a perfect woman. It would mean sooo much to him to have an actual autograph from the real life Aliona!
His address is: Ben Leighton,
You must be very busy but if you could do this for him he would probably faint first, then be very grateful! xx

I will see what I can do! Please tell Ben hi for me and give him a big hug!

Cass
1. Where did your love of custard come from?

In the beginning I would buy the dunkin donuts Boston Cream donut, without knowing it’s actually custard cream, and just eat the cream out. Now that I know it was custard it all makes sense hehe.
First time I tried apple crumble with actual custard in the UK I was hooked. Now it’s all about custard.

2. Will you be back this year? hope so

That’s nice of you! That will be revealed to the public in the press on Wednesday, June 15th

3. Which of your dances with Matt was your favourite?

All dances were my favorite! I gave my absolute everything to each dance. All of them were so different and created from my heart and soul

4. Out of the other pro dancers who do you prefer to dance with?

I would dance with Matthew Cutler again

Stephen Hamilton
Maybe you could ask Aliona Vilani when she will be back on my TV screen, because I miss her so much.

Oh you are so lovely! That will be revealed to the public in the press on Wednesday, June 15th

Billyhibou
Will you be in SCD this year? If so when does training start? I hope to see you back. Good luck

Thank you! That will be revealed to the public in the press on Wednesday, June 15th

Sabi
1. Hi Aliona, what were the best times? And what were the most difficult times in your life?

One of the most difficult time in my life for me was the immigration from Russia to America.
One of the best time was surviving it.

2. Hi,Aliona, which is the one romance depicted in the movies that you would want to experience in your life?

Maybe something like Mouline Rouge because it’s great when the man you love understand you, always there for you and loves you back for the human being that you are and not the picture you create.

3. Hi, Aliona, which is the trait you love the most and least about yourself?

I really think that all traits in anyone have their pluses and minuses, the trick is balance and that is a constant struggle in all of us

4. Hi, Aliona, which song best fits your image and why? Mine is Mariah Carey “looking in”

It’s difficult to answer because as I grow, I change and everything changes around me. I think I’m still searching for the right one though. Excellent question

Judith Prescott
Hi Aliona,
Did you want to be a dancer from a young age?

I always loved dancing, and the more I gave myself to it the more I enjoyed it. Regardless of all the struggles and difficulties within this career choice it brings me an enormous pleasure and satisfaction

teeswolf
Are you in the next series of SCD?

That will be revealed to the public in the press on Wednesday, June 15th

Simone
Aliona – from one pink haired lady to another – I have been ‘pink’ for about four years. My initial Hair colour was discontinued but I managed to buy up some stock. But now I am trying to find a suitable match and you look to be spot on – can you tell me what make and what colour – it is semi-permanent is it?

Heidi
Hi
Please could you tell me how Aliona gets that colour hair, i’ve brought every product in the shops as well as wholesale.

Vikki Kelly
I would also love to know? Please, please tell me what you find out, have also tried everything including crazy colours, would really appreciate any help x

Over time I’ve used different shades of red, even mixed a couple of them together but all of them were L’Oreal Professional Permanent Creme Color and you can find more information here:

http://www.lorealprofessionnel.co.uk/products/haircolour-products/classic-permanent-colour/majirel/majirouge

Also you can go to any Sally’s beauty shops and you can obtain this hair color there

Cherry
1. What is your favourite dress you’ve worn on Strictly?

I would say my one legged red catsuit that I wore dancing with Matthew Cutler for Amy Winehouse’s goddaughter’s performance. When danced with Matt…ballet too-too for charleston (was such cute fun), purple velvet foxtrot dress and pink and red American Smooth dress

2. Do you have any secret talents?

Which ever ones I have are not secret

Lydia
Hi Aliona
My questions are…
1. Which of the strictly professional girls and men do you get on with best? and why?

Everyone of the professionals are so different and interesting in their own ways, all great characters. I find all of their individual personalities a treat to be around

2. Do you or any of the other girls have funny beauty/calming rituals before the live show? Besides the fake tan! X

There is nothing funny about a fake tan ritual, it’s all a very serious matter…hehe kidding! XXX

Strictly fan
Hey Aliona,
James and Ola have such great chemistry on the dance floor! What are they like backstage as a couple?
Xxxxxxxxxxx

They truly love and cherish one another and that’s rare in the world. No matter what happens between or around them, you could see that they are made and perfect for each other and it’s a beautiful thing to see

rachy12
If you weren’t a dancer, what would you be?

Possibly go more deeply into acting as it always has been a hobby of mine or a fashion designer as I finished school with excellence in fashion and visual arts

Rita
Can you ask Aliona if she’ll be doing Strictly Come Dancing again this year, and if yes, is she looking forward to it?

If yes, then of course!

GreenJadeDragon
1. Does Aliona plan to take part in SCD 2011? We would love to support her again.

I would love your support again, I couldn’t have done it without you guys last Strictly!

2. Who’s idea was it to turn Matt Baker into ‘Sexy Vamp’ for the Argentine Tango? We thank you anyway!

It was my idea, thank you! It was my goal from week one to make Matt into a sex symbol, even though he and everyone was sceptical. So when the make-up artist that was working with Matt came to me and asked what I want her to do for this dance with him, I just said: “make him look like Johnny Depp in Pirates of the Caribbean”, and she said ok…. so really would should all thank Johnny Depp

3. How many hours did you have to train for the Jive, was it really only 4 hours?

Of course it wasn’t, I don’t know where it came from. Maybe because of all the travel and Matt’s work 4 hours a day some days yes, but other wise we worked our selves to death as always

4. If you could replay the 2010 Final would you have chosen different dances to redo, specifically replacing the Viennese Waltz with the Tango?

I really wouldn’t because first of all Matt wanted to dance V. Waltz again and I wanted him to enjoy himself, secondly both dances are equal, different but special in their own ways and most importantly thirdly I am sure at that point the outcome wouldn’t be different as all the viewers already know in their hearts who they’ve chosen to win

5. How much more fun was the tour compared to the show?

Same amount of fun but in a totally different way

6. Given Craig will not be participating in SCD 2011, who does Aliona feel should be the new fourth judge?

For me the most important thing is to love what and how I am performing, to enjoy working together with my partner and for the viewers to be touched, amazed and appreciate what we are doing. Keeping that in mind if makes no difference to me who is sitting behind the judges desk

7. Which show does Aliona prefer working on, Dancing with the Stars or SCD?

I definitely really enjoy working with the crew and dancers on both shows. It’s the same format, different in style but great in their own ways

8. What is her preferred hair colour and did she choose the raspberry colour she was styling for SCD 2010 or was it chosen for her?

My preferred color is light copper golden blond. However I don’t mind a bit of a change sometimes. There were too many blonds on the show, professionals and celebrities, so I thought going a different color was a good idea for me, however I didn’t expect Strictly to suggest to go such bright red, but I went with it and loved it for the time being

Esther Hadassa
What was you most favourite dance with Matt last SCD-season and why?

All dances were my favorite! I gave my absolute everything to each dance. All of them were so different and created from my heart and soul

VWGirl
1. What’s the single most favourite dancing moment that she has ever experienced?

There are loads most favourite moments, that’s why I still love to do what I do

2. If it was entirely up to her, what dance style would she add to Strictly?

I would probably add lyrical, I find it absolutely beautiful and soulful

3. What’s her favourite type of dance to perform?

It’s all about if I like the music, the idea of the dance and the partner that I’m dancing with (if I’m dancing with a partner). If that’s all there then any type will be favourite

4. Fred Astaire or Gene Kelly?

I would say Fred Astaire. Even though Gene Kelly was more of a looker than Fred Astaire, Fred Astaire was a more diverse dancer in my opinion and had a great experience and amazing quality dancing with the ladies in partnerships

DancerCookie
1. I am curious to know when she developed her liking for custard and if she has a favourite brand… in all seriousness…I’m a custard lover too

In the beginning I would buy the dunkin donuts Boston Cream donut, without knowing it’s actually custard cream, and just eat the cream out. Now that I know it was custard it all makes sense hehe.
First time I tried apple crumble with actual custard in the UK I was hooked. Now it’s all about custard. I am still working to find out my favorite brand

2. If she wasn’t a dancer, what does she think she’d be doing as a career?

Possibly go more deeply into acting as it always has been a hobby of mine or a fashion designer as I finished school with excellence in fashion and visual arts

Beemail

1.Out of SCD and DWTS which one does Aliona prefer?

I definitely really enjoy working with the crew and dancers on both shows. It’s the same format, different in style but great in their own ways

2. Is there any dance you would like introduced to SCD next year?

I would probably add lyrical, I find it absolutely beautiful and soulful

3. honestly….truthfully………….whose idea was the guyliner? (and if it was Aliona’s give her a great big massive smacking kiss from me)

It was my idea, thank you! It was my goal from week one to make Matt into a sex symbol, even though he and everyone was sceptical. So when the make-up artist that was working with Matt came to me and asked what I want her to do for this dance with him, I just said: “make him look like Johnny Depp in Pirates of the Caribbean”, and she said ok…. so really would should all thank Johnny Depp

Lotuseater
1. Who chooses the music for SCD and are they told which dance to do

Depends on the dancer and celebrity. I’m always very clear about what kind of music I want for myself and my partner and the music department does its best to accommodate. In some cases it’s possible that the music department suggests and the couple agrees on it, sometimes the dancers choose, sometimes the celebrities know what they want or don’t want.

2. Is there any chance ever of her and Matt Baker performing together again, even for charity

If both of us have enough time and are asked to do performances, I don’t see why not

3. Is she taking part in SCD again this year

That will be revealed to the public in the press on Wednesday, June 15th

4. When did she realise she had a cracker of a partner in Matt

When I saw that he was committed and would listen and do as I said without questioning

5. Who chooses the costumes and do the dancers have any input

Depends on the dancer and celebrity. I’m always very clear about what kind of costume I want for myself and my partner and the costume department does its best to accommodate. In some cases it’s possible that the costume department suggests and the couple agrees on it, sometimes the dancers choose, sometimes the celebrities know what they want or don’t want.

6. She has a fantastic figure – what food regime does she follow and what does she do for exercise

Thank you for the compliment! With the amount of physical dancing that I do, I don’t have any food regime or do any extra exercise. I do stretch a lot though besides dancing

7. On a personal note does she have anyone special in her life

Sorry, don’t really like to talk about my personal life publicly

8. Does she have any siblings

I have a half brother, but really we are extremely close and consider each other full brother and sister

pasoqueen
1. What is your favourite dance and why?

I love all the dances and always love to learn new styles of dance, but for me it all depends on my mood and what I feel like at the moment

2. Do you have a least favourite dance?

I don’t have a least favourite dance, however I don’t like sometimes dancing something I’m not in the mood for

3. What is your favourite dance to teach and why?

Teaching someone to dance is always about who your student is, always keeping in mind what kind of person you are working with and then it’s very clear what they would like to dance. The favourite dance to teach them would be something they would enjoy the most

4. Have you always wanted to be a professional dancer?

I always loved dancing, and the more I gave myself to it the more I enjoyed it. Regardless of all the struggles and difficulties within this career choice it brings me an enormous pleasure and satisfaction

5. Do you have any brothers or sisters?

I have a half brother, but really we are extremely close and consider each other full brother and sister

Jill
1. How old were you when you started dancing?

Started ballet at the age of 5

2. What age did you start ballroom and latin

At the age of 11

3. Have you ever had a ‘normal’ job other than dancing?

Actually, when just moved to NY at the age of 13 I gave out flayers on the street for about a month, that’s as close as I got to having a ‘normal’ job. From there it was all performing in the restaurants, dancing shows at the events, teaching up to 8 hours a day in dance studios and competing

4. Do you keep in contact with any of the SCD Pros now you are back at home?

A little

5. Did you know any of the SCD Pros before you joined Strictly Come Dancing?

None personally

6. Did you know Matthew before SCD? Is it harder to dance with someone who hasnt been your professional partner before the show

I didn’t know him personally but have heard of him. It could be harder to dance with someone new and it could be easy to dance with someone new. It’s all about how well of a trained dancer you are. The better the dancer, the easier it is to dance with them

7. Was it a shock when Matthew wasnt asked back to do SCD?

It was very upsetting but not a shock for me as Matthew and I spoke about it a lot prier to the decision

Robin
1. If you could dance with any one person, alive or from history – who would it be and what dance?

I would have loved to dance in the club with Patrick Swayze, just like they did when were relaxing after work in the movie Dirty Dancing

RBC
1. What is your Favourite childhood memory?

Everything that has to do with spending time with my family, all the fun trips that we took

2. Would you consider doing SCD in Russia?

No

3. What would you change in SCD UK and why?

I would maybe have 3 judges instead of 4 so that there would be more time for the couples to chat to Tess but otherwise I think it’s a perfect format

4. where do you see yourself in 5 years?

Starting a family and keep advancing myself as an entertainer

5. If you had children, would you recommend dance as a career?

No, however it would be a must as a hobby

6. Would you like a large family or small?

Small, 1 to 2 kids

7. What are your family principles?

Love, fun, pleasure, faithfulness, understanding, support and balance are all a must

8. What is your favourite dance outfit?

I would say my one legged red catsuit that I wore dancing with Matthew Cutler for Amy Winehouse’s goddaughter’s performance. When danced with Matt…ballet too-too for charleston (was such cute fun), purple velvet foxtrot dress and pink and red American Smooth dress

9. If you had a choice, who would your companion be on a desert island?

My future husband, whoever he might be

10. What is your favourite music?

Really depends on my mood but over all if it’s a good song I like any style of music

stargazer1
1. What inspired you to dance, did you have an inspirational teacher?

Nothing inspired me really, my mom just decided to start me into dance and ones I’ve started I was hooked…probably because I was blessed to learn from the best teachers of the world and not only best teachers but best people also

2. The choreography for the foxtrot, samba and tango (my favourite dances) were amazing, how did you come up with all the exciting steps in those dances?

Thank you, glad you enjoyed! It’s always a different process. Sometimes I just listen to the song for hours and hours and the images come up in my head with different ideas and moves. Sometimes I get an idea that was inspired by something I saw and try to make that into a dance. Sometimes I just go to the dance studio and dance until I develop something. I usually take as long as needed to come up with something I really like and proud of

stickbeetle (Julie)
1. Who was/is your greatest inspiration as a dancer?

I appreciate great dancers but don’t get inspired by them. I might however take some kind of technique from them but I get my inspirations from many different other things. It could be a song, a movie, something that happens in everyday life, certain feelings and emotions that I’m experiencing at the moment

2. What is your favourite dance you like to perform?

I love all the dances and always love to learn new styles of dance, but for me it all depends on my mood and what I feel like at the moment

3. If you could dance with anyone in the world, who would it be?

I would have loved to dance in the club with Patrick Swayze, just like they did when were relaxing after work in the movie Dirty Dancing

4. What profession would you have gone into if you were not a dancer?

Possibly go more deeply into acting as it always has been a hobby of mine or a fashion designer as I finished school with excellence in fashion and visual arts

5. What is the hardest dance to perfect?

I think it’s hard to perfect any dance. The better and higher quality you want it to be, the harder it is

6. Where do you prefer living? England or America?

I definitely really enjoy living in both countries, it’s all about the people that you socialise with and the lifestyle that you live in there. They are both very different, even I would say opposite in style, but great in their own ways. I love the soulfulness of England and positiveness of America

7. Traditional or alternative music for dance and which do you prefer?

Really depends on my mood but over all if it’s a good song I like any style of music

8. What do you like to do to when you are not dancing?

I like to go to the beach, lay by the pool, go to a cinema, have a nice lunch or dinner with friends. Like to go to a park, my new hobby is riding horses now so trying to learn that. Love to go camping, skiing, ice skating, jetski, play tennis…

9. Do you have a favourite brand of custard ?

Still searching for one but I think I like them all

David Workmann
1. Do you teach in the UK?

I would definitely love to teach in the UK. There are some things in the works so we’ll have to wait and see

2. Will you marry me?

mattionafan
1. Which routine did you have the least time to train for because of Matt’s work commitments?

It was probably Austin Powers jive week because we had to travel to Outer Hebrides and back

2. Which was your best/worst moment in Strictly 2010?

All moments were amazing, many difficult but still amazing

3. At the first rehearsals, had you been allowed to choose your partner, who would you have chosen?

At the first rehearsal I didn’t have my eye on anyone and I believe that in this season it wasn’t about who I would get as a celebrity but what I make out of them

Sheila Dewar
1. Loved you and Matt dancing together. The best Strictly partnership ever. Which week was the hardest for you and which routine did you have the least time to train for because of Matt’s work commitments

Thank you! All routines were hard to accomplish in their own little ways but I loved every single moment of them. It was probably Austin Powers jive week because we had to travel to Outer Hebrides and back

Trish
1. You are my Idol. Who did you look up to whilst you were growing up ?

Trish you are so sweet …well I always got my inspiration from different people, I realized that as I grow as a person and performer my views and taste changes so I guess I can’t really pick one…of course I’ve looked up to my favourite latin and ballroom coaches for development of my skills

2. I have got a Ballroom and Latin exam in July. Do you have any advice please? x

I always say that if you don’t enjoy dancing you shouldn’t be doing it, no matter how stressful or hard it is…so whatever happens enjoy it and the only way to do that is to be fully prepared…practice practice practice

Caz
1. What would you be if you weren’t a dancer?

Possibly go more deeply into acting as it always has been a hobby of mine or a fashion designer as I finished school with excellence in fashion and visual arts

2. What is your favourite dance?

I love all the dances and always love to learn new styles of dance, but for me it all depends on my mood and what I feel like at the moment

3. What is your favourite type of custard?

I am still working to find out my favorite brand

4. What do you like about the UK (If anything lol) ?

Soulfulness

John
Hi Aliona,
When you moved to the United States, which I believe was when you were in your teens, did you get homesick and miss your family and friends?

In the beginning of course but I never missed Russia itself. My parents came with me and I started to be friends with many at dance studio, in school and on various dance related travels so over some time I fell in love with US and the people that were around me

Natalie
1. If you had to choose between dancing and custard, which would it be and why?

I would choose dancing of course because when dance I don’t think of custard and when I eat custard I still think of dance hehe

2. Will you be doing any dance events/demonstrations in the UK – if not, would it be something you would consider?

I would definitely love to perform as much as possible in the UK. There are some things in the works so we’ll have to wait and see

3. Will there be another Pro tour?

Possibly but not known yet

4. Will you be dancing with new professional Pasha for the pro group routines?

Sorry can’t reveal that yet, possibly

Lizzi
1. I know you love cats but do you have any pets?

I had a girl cat and because of my travels my parents adopted her after 3 years of living with me. Then after I thought I was done with my travels I got a boy cat and when I started Strictly my friends adopted him. So even though I love cats I can’t afford to have one at the moment

2. Do you have a favourite movie/actress/actor

I love movies and would never be able to pick one but my top 6 actors that I love to watch in the movies are probably Johnny Depp, Hugh Jackman, Ewan McGregor, Robert Downey Jr., Jim Carrey, James McAvoy

3. What was your favourite subject at school?

Art and Design, Psychology

4. Can you drive? (random question I know!)

Yes, I’ve been driving since 18… I don’t think I will ever drive in England though with the other side of things still can’t get used to that

5. How do you go about beginning to choreography a routine for Strictly? Say for instance the American Smooth you did with Matt (which I absolutely loved, I Ioved all your routines but that one in particular because it was so beautiful and so different) where/how do you start?

I love that dance myself! Thank you lovely! It’s always a different process. Sometimes I just listen to the song for hours and hours and the images come up in my head with different ideas and moves. Sometimes I get an idea that was inspired by something I saw and try to make that into a dance. Sometimes I just go to the dance studio and dance until I develop something. I usually take as long as needed to come up with something I really like and proud of

6. Your hiphop samba with Matthew is my favourite pro dace ever, I simply adore it, what has been your favourite pro dance and why?

That dance is definitely one of my top favorite pro numbers. I also loved the rock foxtrot and cha-cha that we performed with Amy Winehouse’s goddaughter. They were my favorite probably they were my creations and because I enjoyed way too much practicing them for hours with Matthew

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