Calder Valley Swing is a vibrant dance school located in Hebden Bridge, a charming town in the Calderdale district of West Yorkshire. The community is passionate about swing dance and connecting with others through the art of movement.
At Calder Valley Swing, they offer weekly swing dance classes at Hebden Bridge Town Hall. These classes are open to all, regardless of previous experience, and you don't need to arrive with a partner or make a booking. Simply show up and pay the 6 admission fee for the whole evening (cash or card). For those looking to improve their skills, there is an Improvers class at 7:15pm.
After the classes, dancers have the opportunity to socialise and continue dancing at Nelson's Wine Bar, conveniently located around the corner. On the first Wednesday of each month, instead of heading to the bar, social dancing takes place at the town hall, where the bar is open for refreshments.
In addition to their weekly classes, Calder Valley Swing also organises special events and workshops to enhance the swing dance experience. One of their most exciting events is the Swing into Spring Weekend, happening from 15th to 17th March 2024. This weekend extravaganza includes live music, taster classes, and various activities in three different locations along the beautiful Calder Valley in rural Yorkshire. Conveniently located between Leeds and Manchester, attendees can easily access the event via train and have the option for weekend accommodation.
Calder Valley Swing is run by a dedicated group of volunteers, led by Rebecca Slaven and Kevin Leach. They strive to create a welcoming and inclusive environment for all dancers. While celebrating the music and dance styles of the 1920s to 1940s, the community is also committed to acknowledging and honouring the African and indigenous American musicians and dancers who pioneered these art forms. They acknowledge their privilege in reproducing this music and dance and advocate for equality, condemning the treatment of African and indigenous Americans by their European ancestors.
For those interested in staying up to date with Calder Valley Swing, they can join the Calder Valley Swing Dancers community group on Facebook and like their public page. By doing so, they will receive all the latest news and updates about classes, events, and workshops.
Calder Valley Swing is a lively and passionate dance school that welcomes dancers of all levels to come together, learn, and enjoy the art of swing dance. Join the community in Hebden Bridge and experience the joy and energy that comes from dancing to swing music.