ON Tuesday, 26 May, the Grays Shopping Centre invited local dancers, dance teachers, and dance schools to ‘trip the light fantastic’ and get on their dancing shoes on for the Centre’s “Get Up, Get Dancing’ event.
“It was a fabulous day and one that was enjoyed by the very appreciative audience of visitors to the Centre,” says Kris Weeks of the Grays Shopping Centre.
Throughout the day, there were performances and dance ‘taster’ sessions.
Katie Mills from Star Stuck gave local children a taste of a dance routine from Star Struck and Michelle Shiels taught shoppers the basics of Salsa.
Also taking to the dance floor were the Get Up, Get Dancing Crew -– Helen Pawson and Libby Blindell – who got shoppers in the mood for dance at 11am with an introduction to the world of dance through the ages. They also organised a Saturday Night Fever 70’s Disco workshop during the afternoon.
Local dance schools who showcased the work during the day included sessions from:
Celebrations – Based in Grays, Celebrations teach Ballet, Musical Theatre, Contemporary, Tap and Acting. In September, they’ll be performing at the Thameside in a musical called Cyberspace.
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StarStruck – who have just started a new school in Grays at William Edwards. Katie Mills ran some amazing kids workshops during the day and invited their star solo singer to perform a song from Les Mis.
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Michelle Shiels – a private Salsa teacher who offers ‘first taste’ classes to those looking to learn the basics to see if this is a dance they would like to learn more about. [email protected]
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JTD Performing Arts who teach street, musical theatre, baby ballet, drama and singing – with classes taking place at the Thameside Theatre.
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Knights Academy – who teach a variety of contemporary, jazz, musical theatre and Ballet in Dartford. Their next event will be performing at the annual Dartford festival, at the Mick Jagger Centre.
The Get Up Get Dancing Crew themselves, are no strangers to the dance floor.
Helen has had a passion for dance from a young age. After training at Merseyside Dance and Drama Centre, she went on to perform in touring theatre shows, TV and events including The Big Breakfast, Aftershock Live UK Tour with Loaded Magazine and The Commonwealth Games choreographed by Arlene Phillips.
She has a love for Contemporary Dance, Latin American/Ballroom and Yoga.
Whilst studying Acting, Physical Theatre and Presenting at Salford University, Helen presented on Channel M for the Art, Culture & Music show, ‘Zeitgeist’ featuring articles on Belly Dance and The Art Of Ballet.
Libby, a Graduate of The Urdang Academy of Ballet & Performing Arts, PGCHE through University of Salford, Principal of LK Ballet Studios specialising in the Legat Foundation of Russian Classical Ballet, has taught, choreographed and performed extensively for over 20 years.
Previously a lecturer at University of Salford and guest lecturer/choreographer at Salford Schools with performances of her works at The Lowry, Robert Powell, The Bloomsbury, Rudolf Steiner, Sadlers Wells and Hackney Empire.
She has performed around the World in various dance companies, tribute acts and illusion shows covering all styles of dance from ballet through to flamenco.
