Signup to the mailing list…
…to get reminders about current and new dance datesFirst NameEmail Addressphone
What to wear
- Anything goes really, as long as you can move in it. I recommend layers that you can peel off as you get warmer. If you forget a change of clothes at home and need to come straight from work, don’t let that deter you, just dance in your work clothes
- Traditionally danced barefoot, though if you would like to wear shoes, soft shoes like trainers or dance shoes are best
- Water
- £5 (Please avoid bringing £20 notes)
- A sense of humor and willingness to play and have fun
Other technicalities
- Before your first class, please fill out this health check and liability waiver
- For your first class, please arrive 10 minutes early to meet Leora and discuss any health concerns, and to fill out the health check and waiver if you have not done so before you get to class
- Allow ample time to find parking on the surrounding roads, see details below
- Eat only a light meal before class. It’s difficult to dance on a full tummy
Participation and who is this class for?
- YouTube videos are projected onto screen and we copy the moves and instructions
- This class is for everyone over the age of 18
- If you have additional needs, please give me a ring (07887 612 242) so we discuss and make sure we have everything set in place for you
- If you are a parent with a baby, please join us. You can dance with your baby in a sling or let them sleep in the pushchair and soak up the vibes
- No prior knowledge of Afro-Caribbean dance is required
- You don’t have to copy the moves exactly, you can add your own flavour
- The aim is to move and have fun
- If you’re thinking ‘I’m not sure I can do it’…yes you can, you will learn how, and have great fun trying
- This type of dance is excellent to limber up your whole body and it’s a great tonic for your mind
- If you have a desk job, this is wonderful for your stiff neck and shoulders
- You are free to do as much or as little dance as you wish…
- …There are sofas to side of the hall so you can kick back and relax if you need to rest
- Come and move parts of your body that have never moved before
- Advice will be given during class about how to protect your body during certain moves
Location and parking
Claremont Nexus Methodist Centre
Eastbourne Avenue, Bath, BA1 6EN
On foot
At the eastern end of Camden Road, on the corner opposite Fairfield Park Health Centre.
By bus
Route 6
Car parking
Street parking (please note Camden Road operates a Resident Parking Permit scheme from 8am – 7pm every day though there are a few non permitted bays)
PLEASE ALLOW AMPLE TIME TO FIND PARKING ON THE SURROUNDING ROADS. Perhaps your best bet is further along Fairfield Road and onto Fairfield Park Road, about 5 mins walk from the hall.
The story behind the class
My name is Leora Sharp. You can read more about me below.
I was born in South Africa and lived there until I was 22. I lived in London for 8 year and then moved to Bath. At some point, I discovered an Afro-Caribbean Dance Class at the Uni.
I never did any African Dance in Africa (only Greek Classical and Tap). During class at the Uni, I felt like I was returning to my roots.
But something more important happened in those classes; I found freedom in my body that I had not experienced for a long time.
Not only freedom in my body, I found the dance was fantastic for my mental wellbeing too. It’s so uplifting and it is the perfect antidote for our sedentary and stressful lives….especially during the long winter!!!
In 2017, I heard there would be no more class at the Uni. I decided I could not live without this dace class and had to find a way to make a class happen. And so this 21st Century YouTube led class was born!
Luckily I already had a projector (as I run Web Presence and Marketing Workshops). All I needed was a hall to enable me to run a not for profit community class. Great thanks goes to wonderful folks at the Nexus for providing the space for this.
I’m so excited and can’t wait to run the first class on Jan 25th!
Why is Leora qualified to facilitate this class?
I am well versed at providing a safe learning environment. With my personal endeavours to look after my body and my experience working with my massage clients and massage practitioners, I am well versed in moving ones body with safety to avoid injury.
I have had the pleasure in facilitating many group session over the years. I have run many workshops (Web presence and marketing workshop) and group meetings (Bath Practitioner Group). I have also been an assistant Tutor for many years, and now Lead Tutor for Hands Free Massage Training.
I have previous experience with Greek Classical and Tap Dance. I have been a Student of Yoga (2000-present) and have also practised various forms of other wellbeing classes, including Tai Chi, Acro Yoga, Areial Silks, Kung-Fu, Afro-Caribbean Dance Class, Lindy Hop and Contemporary Dance.
- Holistic Massage and Anatomy and Physiology Level 4 Certificate (2007)
- First Aid certificate (every 3 years since 2007)
- Founder and facilitator of the Bath Practitioner Group, a support group for Health & Wellbeing Practitioners (2009 – present)
- Assistant and Tutor of Hands Hands Free Massage Training (2009 to present)
- Education and Training Level 3 Award (2016)
Signup to the mailing list…
…to get reminders about current and new dance dates