News and Notices

Instagram…a quick Erin Boag promotion

Sorry didn’t do much with Instagram this week except promote our upcoming workshops.

Remember social media uses algorithms to determine what content to show to people, so if you have a moment we always appreciate any likes/comments on our content.

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Sally-Ann Cha Cha Sequence & Social

Our next Sequence & Social workshop will be the Sally-Ann Cha Cha this Sunday 24th September.

Normally we spend 30-45mins teaching that month’s sequence dance, and then the rest of the session is dedicated to Ballroom, Latin & Sequence practice.

The workshop costs £15pp and includes free tea & coffee (but please bring your own mugs).

Halloween Social

Friday 27th October will be our Halloween Social. Dressing up is not compulsory, but greatly appreciated.

The social will run from 7.30pm-10pm and costs £8pp.

Please bring your own drinks and nibbles (no nibbling on necks allowed!!!).

Winter Dinner & Dance

Come along for a winter dinner and dance at our Cherry Orchard Studio on Friday 3rd November. Bubbly reception, a two course meal, followed by dancing.

£37.50 per person, deadline for booking 27th October.

You can choose from Roast Beef Sirloin, Supreme of Salt Cod or a Vegetarian Garden Pie for your main. Dessert will be a Raspberry Cheesecake with Limoncello Ice Cream.

Erin Boag Ballroom Workshops

On Sunday 12th November Erin Boag will be joining us to provide an afternoon of Ballroom dance workshops.

There will be four workshops, one for each dance, starting from 2pm until 6pm. You can book each workshop for £20pp, or to book for more than one we offer discounted options.

Please note all workshops are almost 2/3rds booked.

Upcoming

Dance Workshops

• Sunday 24th September – Sally-Ann Cha Cha

Social Events

• Every Monday – Weekly Tea Dance
• Friday 6th-8th October – Bournemouth Dance Weekend
• Friday 27th October – Halloween Social Dance

The post Weekly Update Sunday 24th September appeared first on Learn To Dance.

For those that would like their children to continue lessons with us we will be looking at options but likely for the short-term it will be via private lessons/private group sessions at a discounted rate for under 15s (off our regular prices).

If you have a half-term package please let us know if you would like us to refund you the balance, or you can use that against a private lesson for your child.

Once more we are sorry to have to stop these classes, but they have been unsustainable for quite a while, kept going purely because we could see how much the kids enjoyed them.

For anyone struggling to find slots in Antony’s private lesson diary, he has now opened up from 4pm-6pm as additional availability from next week.

The post Kid’s Classes Permanently Cancelled appeared first on Learn To Dance.

News and Notices

Instagram…probably nothing

We were teasing something earlier this week, but if you’ve read the ‘News’ summary you already know more details!

That’s right, Erin Boag will be coming to Learn To Dance on Sunday 12th November to provide some fun and informative Ballroom workshops.

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Salsa Course

Our next One Dance Course will be Salsa, starting from Monday 11th September and is available to book now.

Places cost £50pp and the course runs in 6 week blocks, extended if there is enough demand.

Sally-Ann Cha Cha Sequence & Social

Our next Sequence & Social workshop will be the Sally-Ann Cha Cha on Sunday 24th September.

Normally we spend 30-45mins teaching that month’s sequence dance, and then the rest of the session is dedicated to Ballroom, Latin & Sequence practice.

Halloween Social

Friday 27th October will be our Halloween Social. Dressing up is not compulsory, but greatly appreciated.

The social will run from 7.30pm-10pm and costs £8pp.

Winter Dinner & Dance

Come along for a winter dinner and dance at our Cherry Orchard Studio. Bubbly reception, a two course meal, followed by dancing.

£37.50 per person, deadline for booking 27th October.

You can choose from Roast Beef Sirloin, Supreme of Salt Cod or a Vegetarian Garden Pie for your main. Dessert will be a Raspberry Cheesecake with Limoncello Ice Cream.

Erin Boag Ballroom Workshops

Before we officially announce this on the website we wanted to give those of you who follow our weekly emails a chance to book before the rush!

On Sunday 12th November Erin Boag will be joining us to provide an afternoon of Ballroom dance workshops.

There will be four workshops, one for each dance, starting from 2pm until 6pm. You can book each workshop for £20pp, or to book for more than one we offer discounted options.

HOWEVER as a special early-bird offer you can book all four for £60 up until Sunday 17th September.

Upcoming

Dance Workshops

• Mon 11th September – start of Salsa Course
• Sunday 24th September – Sally-Ann Cha Cha

Social Events

• Every Monday – Weekly Tea Dance

The post Weekly Update Sunday 10th September appeared first on Learn To Dance.

News and Notices

Instagram…world of pure imagination

After getting a great last minute deal on some tickets we decided to take the kids to see Charlie and The Chocolate Factory The Musical at the New Wimbledon Theatre last night.

It was a great night with some interesting effects used to recreate some of the set pieces from the original film. Thankfully the kids fell asleep on the way home!

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Tango Serida Workshop & Social

Our next sequence dance workshop and social will be the Tango Serida on Sunday 25th June.

These workshops teach the sequence dance, normally between 30-45 minutes (unless it’s Argentine Stroll!), and then are followed up by social ballroom, Latin and sequence dancing.

The session lasts for 2 hours and includes free tea & coffee.

Introducing Bachata

In our quest to make sure that you can dance to ANY piece of music we are introducing a new dance, the Bachata.

This will come in for all classes this week, except for the Sunday night, Monday night and Wednesday afternoon classes (which will still do Merengue).

Bachata, like Merengue, hails from the Dominican Republic but has a more free-flowing rhythm.

We look forward to introducing you to this fun dance. Going forward the final dance in our rotation will cycle between Merengue, Mambo, and Bachata for all classes except those listed above which will still be Merengue.

Jive & Waltz Course Extensions

Our One Dance Courses in both Waltz & Jive will be extended for an additional 6 weeks.

Those who have attended the previous 6 weeks, or are at least Improver 2 level, are welcome to sign up for the extensions.

Courses cost £45 per person and you can book below (to reserve a space for another person please visit the full booking system).

June Social Dance

Looking for a chance to practice what you’ve been learning in classes? Our next social dance is on Friday 30th June.

The social runs from 7.30pm-10pm and costs £8 per person.

You are welcome to bring your own drinks and nibbles.

Read more…

Bournemouth Booking Deadline

A reminder that the ability to pay a deposit for our Bournemouth Dance Break, with the balance payable up until the end of August, ends on Friday 30th June.

Any further bookings after this date need to be paid in full.

To book for another person you will need to visit the full booking system or contact us.

Read more…

Summer Dinner & Dance

Bookings are already coming in for our Summer Dinner & Dance on Friday 11th August.

The menu includes a selection of sausages, burgers, marinated chicken and halloumi kebabs to choose from. As for sides, coleslaw and potato salad are joined with a rocket salad, trio of tomato and roasted vegetable couscous.

Tickets cost £32.50pp and final numbers are required by 4th August 2023.

To book for another person you will need to visit the full booking system or contact us.

Read more…

Upcoming

Dance Workshops

• Sun 25th June – Tango Serida Sequence & Social
• Wed 28th June – Jive Course Extension
• Mon 3rd July – Waltz Course Extension

Social Events

• Every Monday – Weekly Tea Dance
• Fri 30th June – Social Night
• Fri 11th August – Summer Dinner & Dance

The post Weekly Update Sunday 25th June appeared first on Learn To Dance.

News and Notices

Instagram…goodbye old shoes, hello new shoes!

After 3 years of being put through their paces Antony decided it was finally time to replace his Anna Kern dance trainers…there were various holes in both of them!

Before you ask, no he hasn’t bought a different colour.

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Tango Serida Workshop & Social

Our next sequence dance workshop and social will be the Tango Serida on Sunday 25th June.

These workshops teach the sequence dance, normally between 30-45 minutes (unless it’s Argentine Stroll!), and then are followed up by social ballroom, Latin and sequence dancing.

The session lasts for 2 hours and includes free tea & coffee.

June Social Dance

Looking for a chance to practice what you’ve been learning in classes? Our next social dance is on Friday 30th June.

The social runs from 7.30pm-10pm and costs £8 per person.

You are welcome to bring your own drinks and nibbles.

Upcoming

Dance Workshops

• Sun 25th June – Tango Serida Sequence & Social

Social Events

• Every Monday – Weekly Tea Dance
• Fri 30th June – Social Night

The post Weekly Update Sunday 4th June appeared first on Learn To Dance.

• What are we doing this week?
  • Adult Group: Rumba & Foxtrot
    • Beginner – Sun 7pm, Mon 8pm, Wed 12.30pm
    • Improver – Sun 8pm, Mon 9pm, Wed 1.30pm, Wed 8pm
    • Improver 2 – Wed 9pm
    • Intermediate – Thu 7pm (Int 1) Thu 8pm (Int 2)
    • Advanced – Thu 9pm
    • ‘Over 50s’ – Tue 1pm
  • RBWM ‘SMILE’ Over 50s Sequence & Social – Fri 2pm (at Braywick Leisure Centre)
  • FitSteps Dance Fitness:
    • Tue 6.45pm
    • Wed 10.30am
  • Kid’s Classes
    • Wed 4.15pm – Under 9s
    • Wed 5pm – 9-13s
    • Wed 6pm – Teens 13-16s
  • Workshops:
    • Sunday 1.30pm – Intermediate Samba
      
• News
  • Latest Instagram…A Wheely Good Idea!
  • Anniversary Party – 17 Years!!!
  • Spring Dinner & Dance – over 50% booked!
  • School Closed for the King’s Coronation weekend
  • Waltz & Jive Courses starting in May
  • Spring Exam Session
  • Change to Socials now with confirmed times
    
• Looking Further Ahead (within the next month)
  • Dance Workshops
  • Social Events

News and Notices

Latest Instagram…A Wheely Good Idea!

As the warm weather arrives a lot more students are now cycling to the studio, but we had nowhere for them to park their bikes. Following discussions with Burnham Parish Council we were able to arrange to have this bike rack installed at the studio.

It can be found on the pitch-side of the building before you reach the steps down to the football pitches.

This is all part of our drive towards making the dance studio greener and we’re glad to see it’s already been used this week by a number of students.

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Anniversary Party – Celebrating 17 Years!

This year Learn To Dance will be celebrating 17 years since we first set up classes!

Come and join us at our annual party on Friday 28th April.

The evening runs from 7pm-11pm and costs £8 per person, including a welcome drink on arrival.

We’re already over 33% booked for the evening so don’t delay if you want to join us!

Read more and book now.

Spring Dinner & Dance now on sale

Tickets are now on sale for our Spring Dinner & Dance on Friday 5th May.

This will be in part a celebration of the upcoming coronation so we will have a red/white/blue theme.

Our Dinner & Dance is already over 50% sold out so book now and join us on another sell-out event!

School Closed Over Coronation Weekend

The school will be closed over the Coronation Weekend, Saturday 6th-Sunday 7th May.

We do have our Spring Dinner & Dance on Friday 5th May, in part celebrating the King’s Coronation the next day.

Waltz & Jive Courses

Our current Quickstep & Cha Cha Cha courses are coming to an end next month and making way for new courses.

We will have a Jive course starting from Wednesday 17th May, and a Waltz course from Monday 22nd May.

The courses cost £45pp for a 6 week block, and the courses are extended as long as enough students wish to continue.

Spring Exam Session

Twice a year we hold exam sessions under the National Association of Teachers of Dancing (NATD).

Exams are available for all age groups and abilities, with Rainbows for our under 8s all the way up to President’s Awards.

Our next exam session takes place on Sunday 21st May and there is still time to start working towards your first exam.

Just let us know if you are interested and we can go over all the details with you.

Change to Socials

Our Friday socials will no longer take place on the last Friday of every month. Instead they will run every two months, so long as there isn’t a special event taking place that month.

Due to this change the pre-social workshop would only actually occur twice a year, and so we have made the decision to drop them and instead start those socials at 7.30pm.

Special events (Dinner & Dances, Parties etc.) will continue to start at 7pm. Our next Friday social event will be our Anniversary Party on Friday 28th April.

Upcoming

Dance Workshops

• Sun 23rd April – Intermediate Samba
• Sun 30th April – Bossa Nova 66 Sequence & Social
• Sun 14th May – Advanced Samba

Social Events

• Every Monday (except Easter Monday) – Weekly Tea Dance
• Fri 28th April – Anniversary Social – celebrating 17 years of Learn To Dance!
• Fri 5th May – Spring Dinner & Dance

The post Weekly Update Sunday 23rd April appeared first on Learn To Dance.

UPDATE 16/07/2021: FOLLOWING DISCUSSIONS WITH STAFF AND STUDENTS WE HAVE MADE SOME CHANGES TO THESE PLANS. CHECK OUR COVID POLICIES PAGE FOR THE MOST UP-TO-DATE PROCEDURES.

Dance School Restrictions Easing Step 4 (delayed from 21st June)

So the government have now confirmed that Step 4 of lockdown easing will finally go ahead from Monday 19th July. Whilst not all of the guidelines have currently been updated the main document is available and we have been reviewing it today.

Although most legal restrictions are being lifted at step 4, and lots of people have been vaccinated, we are told it is still possible to catch and spread COVID-19. This can happen even if you are fully vaccinated, and we are currently in the third wave of the pandemic in the UK.

The government have confirmed that COVID-19 will be a feature of our lives for the foreseeable future. Therefore we need to learn to live with it and manage the risk to ourselves and others.

Some of the features of the last year that we can expect to see being encouraged/required as dance school restrictions easing starts are:

• Being tested if you develop symptoms
• Self-isolating if you test positive, or are asked to isolate by Test & Trace. The requirement to isolate by Test & Trace will be removed for Under 18s and those fully vaccinated after 16th August if a negative test result is received.
• Masks in busy confined spaces such as public transport
• Good ventilation should be maintained
• Social contact should still be minimised
• COVID passes recommended to enter some venues

So what restrictions are being lifted?

The 2m social distancing requirement is going to be removed and there will be no limit now on the numbers that you can meet up with.

All businesses are now allowed to be fully open with all capacity limits removed.

However there are still some things they recommend to help mitigate or minimise the risk of transmission as the dance school restrictions begin easing:

Individuals

• You should limit close contact with those you don’t normally live with
• Close contact should be gradually increased over time
• Minimise the number, proximity and duration of social contacts
• Meet outdoors where possible
• Whilst working from home will no longer be encouraged, there should be a phased return over the summer where possible
• Face covering requirements will be removed from law, however are recommended to be maintained in crowded areas
• Limits on weddings and other similar events will be removed although there will be additional guidance on this (not yet updated as at 13/07/2021).

Businesses

• All businesses are now allowed to reopen
• Capacity limits will be removed
• No social distancing rules
• Still have to follow relevant working safely guidance (not yet updated as at 13/07/2021
• Certain mitigations should still be followed:
  • Regular cleaning of frequently touched surfaces
  • Ensure sufficient air flow around the venue
  • If staff or customers are unwell they shouldn’t enter the building
  • Consider implementation of the COVID pass for entry. The NHS COVID Pass will be made available through the NHS App, NHS.UK, or as a letter that can be requested by ringing NHS 119. Visitors will also be able to show text or email confirmation of test results.
  • QR code for Trace and Test should still be displayed
  • Twice weekly testing for staff should be encouraged

Some of the guidelines are still in the process of being updated but there shouldn’t be too many material differences hopefully. We will however review the various documents as they are updated.

If you are worried about going back to a more ‘normal’ life, there is information from the NHS on how to cope with anxiety about lockdown lifting.

Understanding the risks of COVID-19

The risk of catching or passing on COVID-19 can be higher in certain places and when doing certain activities.

The main way of spreading COVID-19 is through close contact with an infected person. When someone with COVID-19 breathes, speaks, coughs or sneezes, they release particles (droplets and aerosols) containing the virus that causes COVID-19. These particles can be breathed in by another person. The particles can also land on surfaces and be passed from person to person via touch.

Generally the risk of catching or passing on COVID-19 is higher:

• within crowded spaces, where there are more people who might be infectious
• in enclosed indoor spaces where there is limited fresh air

Some activities can also increase the risk of catching or passing on COVID-19. This happens where people are doing activities which generate more particles as they breathe heavily, such as singing, dancing, exercising or raising their voices.

The risk is greatest where these factors overlap, for example in crowded indoor spaces where people are raising their voices.

In situations where there is a higher risk of catching or passing on COVID-19, you should be particularly careful to follow the guidance on keeping yourself and others safe as we return to normality. Every little action helps to keep us all safer.

How close contact advice affects the dance school restrictions easing

The main way of spreading COVID-19 is through close contact with an infected person. When someone with COVID-19 breathes, speaks, coughs or sneezes, they release particles (droplets and aerosols) containing the virus that causes COVID-19. These particles can be breathed in by another person.

The government is therefore recommending that you may choose to limit the close contact you have with people you do not usually live with. They also recommend being tested before taking part in activities that will require close contact for prolonged periods. All our teachers voluntarily take part in twice-weekly testing.

So what will Learn To Dance be implementing as the dance school restrictions easing starts?

We have discussed this as a school and agreed how we are going to start implementing the changes as dance school restrictions easing begins.

There will be some of our current restrictions/procedures that we will be maintaining, some that we will be removing, and some that we will relax but not entirely remove yet.

What are we taking away?

• TEMPERATURE CHECKS ON ARRIVAL
  • But please note this will be replaced by COVID pass or negative test proofs – more on that later
• REQUIREMENT TO WEAR A MASK ON ARRIVAL OR LEAVING
  • You will no longer be required to wear a mask on arrival, or when leaving the studio. However we would recommend wearing one when you head down the corridor to the toilets.
• SOCIAL DISTANCING ‘DOTS’ REMOVED
  • We will no longer have the floor spacings and we won’t be enforcing social distancing. However please bear in mind that not everyone will be fully comfortable with returning to ‘normal’ as we move out of lockdown restrictions. Therefore we ask that you respect others space in classes and try to avoid getting too close.
• PRE-BOOKING NOT REQUIRED
  • You will no longer be required to pre-book for our classes, details on new temporary capacity limits follow later. Please note however that those not pre-booked may be refused entry if our new limits are hit.

What’s staying the same?

• ONE-WAY SYSTEM
  • For the moment we will be retaining the one-way system at the studio. You will still be required to enter from the pitch side of the studio, and leave on the opposite side. This will allow us to continue to implement some of our policies, including new ones you can read more on later.
• NON-CONTACT WITH OUR TEACHERS (in group classes)
  • We are required to phase contact back in and so will be trialling limited contact during private lessons only initially
• FOGGING/CLEANING OF THE STUDIO
  • Our cleaning regime of the studio will remain in place which means we will still ask you to leave promptly at the end of classes to allow us to fog areas. You may not be admitted to the studio if you arrive too early for a session, if sufficient time hasn’t passed to allow the process to take effect.
• HAND SANITISER STATIONS
  • Our hand sanitiser stations will remain and we recommend using on arrival and before leaving, or when visiting the toilets.
• FEELING ILL? STAY AWAY
  • If you are displaying any COVID-like symptoms please do not come to the studio
• REGULAR TESTING
  • Our teachers are undergoing voluntary twice-weekly testing and will continue to do so

What changes/new procedures are we bringing in?

Though dance school restrictions easing on 19th July is a long-awaited date we feel there are some procedures we need to introduce of change.

• COVID-pass OR NEGATIVE TESTS FOR ENTRY
  • The government have introduced a COVID-pass using the NHS app (not the Test & Trace app). This is the easiest way for us to lower the risk to ALL our staff and students.
  • Your COVID-pass shows instantly if you are fully vaccinated, or have received a negative Covid test in the previous 48hrs.
  • the NHS COVID Pass will be made available through the NHS App, NHS.UK, or as a letter that can be requested by ringing NHS 119.
  • if you have a negative lateral flow test result you can also show us the email or text message, so long as it was within 48hrs of your visit.
  • If you do not have a smartphone you can bring a printout, or the letter if you have requested this from NHS 119.
  • At this stage you will not be permitted entry if you do not bring the required proof. We will be updating our booking confirmation and reminders to reflect this change. This applies to both private lessons and group classes, regardless of whether you will be partnering anyone.
• INCREASED CAPACITY FOR CLASSES
  • Although the government have removed all capacity limits for businesses we are still going to limit our class sizes initially.
  • We have increased our class capacity to 24 people as a trial.
  • You will no longer have to pre-book for our classes, but it is still recommended as we will stop admitting people if our pre-booked and walk-in numbers hit 24.
  • If you are running late for a class please ring the studio and let us know, as no-show places will be offered to any walk-ins who may have waited.
• CONTACT BETWEEN STUDENTS IN GROUP CLASSES
  • We will no longer restrict solo dancers to dancing on their own if they wish to rotate amongst other solo dancers.
  • At present our teachers will still not be partnering solo dancers in group classes. Initially we are going to trial partnering during private lessons only.
  • To avoid confusion we will be implementing a traffic light system for our solo dancers. On arrival you will be asked whether you would be happy to dance with another student, either with or without a mask, or whether you want to dance only on your own. You will then be issued with a coloured sticker.
    • Green – I’m happy to dance with someone ‘as normal’
    • Yellow – If we both wear masks I’m happy to dance with someone
    • Red – I’m not comfortable dancing with anyone yet
  • We ask that you respect each student’s choice and be prepared to wear a mask, or not dance with someone, depending on their sticker.
• PRIVATE LESSONS REINTRODUCING LIMITED CONTACT
  • In line with the government’s guidelines we will be reintroducing contact with our teachers during private lessons only
  • However the guidelines also state that individuals should limit close contact with those that they don’t live with. Whilst our teachers may be one extra person that you are partnering we have to consider the number of people they could end up partnering in a week.
  • With this in mind we will only be partnering for a maximum of 50% of a private lesson, and in no more than 15 minute intervals initially.
• SOCIAL EVENTS TESTING
  • We will not be reintroducing most of our social events initially, but will start running a trial with our Tuesday Over 50s returning to 90 minutes.
  • The session will be 45-60 minutes of tuition and the remaining time for tea/coffee, practice and socialising.
  • Our traffic light system will still be in effect so please respect other student’s choices during this time
  • For tea & coffee please bring your own mugs and limit the time spent in the kitchen area (please chat in the main studio. We ask that you wear masks when entering the kitchen.

We hope you can appreciate our cautious approach to reopening. Whilst it would be a lot better for us financially to return to ‘normality’ as soon as possible we would rather ensure a safe environment for all of you and us.

However we will be constantly monitoring both government & industry advice, as well as feedback from our students, so please let us know if you have any questions or comments.

We can’t wait to welcome more of you back and hope that the dance school restrictions easing can continue over the next few months.

The post Dance School Restrictions Easing 19th July appeared first on Learn To Dance.

Social distancing from other students, and our teachers, will continue to apply during the Dance Studio reopening in April. At present we hope that social distancing rules may start to be relaxed towards the end of June. We will update nearer the time as information becomes available.

To read our analysis of the Lockdown Easing Roadmap check out our original blog post.

Will Adult Group Classes be indoors following the Dance Studio reopening in April?

Our adult group classes will continue to be streamed via Zoom or select sessions outdoors. Private Lessons can choose to be taken outdoors or via Zoom if they wish too.

Hopefully adult group classes can resume indoors from Monday 17th May. More details will be released as they are confirmed.

Private Lesson Bookings for Dance Studio Reopening from 12th April

Bookings for private lessons have already been coming in, in preparation for the dance studio reopening in April. We do still have good availability at present but enquiries are increasing.

You can search and book online via our Private Lessons page, or using the booking options below:

Kid’s Ballroom and Latin American Dance Classes

Our kid’s classes can also return in-person when the dance school reopens from 12th April. The classes will resume following the end of the Easter Break, from 21st April.

We have two kid’s classes that we run, for the Under 9’s and Under 13’s. Classes are scheduled on Wednesdays at 4.15pm for the Under 9’s and 5pm for the Under 13’s.

Our classes are charged on a half-term basis. The half-terms cost £18 for the Under 9’s or £25 for the Under 13’s.

You can book online, or contact us for more information.

About Learn To Dance

Learn To Dance is a Ballroom and Latin American Dance School based in Burnham, Buckinghamshire.

We can now offer in-person Private Lessons and Kid’s Classes from 12th April, with the dance school reopening. However our group adult classes will have to remain online, or outdoors, until at least 17th May.

You can check out our website, or follow us online, at:

Website: learndance.co.uk
Youtube: youtube.com/learndance
Facebook: facebook.com/learndance
Instagram: instagram.com/learndance
Twitter: twitter.com/learndance

The post Dance Studio Reopening April 12th appeared first on Learn To Dance.

The government announced their Winter Plan to end lockdown from Wednesday 2nd December. We’ve been busy reviewing the details so we can answer those questions, and ensure Learn To Dance continues to operate in a COVID-secure way.

Tier 2/Tier 3, Learn To Dance & Me?

By now I’m sure most people have found out which tier they are living in. The majority of the local area have been placed in Tier 2. Those residents who fall under Slough Borough Council however will find themselves currently in Tier 3.

So you’re probably wondering “Can I go Dancing” if I’m in Tier 2 or 3? We have been in consultation with our local Environmental Agency, as well as the National Association of Teachers of Dancing.

The responses received will be positive for some, but disappointing for others.

I’m in Tier 2

Great news. We’ve had it confirmed that all of our lessons and classes can run under our current COVID-secure procedures. Existing rule of 6 still applies and we ask that students continue to refrain from ‘socialising’ unless socially distanced.

We will maintain our limit of 12 people to a class, the requirement to pre-book, and our 24hr cancellation policy.

Classes and lessons in-person will resume from Wednesday 2nd December at 6pm.

I’m in Tier 3, what does that mean for me?

The news here is less positive for most I’m afraid.

For our kid’s classes it’s actually good news. Classes for the under 18’s can continue so long as COVID-secure rules are followed. We may however contact parents to discuss the possibility of keeping these remote at present. This is because some of our students are in Tier 3 and often (especially the younger kids) social distancing can be hard to maintain.

The main issue for those residing in a Tier 3 area was raised by the Environmental Agency. Those in Tier 3, as you can see under the ‘TRAVELLING’ header, should avoid travelling outside their area. All non-essential journeys should be avoided (and EA don’t consider a dance lesson essential!)

Should South Bucks enter Tier 3 we would be required to close our doors again and return to full virtual lessons.

So What Now?

In summary, when wondering “Can I Go Dancing”, if you’re in Tier 2 then YES but if in Tier 3 NO.

We will be contacting those that are booked in for next month. We advise those in Tier 3 to cancel any plans to return to the studio. although tiers will be reviewed on 16th December.

Depending on numbers we may look at still running some of our sessions virtually. Those unable to attend the studio in person will still be able to continue their dancing. Anyone taking part in the adult virtual classes or private lessons will continue to receive complimentary access to our video-on-demand service.

Hopefully numbers will improve in the next two weeks and we can see areas moving back down to Tier 1 or 2.

Stay safe and well, we look forward to seeing you again soon.

The post Can I Go Dancing in Tier 2 and Tier 3? appeared first on Learn To Dance.

If you want to know more about our ‘offline’ classes click here.

With our Under 8’s Rainbow class we normally start with a gentle warm-up, followed by a selection of party dances and then whatever dances we are currently working on – adapted for younger kids.

The aim is to have a few fun elements that teach basic techniques.

The Dances – Ballroom Party Dances

In this class we’ll be teaching you how to do a selection of some of our Ballroom Party Dances.

We’ll be teaching you the basic steps of:

• The Farmer’s Wife
• Baby Bus Stop (a simplified version of the Saturday Night Fever line dance)
• Heel-Toe Polka; and
• The Elephant Walk.

As well as being a fun way to start our classes they also help our kids to work on identifying left and right, and pick up some of the basic steps of other dances.

We hope you enjoy the class.

The Music

We have used a selection of music for this week’s Ballroom Party Dances class:

• The Farmer’s Wife

• Baby Bus Stop

• Heel-Toe Polka

• The Elephant Walk

See our Ballroom Party Dances for kids video

You can see our kid’s lesson video below:

Don’t forget, if you enjoyed our online Ballroom Party Dances for kids dance video please send it to your family and friends. Why not also check out our other online dance lessons.

About Learn To Dance

Learn To Dance is a Ballroom and Latin American Dance School based in Burnham, Buckinghamshire.

Whilst our studio may be closed due to the Coronavirus outbreak, we’re still trying to help all our students to keep dancing!

You can check out our website, or follow us online, at:

Website: learndance.co.uk
Youtube: youtube.com/learndance
Facebook: facebook.com/learndance
Instagram: instagram.com/learndance
Twitter: twitter.com/learndance

The post Ballroom Party Dances – Kid’s Edition appeared first on Learn To Dance.