TO celebrate a national initiative offering free dance classes, details of which are available online from today (Wednesday 5 March), the Minister for External Affairs and International Development, Humza Yousaf, joined office staff at an Edinburgh company to try out some dance moves with the expert help of ballet and hip-hop teachers.
Get Dancin’ offers opportunities for people to try free classes at local dance centres across Scotland.
A great way to get fit and meet new people, the classes are designed to appeal to those who haven’t been to a dance class before, as well as those who maybe have been in the past and would be interested in having another go.
Taking place from Monday 10 March until November 2014 there’s a dance class to suit everyone – from ballet, tap, hip-hop to country dancing classes, with classes for mums and toddlers, the young at heart, and complete beginners – everyone is welcome.
Full information about what’s on offer and where is available at: www.getdancin.org.
If you’re looking for a class to enjoy after a hard day at work then opportunities include Street Dance at Eden Court in Inverness from 18:00 – 19:30 on Tuesdays and Ballet for Beginners from 18:00 to 19:30 on Thursdays.
Or, Central Scotland Ballet School is offering Hit the Barre classes for Beginners from 18:40 – 19:25 on Mondays in Linthligow, and Dance HQ in Glasgow is offering Beginners Ballet from 18:30 – 19:30 on Tuesdays.
And if you fancy a change from your suit and tie, try Ullapool Dance Festival’s Fun Ballet class for everyone, where participants are encouraged to wear fancy dress. The class is on Saturday 15 March from 10.05 – 10.55.
Mr Yousaf along with staff at Whitespace creative agency put their best foot forwards with Amanda-Louise Clark from the Central Scotland Ballet School and Jo Richards from Hustle Dance Troupe who teaches Hip Hop, along with other styles.
Minister for External Affairs and International Development, Humza Yousaf, said:
“As part of the Glasgow 2014 Cultural Programme for the Commonwealth Games, Get Dancin’ offers a fantastic opportunity for people to try something new – or even revisit a hobby they once loved.
“With a huge range of classes all over Scotland – from ballet to hip-hop – there is something to suit all tastes, ages and abilities.
“Get Dancin’ is a fantastic way to connect to people and communities and participate in culture in new and exciting ways. I would urge everyone to sample one of these classes and take the opportunity to Get Dancin’.”
Janet Archer, chief executive, Creative Scotland said: “If you’re looking for a new way to get and keep fit then I’d strongly encourage you to give dance a try. It’s sociable, you can go along with friends or family, or on your own.
“There’ll be a warm welcome at the Get Dancin’ classes and it’s an enjoyable way to meet new people.
“Dance is also a very creative activity, allowing you to express yourself in new ways. And, above all, dancing is fun and makes you feel good, it’s well worth checking out a class in your local area and Get Dancin’.”
Dance teacher, Jo Richards, said: “I’d encourage everyone to try a class, try a few styles and see what speaks to you. It’s never too late to give it a go.”
Dance teacher, Amanda-Louise Clark, said: “Dance is a wonderful way for everyone to improve their fitness. You can tone, stretch or sweat as much or as little as you like and really become more confident as you release your inner Darcey Bussell, Gene Kelly or Michael Jackson. The atmosphere in an adult class is always fantastic!
Get Dancin’ is an initiative for the nationwide Get Scotland Dancing campaign, to inspire more people to get active and participate in dance, which is supported through National Lottery funding, and is part of the Glasgow 2014 Cultural Programme.
Notes to editors:
Get Dancin’ is part of the Get Scotland Dancing initiative which aims to encourage more people to get active and participate in dance. The 2014 Commonwealth Games provides an unparalleled opportunity to raise the profile of dance as a creative, participative and physical artform.
In support of this Scottish Government policy, Creative Scotland has committed £1.5 million across a four-year period towards the creation of this inclusive celebration of dance across Scotland.
For more information on Get Scotland Dancing and how you can get involved, visit www.getscotlanddancing.org.Follow @GetDancin and www.facebook.com/GetScotlandDancing
The Glasgow 2014 Cultural Programme is a national celebration. Culture 2014 is showcasing dance, theatre, music, visual arts, comedy and much more in the run up to and after the Commonwealth Games, with Festival 2014 transforming the Host City at Games time. The Cultural Programme is a partnership between the Glasgow 2014 Organising Committee, Glasgow Life and Creative Scotland. www.glasgow2014.com/culture
Creative Scotland is the national organisation that funds and supports the development of Scotland’s arts, screen and creative industries. Creative Scotland has four objectives: to develop and sustain a thriving environment for the arts, screen and creative industries; to support excellence in artistic and creative practice; to improve access to and participation in, arts and creative activity; and to deliver our services efficiently and effectively. In 2013/14 we will distribute over £100m in funding provided by the Scottish Government and the National Lottery.
For further information on Creative Scotland, please visit www.creativescotland.com. Follow us @creativescots and www.facebook.com/CreativeScotland
Whitespace are a 65-strong creative agency based in the West End of Edinburgh, Scottish Design Agency of the Year 2013. http://whitespacers.com
Amanda Clark is a director of the Central Scotland Ballet School and teachers at all their branches. www.centralscotlandballetschool.co.uk
Jo Richards (Hustle Dance Troupe) is a freelance dancer, choreographer and personal trainer. www.jorichards.co.uk / www.hustledancetroupe.com
PRESS RELEASE issued by Creative Scotland. You too can post your story ideas for journalists (aka press or media releases), on allmediascotland.com. Email info@allmediascotland.com for more information.
Contact: Brian Maycock
Phone: 01315230046
Email: brian.maycock@creativescotland.com
Website: http://www.getdancin.org
