A new term of dance classes is getting people moving in Sunderland as ballet, salsa, tap classes are now on offer in the heart of the city.
Dance City, the North East’s leading development organisation for dance, has two studios within The Fire Station, the major £3.5million Fire Station culture hub that opened at the end of 2017.
In Sunderland there are 29 different classes running at Dance City across the week aimed at all ages and abilities including babies, toddlers, young children, teens and adults – and classes specifically for the over 55s, which all take place in a purpose-built dance house designed to high specification with sprung floors, barre and full wall mirrors.
Adults can book a class in tap, salsa, musical theatre dance, contemporary, Egyptian belly dancing, contemporary, yoga and even a dance workout class. Teens can take up aerial skills using silks, trapeze and cocoons, or contemporary dance; there are ballet, a dance club and aerial skills too for younger children; and even a dancing babies class for those under 4.
Brand new classes in ballet for children aged 4-7 and those over 55 have been introduced as well as yoga and a salsa improvers class following high demand for the existing class.
Artistic director Anthony Baker said: “With Sunderland being the biggest population centre in the North East, through this new venture in the new cultural hub we are able to expand both our knowledge and ethos into the area. Dance is a creative, fun, social and physical activity that is great for keeping fit and active, boosting self-confidence and improving coordination and we are very keen to offer people in Sunderland an equal standard of dance classes and opportunity as on Tyneside. We are looking forward to welcoming adults, children and families, whether they’ve danced before or not to our beautiful new Sunderland studios this term.”
Dance City in Newcastle has been open for more than 30 years and welcomes 45,000 dance class attendees every year; 10,000 people to watch performances and works with 20,000 people in the community. It is the North East’s leading development organisation for dance, which leads and supports a thriving dance ecology in the region with a regular programme of dance performances; 85 weekly dance classes in 40 different styles; and formal dance training to talented young people aged 11 through to postgraduate level and Dance City also provides support to professional dance artists and choreographers, ensuring the North East retains as much talent as possible.
Dance City in Sunderland is part of the exciting The Fire Station redevelopment that will help to regenerate the Sunderland city centre as part of a wider project to create a music, arts and cultural quarter.
One hour adult classes are £6.50 (£5.50 conc.) and £5.50 of children’s classes. Aerial classes are 1.5 hours and £12 for adults, £11 concessions and £10 children. Discounts are available on multi-buy packages. Classes can be booked online or by calling 0191 261 0505.