In this issue: Classes recommence next week; New Wednesday afternoon kids classes; No evening class on Wednesday 11th January; Social night next Friday with Argentine Tango workshop; Waltz Masterclass next Sunday; Over 55's photoshoot opportunity; Antony performing in Strictly Come and Dance for charity; Next exam session March 18th; Torquay Holiday details; Private lesson availability.

Happy New Year!!!

Hope everyone's had a good break and hasn't missed us too much. Need to get back to dancing soon as our muscles are really starting to complain at all this relaxing and lounging around.

This year promises to be an exciting year:

• there's a photoshoot opportunity for our over 55's this month (with some very exciting elements that we can't talk about yet);
• Antony has agreed to take part in a charity event called Strictly Come and Dance in February. He'll need audience support and there's more on that later;
• Some of our students will be entering their first competition in April in an inter-school competition for medallists. Contact us if you'd like to compete or come and support;
• Torquay break details have been released. We're running two courses back-to-back in May/June - Antony's 30th birthday during the second course and places on that one are already selling fast;

Today we're off on our Blackpool weekend; nearly 30 of us going should make keeping track of everyone a bit hectic! Promises to be a good weekend with the weather similar to home (so not great then)! We're sorting out games and quizzes for the coach so that should at least keep us entertained.

Classes recommence from Monday and it'll be good to see everyone again, as well as new faces hopefully.

Classes Recommence

From Monday 9th January: Our Christmas break is now over so classes will recommence from Monday 9th January.

There are new kids classes and private lesson slots available.

Updated class timetables can be downloaded from our website, or viewed on the classes page.

Our next break in classes will then be for Easter (2nd-15th April).

No Evening Classes

Wednesday 11th Jan: Due to the regular History Group use of the Eton Wick Village Hall there will be no evening classes on Wednesday 11th Jan; Improver 2, Technique and Intermediate classes will recommence on Wednesday 18th January.

Waltz Masterclass

Sunday 15th January: Our next masterclass will be Waltz.

The masterclass sessions cost £30 per person and advance booking is recommended. The classes are best suited to those at Improver Level 1 and above.

The classes will cover a variety of techniques and steps that we don't always have time for in our normal classes.

Class numbers are generally limited to 12 people so it's recommended that you book in advance.

Strictly Come and Dance

Sunday 25th February: Antony has agreed to take part in a charity event based on Strictly Come Dancing in February.

Over a 3 week period Antony will be training with a novice dancer in preparation for a performance on Sunday 25th February. They will be competing against 5 other couples.

There will be judges on the night and the audience vote counts. The winning couple get £250 (possibly £500) to give to their charity of choice.

Tickets for the event will be £10pp.

This does fall on the same night as the Forget-Me-Not Ball so we will arrange tickets for anyone that would prefer to go to that, but Antony would really appreciate the support.

More details will follow soon.

Torquay Dance Breaks

28th May & 4th June: This year we have two breaks to Torquay back to back.

The first is 28th May for 4 nights which we are hosting on behalf of the hotel, and we will be teaching Viennese Waltz and Paso Doble. This break is designed for those who have dance experience but not necessarily with either of these dances.

The break costs £204pp and you can get more details on our site.

The second is 4th June for 4 nights and will cover Foxtrot and Jive. Not only do you get the benefit of two bank holidays that week, but it's also Antony's 30th birthday on the Thursday so we're going to have a 'guys and dolls' themed party on the Thursday night.

Numbers are limited to 20 on this break and more details are on our site.

New Kids Classes

Start Wednesday 11th Jan: We have brand new kids classes starting on a Wednesday afternoon.

These are after-school classes and will follow the same format as our Sunday morning classes.

Our under 10's class will be 16.15-16.45 and our under 18's class 16.45-17.15.

Classes cost £3.50 per child.

Argentine Tango Workshop

Friday 13th January: Our next social will be on Friday 13th January and there will be an Argentine Tango workshop beforehand.

As always it is £7.50 for just the workshop, £10 to include the social that follows, or £6 just for the social.

London Photoshoot

Over 55's wanted: We have been asked to provide dancers for a video/photoshoot in London on Thursday 26th January.

We will need to be in London for 8am but they will make transport arrangements as well as provide breakfast and refreshments.

We should then be back home by around midday.

We can't go into more details at present but we need 10-15 students willing to take part. Antony will also put together a routine and will make some free sessions available to teach it to participants if required.

Please let us know asap if you are interested and available on that date.

Next Exam Session

Sunday 18th March: Our next exam sessions will be held on Sunday 18th March in Eton Wick.

Exams are open to any level and start from £18 for beginners.

You get a medal and certificate as well as the exam comment from back from the examiner.

If you're interested in taking an exam, or for more details, please let us know.

Private Lessons

Book us while you can : We have the following slots available over the next couple of weeks.

Lessons cost £35 for 45 minutes or £200 for a group of 6.

Antony:

Tue 10th January
12.15pm, 1pm, 5pm, 5.45pm, 9.45pm

Friday 13th January
10.15am

Sunday 15th January
9.30am, 9pm

Tuesday 17th January
12.15pm, 1pm, 6.30pm, 9pm, 9.45pm

Wednesday 18th January
12pm, 2.15pm, 3pm

Friday 20th January
10.15am, 11am

Sunday 22nd January
9.30am, 3.45pm, 9pm

Emma:

Sun 15th January
11.30am

Sun 22nd January
4.30pm, 5.15pm, 6pm