On 2 March 2025, the West Midlands Keep Fit Association hosted an incredible Let’s Dance Day at Adams Grammar School, Newport, Shropshire. Organized by Keep Fit Laban Dance teacher Rosemary Raynbird in partnership with Becky Clow, a former dancer with Birmingham Royal Ballet, the event brought together participants of all ages to experience the joy of dance.
The event featured four exciting sessions, covering multiple dance styles:
– Medau Movement, taught by Rosemary, incorporating apparatus like scarves and tennis balls
– Tap Dancing, led by Jo Jackson, introducing rhythm, technique, and fun footwork
– Ballet, led by Becky Clow, exploring corps de ballet choreography from *Don Quixote*
– Lyrical Laban, using expressive movements and scarves for a creative dance finale
Participants ranged from their mid-20s to nearly 90 years old, with many experiencing new dance styles for the first time. The atmosphere was welcoming, energetic, and full of enthusiasm, making it an inclusive space where all abilities felt comfortable to try something new.
A Day Filled with Fun and Learning
The sessions were thoughtfully designed to balance whole-body movement, footwork-focused styles, and coordination-based exercises. The tap class even introduced a fun concept—”soggy knees”—to help attendees grasp the nuances of rhythm and movement!
The ballet session, meanwhile, encouraged participants to embrace theatrical elements, learning expressive choreography that showcased Spanish flair and dramatic poses from *Don Quixote*.
Building a Stronger Dance Community
The day’s success was evident in the positive feedback received, with attendees praising the high-quality instruction, welcoming environment, and variety of dance styles. Many were introduced to new forms of dance, and several signed up for ongoing classes as a result.
One participant summed it up perfectly:
“The event worked so well because everyone was in the same boat—we were all new to at least one dance style, and that made it even more enjoyable!”
Looking Ahead
With Let’s Dance Day proving to be such a success, Rosemary and Becky are already considering another dance event in autumn. Given that the March event was fully booked within a week, future events are expected to draw even more interest and participation.