Déda Launches New Class Programme

With ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ fever set to return in the coming weeks – Déda is giving local people the chance to learn and improve their techniques in a wide range of dance styles.

Déda has a new-look class programme including an expanded Social Dance offer which will start on Monday September 7 at its purpose-built studios in Derby’s Cathedral Quarter.

The Social Dance programme at the Chapel Street venue has been expanded following feedback from current and potential class members and now includes many of the ‘Strictly’ favourites from Ballroom and Latin to Argentine Tango and Rock ‘n’ Roll with a twist of Swing.

Ilkeston-based Rock ‘n’ roll and Swing teacher Heather Clements joins the Déda team for the first time - launching Wednesday evening classes on September 9.

The exhilarating an energetic classes will cover a range of Fifties’ dance styles. Beginners will join the class at 7.30pm to 8.15pm and are then welcome to continue with the Improvers class between 8.15pm and 9pm, as Improvers are welcome to come early and enjoy revising the basics as a warm-up to the next class.

Heather, who is well known on the Derbyshire Vintage scene, said: “I absolutely love the 1950’s era from the music, dancing, cars, fashion and accessories through to all things connected with this era.

“This comes through with our classes and our love of Rock n Roll is certainly infectious so it is great to help people start on their dancing journey.

“Whatever people’s ability, we can get their dancing feet moving.

“We have a great library of tracks from the Fifties and today’s artists that we use in the classes and cover everything from learning to stroll to dancing with two partners at the same time and all the tricks.

“The atmosphere is very relaxed and fun and I am looking forward to welcoming seasoned Rock ‘n’ Rollers as well as those new to dance and also hopefully encouraging them to join us in our active Fifties social scene.”

The week starts at Déda with Monday Commercial Dance classes with elements of Street Dance and Jazz to the latest chart, pop and R&B tunes at 5.30pm.

It is followed the same evening by Argentine Tango starting at 7.30pm with opportunities for beginners and improvers to attend one or both classes with tutors Billy and Mel Homan.

Ballroom and Latin styles are on Tuesday evening, with the Improvers class following the beginner’s class for the first time - enabling dance fans to expand their repertoire, get more practice in and make great progress.

Or there is the opportunity to do a triple dance workout on Tuesdays with a Contemporary dance class at 6.00pm – designed to develop dynamic and fluid movement; followed by Ballet at 7.00pm, which will improve posture and grace, and to finish off with a Belly Dance class at 8.00pm, inspired by tribal music and techniques, which is great for core strength and toning.

Burlesque classes were introduced to the Déda programme earlier this year and have been hugely popular since. Classes are held for all levels on Wednesdays between 7.30pm and 8.30pm and there is also the opportunity to build up a sweat and burn off the calories beforehand at a 6pm Zumba class which skilfully combines dance and fitness moves.

Another newcomer to the Déda programme is Physical Theatre classes led by Gerry Flanagan from Derbyshire-based Shifting Sands Theatre.

And Saturday afternoons see the return of the popular Aerial classes with a six-week Static Aerial session starting on September 19 and the opportunity to learn techniques using ropes and skills on November 7.

The popular Body, Mind and Soul classes continue at the venue including Pilates, Ashtanga and Iyengar Yoga, Dance Gold for the over-50’s and Accessible Creative Movement for people with disabilities.

These run alongside a wide range of classes for children and young people starting from age six months through nineteen. The Déda Academy programme covers styles from Contemporary and Urban dance through to Ballet and Aerial skills.

Déda’s Head of Dance Development and Learning Clare Limb explained that the public’s love of ‘Strictly’ had played an important part in the development of the new Social Dance programme at Déda.

“The great thing about ‘Strictly’ is that it showcases a diverse range of dance styles from the classic Fifties Jive to the Waltz.

“Our research amongst existing and potential customers showed that people wanted an even greater choice of social dance classes – giving them the opportunity to make new friends and learn some great dance techniques.

“We have around 50 different classes a week now in the studios and are confident that we have something for everyone – whatever their age, tastes or previous experience.”

For more information about the Déda class programme and performances at the dance house, please visit www.deda.uk.com or telephone 01332 370911.

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