Dancing With Diana - A Memoir by Anne Allan

"In 1981, after the wedding of the century, Anne Allan, a dancer, and ballet mistress with the London City Ballet, was offered an unusual assignment. Her Royal Highness Diana, the Princess of Wales, wanted dance lessons. Would Anne be her teacher? Anne and her royal pupil were soon meeting at a private studio for the first of hundreds of secret weekly one-hour lessons that were never on the princess's official schedule and never be discovered by the ever-lurking press. Under Anne's direction, Diana mounted her spectacular debut on the stage of Covent Garden, videotaped a solo performance at Her Majesty's Theatre, and made clandestine backstage visits to ballets and West End shows for the Princess to get as close as she could to the lives and work of real dancers. Over the course of nine years, teacher and pupil became close friends. Diana appreciated having an outsider to whom she could speak candidly about her personal challenges and her place in the royal world. They would talk, laugh, cry, and--always--dance. Most importantly, Diana learned to express her true self in physical movement. By her last class, the Princess had learned to carry herself with confdience, poise, and grace, both inside and outside the studio. Dance, says Anne, had 'nourished and renewed her soul.'"--Provided by publisher.

About the author

Anne Allan is a theatre director, a producer, artistic director, and educator. Her career began as a classical dancer, training on scholarship at the Royal Ballet School in London, England. After becoming ballet mistress for London City Ballet, she was invited to become the private dance teacher to Her Royal Highness, Diana, Princess of Wales and did so for 9 years.

She joined the musical theatre world to assist esteemed choreographer Gillian Lynne, on the original London Production of Phantom on the Opera. She then became part of the artistic team of Livent, collaborating on the Tony Award winning shows, Kiss of the Spider Woman, Showboat, Ragtime, and Barrymore; starring Christopher Plummer.

Anne went on to direct many plays and musicals across Canada and landed on Prince Edward Island as Artistic Director of the Charlottetown Festival for 10 years. Most recently Anne, as a Creative Advisor and Associate Producer has been developing new, original theatrical productions. Anne Allan currently lives in Toronto.

Summary

“Dancing makes you feel heaps better” – Diana

In 1981, after the wedding of the century, Anne Allan, a dancer, and ballet mistress with the London City Ballet, was offered an unusual assignment. Her Royal Highness Diana, the Princess of Wales, wanted dance lessons. Would Anne be her teacher?

Anne and her royal pupil were soon meeting at a private studio for the first of hundreds of secret weekly one-hour lessons that were never on the princess’s official schedule and never be discovered by the ever-lurking press. Under Anne’s direction, Diana mounted her spectacular debut on the stage of Covent Garden, videotaped a solo performance at Her Majesty’s Theatre, and made clandestine backstage visits to ballets and West End shows for the Princess to get as close as she could to the lives and work of real dancers.

Over the course of nine years, teacher and pupil became close friends. Diana appreciated having an outsider to whom she could speak candidly about her personal challenges and her place in the royal world. They would talk, laugh, cry, and—always—dance.

Most importantly, Diana learned to express her true self in physical movement. By her last class, the Princess had learned to carry herself with confidence, poise, and grace, both inside and outside the studio. Dance, says Anne, had “nourished and renewed her soul.”

NOTE FROM THE AUTHOR

“I have often been bitterly disappointed with interviews regarding the Princess. There was always so much more to this incredible woman than what was depicted.  I hope that anyone reading the book will appreciate this fresh look at the more personal side of Diana, enjoy hearing stories about our friendship and share in our fun times, as well as finding a deeper understanding of just how extraordinary she was.” –
Anne Allan

Foreword

PR & Marketing Plan:
- Major media excerpts and print and broadcast interviews, and articles.
- Submissions to book review desks and trades.
Media Outreach and Press Releases:
- Distribute press releases to print, online, broadcast media, and book review desks
- Pitch story ideas and interviews to journalists and reporters covering topics related to Princess Diana, dance, and biography. 
Targeted Social Media Campaign:
- Develop engaging content related to Princess Diana's passion for dance and her personal journey, utilizing platforms like Instagram, Facebook, X, LinkedIn, and TikTok.

- Never before seen images, quotes, and behind-the-scenes glimpses to capture the attention of Diana enthusiasts and book lovers alike.
Influencer Partnerships:

- Collaborate with influencers in the realms of royalty, dance, and literature to promote the book to their dedicated followers.

- Engage influencers who have a strong affinity for the Royal Family, Princess Diana's legacy, and her impact on society. 
Author Interviews and Podcast Appearances:

- Arrange interviews with the author on podcasts, radio shows, and online platforms.

- Focus on topics such as Princess Diana's personal life, her relationship with dance, and the insights revealed in the book. 
Book Events and Readings:

- Host book launch events, readings, and Q&A sessions
- Organize book signings and author appearances at bookstores, libraries, and cultural centres. 

Email Marketing Campaign:

- Utilize our email list of potential readers interested in Princess Diana, royalty, and dance-related topics.

- Plan to send targeted email campaigns featuring excerpts from the book, author interviews, and exclusive behind-the-scenes content to drive pre-orders and sales. 
Collaborations with Royal-themed Events:

- Coordinate collaborations with events or exhibitions related to Princess Diana or the British royal family.

- Showcase the book at these events through book signings, readings, and promotional materials to reach a captive audience. 
Engagement with Diana Fan Clubs and Communities:

- Engage with online forums, fan clubs, and social media groups dedicated to Princess Diana's legacy. 
Book Reviews and Endorsements:

- Encourage book reviews from reputable book bloggers, influencers, and publications in the genres of biography, royalty, and dance.

Product details

• Authors: Anne Allan
• Publisher: Ingram Publishers Services
• Languages: English
• Product format: Hardback
• Release: 10.09.2024, delayed
• EAN: 9781990823893
• ISBN: 978-1-990823-89-3
• No. of pages: 194
• Illustrations: Endpapers
• Subjects: Humanities, art, music > History > Contemporary history (1945 to 1989); Dance, History: specific events & topics, Postwar 20th century history, from c 1945 to c 2000, PERFORMING ARTS / Dance / Classical & Ballet, HISTORY / Europe / Great Britain / 20th Century, PERFORMING ARTS / Dance / General, Ballet