It’s time to polish your dancing shoes and warm up those jazz hands as the City of Derry Jazz Festival fast approaches, getting in full swing over the May Bank Holiday weekend, April 30 – May 4.
To ensure you have all the moves to make the most of the five days of jam-packed music then why not sign up for some Jazz jiving classes?
Derry City Council have called upon the services of Jive and Ballroom champions David and Kathleen Cummings who will pass on their expertise to local jazz fans ahead of the biggest musical celebration in the North.
Festivals and Events Manager with Derry City Council Karan Leonard said the classes were the perfect way to get into the swing of the event.
“With only seven weeks to go until the start of this year’s festival the jive classes are a brilliant opportunity to experience some of the authentic music and moves of the jazz and swing era.
“The music at the festival always has people up on their feet so why not learn how to dance with the help of the professionals. David and Kathleen from Derry Dancing will have you up and jiving in no time, and even if you’re not ready for Strictly Come Dancing by May, you will have plenty of fun along the way.”
The dance classes pre-empt what will be a fantastic weekend in the city’s music calendar, which draws tens of thousands annually for a celebration of music spanning the generations. This year the organisers are delighted to welcome jazz sensation Jamie Cullum to the city, heading an impressive line-up of artists from across the world, including the renowned Charlie Wood, Dennis Rollins and Robert Mitchell, festival favourites Jive Aces and the Jaydee Brass Band, as well as the very best of homegrown musical talent including David Lyttle, Gay McIntyre and Linley Hamilton.
The Jazz Jive Classes will be held in two venues over the coming weeks, Derry’s Guildhall and the Alley Arts Theatre in Strabane. The classes are all about having fun in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere, but will also be structured to ensure that participants pick up a range of steps and learn how to adapt to a variety of rhythms, including Jazz, Swing, Boogie Woogie, and Big Band sounds.
Dancers of all abilities are welcome, and no previous experience is required. However places are limited so anyone interested must prepay to secure places – costing £20 for four weeks.
Classes take place on the following dates: Strabane Alley Arts Theatre – Wednesday1st, 8th, 15th and 22nd from 7.30pm – 9pm. The Whittaker Suite in Derry’s Guildhall, Tuesday 31st (March) and April 7th, 14th and 21st from 7.30pm – 9pm
To book a place for the Guildhall Dance Lessons, please contact the Cash Desk at Derry City Council, Strand Road, or you can pay by credit or debit card on 028 71376627.
To book a place for the Alley theatre Dance lessons, please go to the Alley Theatre or pay via the telephone on 028 7188 4760.
If you would like to find out more information, please seewww.cityofderryjazzfestival.com
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