January, that time of year when we emerge from the Christmas break feeling sluggish and wondering how on earth we are going to get going again, or maybe full of vigour ready to face the year ahead with renewed enthusiasm and positivity. Whatever you are feeling, just taking that first step back to some normality is perhaps the hardest, but the rewards will far outweigh those negative thoughts.

         In earlier civilisations, dancing, religion, music and medicine were all inter-connected.  In the Middle Ages they danced to ward off the bubonic plague, although I am not sure how successful that was! There is no secret about the benefits of dancing for any age, both for our physical and mental health.  For myself, I dance for the utter of joy of moving my body without restraint. Well, that’s the aim. EncoreEast met up for our first dance class since the Christmas break and without exception we were all feeling slightly apprehensive and yes, unfit, including our teacher for this term, the wonderful irrepressible Tom Bowes.  We needn’t have worried. The joy of being together and just moving dispelled all those negative thoughts.

       We are listing a selection of classes that you might like to try. There are plenty of classes out there to Inspire you, whether you would like to attend in person or online.  A Zoom class might be the way to get started if you are feeling a little unsure about attending a class in person (or maybe you feel you have overdone the festive fare). Remember, you can always turn your camera off until you are feeling more confident.

IT IS NEVER TOO LATE TO START DANCING.  GO ON, GIVE IT A GO.  YOU WON’T REGRET IT.

EAST

DanceEast offers a wide range of classes and workshops including contemporary, ballet and tap. They cater for all abilities and this term there is a contemporary class aimed specifically at over 50’s. Keep an eye on the DanceEast website for upcoming classes and workshops each term.

DanceEast offers wonderful facilities and is very much the home of EncoreEast.

Contact: www.danceeast.co.uk for further information

THE CUT ARTS CENTRE Tutor: Caroline Mummery

Contemporary Dance, Stretch and Strengthen (mixed ability, mixed age and all are welcome).

THE CUT ARTS CENTRE, Halesworth. Further information: http://www.thecut.org.uk 

CADENZA DANCE COMPANY – NORWICH

Cadenza Dance Company offers dance opportunities for people over 50, welcoming all levels of dance experience. They work with a range of artists and choreographers finding ways to explore artistic expression.

CONTEMPORARY – Wednesdays 1.30-3.30 pm, Trinity URC Hall, Unthank Road, Norwich, NR2 2PA

In addition to contemporary dance technique, we practise improvisation and explore creative approaches to moving.  All welcome regardless of experience.

BALLET – Thursdays 10.30 – 12pm, Central School of Ballet, 100 St Georges Street, Norwich, NR3 1BX

Some previous experience required. Participants work through the traditional structure of a ballet class with an emphasis on finding ease of moving and musicality. It is a challenging and fun class.

Contact Laura via email laura.cadenza@outlook.com or phone 07751274386

DANCE WITH SAM MOSS

Through release-based contemporary dance, discover efficiency, clarity and ease of motion. Open up inner body connections and release habitual tensions. Stimulate mind and body to feel great.

For all adults who enjoy moving.

Tuesdays 9.30 – 10.45 a.m.   Vida Haus Wellness Centre, The Three Tuns, Petistree, IP13 OHW 

£10 Drop-in or £40 Class Pass for 5 Sessions. To book phone 0771819288 or online at: www.bookwhen.com/vidahaus

 DWJ CLASSES: Bealings Village Hall, IP13 6LH  

Wednesday and Friday mornings 9.30 – 11.00 a.m.

Friday’s class is followed by a weekly creative choreographic session 11.15-12.15 after a short break for coffee.

Contact dwjdance@hotmail.com or edgefielddancecompany@gmail.com

SOUTH-EAST

BRIGHTON

THE DANCE SPACE

There are a variety of classes offered at the above venue which include:

FLEXER & SANDILAND

“Acting Our Age’ 55+

These classes are suitable for any interested adults with or without dance experience.

Flexer & Sandiland also offer online classes.

For further information: www.flexerandsandiland.com

THREE SCORE DANCE

Artistic director Jason-Keenan-Smith offers an in person Contemporary Class for 55+

Suitable for everyone with or without dance experience.

For further information on both the above visit www.hello@southeastdance.org.uk

LONDON

ROYAL ACADEMY OF DANCE

A variety of Classes are on offer for 55+

Move to the Musicals: Contemporary: Silver Swans Ballet

PLEASE NOTE if ballet is your preference, then you are spoilt for choice. SILVER SWANS has been specifically set up for the older dancer and is worldwide.

For information on all the above: info@rad.org.uk

There is bound to be a class near you.

THE PLACE

Here you will find an over 60s Contemporary Class.

They also offer online classes which include, Contemporary, Bharatanatyam & Ballet.

For further information www.theplace.org.uk

RAMBERT

Offer a range of in-person classes for all levels. Contemporary 60+, Caribbean Fusion 50+

BALLET RAMBERT “HOME STUDIO”

Here you will find a very wide range of online classes for which you can pay a monthly subscription for as many classes as you like.

For further detail www.rambert.org.uk

SIMONA SCOTTO

Simona offers classes specifically for 55+. There are free daily live classes in ballet and contemporary @ 9.30 a.m. (half an hour). You can also sign up to live full length ballet and contemporary classes (1 hour).

There are varying price structures, if, for example, you would like to access the replays of these classes, or attend the 1-hour classes, which would also include replays as well.

If you are unable to get to a class in person, Simona’s classes offer you the rare opportunity of becoming part of a dance community on-line with Zoom coffee mornings once a month.

If you would really like to spoil yourself Simona is offering a 5-day residency in Sardinia in May, so check out her website to find details of all the above.

For further information: www.simonascotto.com

By Donna Brenchley