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Behind the Sequins

By: Shirley Ballas
Narrated by: Shirley Ballas
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Summary

Leave it all on the floor....

Queen of Latin ballroom Shirley Ballas has a spectacular dance career spanning over 40 years - she has cha-cha'd her way across the world's dance floors to become a multi-award-winning ballroom champion and one of the most renowned dancers in the world. In 1996, Shirley retired from competitive dancing to become a highly acclaimed coach and now holds the enviable position of head judge on BBC One's prime-time show Strictly Come Dancing.

In Behind the Sequins, she leads us through her dramatic and determined life, from growing up in a rough estate on the Wirral and leaving home at 14 years old to conquering the high-octane world of ballroom and coping with betrayal, bullying, two broken marriages and a personal tragedy that left Shirley and her family devastated.

Speaking from the heart, Shirley leaves her dancing shoes at the door to tell you the story of a fiery, strong-willed grafter who could make the brat pack blush.

©2020 Shirley Ballas (P)2020 Penguin Audio
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Featured article: Immerse yourself in the world of Strictly Come Dancing - 11 audiobooks for fans of the popular TV show


Strictly Come Dancing is back on our screens, which means weekends full of sequins, glitterballs and a little cha cha cha. If you love the dance competition, then we’ve got the perfect set of audiobooks for you to lose yourself in, from memoirs by the judges of the show – filled with brutal honesty and some startling revelations – to fiction set in the world of dance. Whether your favourite dance is the Viennese waltz, the Argentine tango or a classic jive, we’ve got the book to satisfy your dancing feet. And there are no duds here; all these audiobooks get perfect 10s across the board.

What listeners say about Behind the Sequins

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Great story

Loved hearing Shirley read her story and fascinated to learn of her background and the strong family bond she has with her mum and son

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Sequins

Well what a fantastic and honest book. Shirley Ballas is sincere and real and has never lost her working class roots. Worldly wise with a beautiful soul. So generous to share sensitive memories and so very touching!
Such a privilege to read your story.

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What an inspirational read!

Thank you Shirley for opening up & sharing some really difficult memories. Couldn't stop listening

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Fantastic journey and what a force!

I didn’t know much about Shirley prior too listening to her inspiring journey through life. But what an inspirational woman. I hope she stands still for long enough to know what a force she is.

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Great insight

I'm so glad I listened to this, great to learn and understand why and how Shirley is the way she is. I have always admired and respected her, but even more so now. A great memoir

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Shirley ballas

i like the way the story was told by the author in a very clear voice

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The fact that Shirley read the story herself made all the difference.

nothing bad to say about this book. Having been a Ballroom dancer as well , I was able to remember a lot of the feelings I had as a girl.

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A very honest autobiography .

A very honest insight from Shirley showing the highs and lows of ambition.
I enjoyed it from start to finish

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strictly fan

loved it an absolute insight into a very varied life.A strong and sensual woman who lives life to the full.

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epic

loved this book. Well put together. Well read, I couldn't put it down. a realy good read.

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