THE GREATEST DANCER
M&S team member Monique wowed judges at our casting session to bag a starring role in this year’s Christmas advert
"I’ve been dancing since the age of three and have performed across the UK and internationally, but I’ve never done anything like this before,” says Monique, who was snapped up at the staff auditions to star alongside the professionals in this year’s M&S Christmas advert. “I learned ballet as a child and went on to train in tap and jazz, later joining local groups to learn hip-hop, popping, locking, breaking, house, salsa and bachata,” explains the hospitality manager at our Marble Arch store. “The audition for M&S colleagues was held at a studio space, and there were maybe ten of us altogether. We were called into a separate room individually and asked to freestyle to a track in front of the choreographer and a cameraman.”Before filming the ad, Monique attended a two-day rehearsal in which she learned the signature dance moves alongside the cast. “I was so nervous,” she says, “but everyone made me feel welcome – it’s an experience I’ll never forget. There was such a positive energy on set and it was so much fun. I felt like I’d stepped into Christmas.”
Watch the advert
