THE ARBEAU DANCERS have supported the Day of Dance since it’s inception 11 years ago in April 1995 and I have to say their dance workshops are very popular.  They have given workshops ranging from Medieval to Victorian – covering a span of 600 years. 

The Day of Dance began with the aim of promoting a newly formed Appalachian Dance Group called Roll Back the Carpet exploiting at the time the talents of the members of that group and friends of mine which enabled me to run 11 workshops.   I had the idea that any money raised from the venture should go to Oxfam in the hope that it would be in the region of £50 to £100.   You can imagine my astonishment when the whole event (including the evening Ceilidh/Cajun event) raised a fantastic £1832.36p.   This was meant to be a one off event, but it clearly showed there was a need which catered for people who wanted to have a go at different dance styles that one didn’t normally come across in everyday life, so the Day of Dance was born and now it frequently has over 50 workshops.

Of course, the success of the Day of Dance relies solely on the generosity of those who make it possible.  All the tutors and the helpers/stewards on the day give their time for nothing.   The bands give their time for free and one band, Rannygazoo who come from Solihull, even refuse to accept any money for their travelling expenses.  That is true commitment to the Day of Dance and its aim to raise as much money as possible for causes which are in need of income. 

This spirit of giving permeates the whole day creating an atmosphere quite unique with a tolerance and understanding if an odd thing goes wrong (which it seldom does I might add).   The punters know that their money is going to good causes with no one making any profit out of the day.

So far the Days of Dance have raised an incredible £131,780.64p with Oxfam and Yorkshire CND being the main beneficiaries.  Oxfam now unfortunately does not have a local fund raising team but I still receive a lot of support from YCND in the running of the event.  Other organisations who have benefited are UNICEF, Campaign Against the Arms Trade, Amnesty International, Chernobyl Children’s  Project, The Children’s Intensive Care Unit at Leeds General Infirmary and the Bradford Scanner Appeal at St Luke’s Hospital.

All the workshops cater for people who have no experience in that particular style and want to have a go or for those who want to brush up what they already know.   There is a lot of laughter at the same time seriousness in getting to grips with something entirely new.   The tutors vary from professionals to the enthusiastic amateurs who are willing to share their craft.  

If you would like to know more about the Day of Dance or would like to run a workshop or know of a band for the Evening Event, you can contact me on Louise@dayofdance.co.uk or telephone 0845 458 9200.

But why not come along and see for yourself what this whole event is about.  Ask for a leaflet at your local library if you cannot print one out or telephone me for one.

Louise Eaton