Leodis Dance Academy is a new school that has opened in Stainbeck Community Centre offering dance…read moreclasses for children from age 4 years. They teach a variety of dance styles including Ballet, Tap, Street dance, Breaking and basic gymnastics. Some of the classes provide the opportunity to take exams within one of the world's largest and most recognized examination boards in the UK.

DSL beginners street dance is ace, there are new routines every week and Jess is really great. She…read moremakes sure everyone is keeping up and makes me want to come back every week. Oh, and I'm getting better at dancing too!

Fantastic place, run by the very lovely Katie Holmes. Its value for money, with a wide range of…read moredance classes, singing workshops, even has the Billy Elliot Auditions coming soon!!! Review of their launch http://zomadic.wordpress.com , its in the archive for august!

Aside from the wealth of classes offered at yorkshire dance... which you will have to read about in…read moreother reviews because I'm rubbish; I always have good intentions but end up finding some riduculous excuse not to go to them. (I'm sorry body I promise i'll start moving you again soon) As I was saying aside from the classes which I hear are excellent (my guilt is palpable), yorkshire dance offer a great deal, in terms of performances, professional development and rehearsal space. If you are in any interested in producing your own professional performance work then yorkshire dance should certainly be on your list of people to speak to. They have 3 incredible rehearsal spaces, which can be offered in various guises including full residences, hires or "standby space" where basically they will allow people to use rooms at short notice if they happen to be empty. This open-door policy mixed with the regular "platform" nights set up to showcase new work, make the place something of an artistic hub within the dance community and as such is well worth having a look.

Although it is located in a strange area of town, Yorkshire Dance is an excellent city community…read moredance centre for the Leeds area, and a specialist dance resource for the Yorkshire region. Started in the early 1980's, the company receives grants and is funded by the council to maintain its influential presence in the area. When entering the dance company, the first thing that is evident when walking into the reception, is the friendliness and helpfulness of the staff. As a friend and I gingerly approached the desk, I was immediately aware of my sudden clumsiness, but with the support of another novice, I persevered. We were merely scoping the venue out, assessing whether it was compatible with our needs, but we signed up for a pilates class for later on that evening. After entering the beautifully renovated studio space, I sort of felt like one of the kids from Fame. One of the kids who failed to be cast in Fame, I hasten to add. The other members of the group and the instructor were extremely inclusive however, sympathetic of our newness to the group and to the rigorous exercises. Buoyed by the success of the class, we attempted a different one the following week. Fit 4 Dance encompasses aspects of pilates, dance techniques and fitness exercises to achieve flexibility, stamina and strength. We really enjoyed this class, the instructor was extremely patient with our beginners status. My friend and I are using the opportunity to participate in as many different drop-in sessions as possible, so we can fully commit to a 13 week course of our choice when the next season commences. Yorkshire Dance is a fantastic and affordable resource to rely on within the community, which only emphasises my love of dance.

Northern Ballet Theatre is one of those unique companies that helps to maintain the creative legacy…read morethat Leeds has nurtured over time. Created back in 1969, Northern Ballet has come a long way and has this year celebrated its 40th anniversary. They are renowned for their full length productions and have some of the most dedicated and talented performers from all around working within their company. Past productions include famous classics, such as Swan Lake, A Midsummer Night's Dream and Madame Butterfly. If you are looking for a classy and enthralling evening then I highly suggest you take a look at Northern Ballet's line up. I can't claim to be an expert in judging dance, but I can say that they are utterly bewitching. Every aspect, from the exquisite costumes, the beautiful music and the mesmerising dance, are wonderful and worth every penny. A total must see! With Christmas approaching they have some classics up and coming: Peter Pan and A Christmas Carol - but I'd book early as tickets will sell fast. If you miss these, there are plenty more productions to get excited about, such as Romeo and Juliet and Wuthering Heights. Elegant dance and classic stories - what could be better than that?

We're pretty much spoiled for choice in Leeds for hot rocking, culture infused and visually…read morestunning settings. Aren't we lucky? Well we're even luckier to have yet another cultural high in the form of the Northern Ballet Theatre. So we see all the finest thesps at the Playhouse and indulge in some "he's behind you" action at the Grand, well that leads me onto the ballet. Founded in 1969 (well if man can land on the moon then, anything is possible), it has continued to grow throughout the area and prides itself on the highest calibre performances. You'll often be able to see classics such as Madame Butterfly and celebrating our heritage with adaptations of Wuthering Heights. It really is top draw stuff. I know ballet may not be your thing, but believe me everyone should try anything once (assuming all is legal). It's an opulent and grandiose evening and is really worth a punt, especially for special occasions. I love getting the sparkly jewellery out and mingling with suits and dresses. It's also a good excuse to ask for a Martini, shaken not stirred, at the interval. I know I need to have a good old word with myself. Not suited to all tastes types but unrivalled for a sophisticated night of high production entertainment.

I went thanks to the Passport Launch event at Distrikt…read more Was made to be very fun and chilled out. Dancing was taught step by step but relaxed and jovial atmosphere and guidance. There was a mis-match of men to women ratio due to the Yelp Passport Event but I was assured by regulars that it is usually a more even split. Even so it was fine cos some girls became men and had a good crack at being forceful and leading. I will be going back and trying to drag a man with me to keep numbers even :) Usually £5 which I can live with, same as going for a swim but a bit more social and fun way to keep fit. Laughing is good for your tum :P On a side note the food at distrikt was very tasty and they accommodate the class well - we ordered dessert but the class started before it came, they very wisely held off until we had finished, yay.

I assume, for the most part when trying to move by body in a timely and aesthetically pleasing…read morefashion, that I have "two left feet". I'm not saying I'm a terrible dancer, nor am I adverse to busting out some moves to the right tune, but it's been quite some time since I last had actual dance lessons. I tried my hand at Lindy, and I can't say it was really for me, so attempting salsa was certainly going to be interesting! Well. With the fantastic opportunity to try it out at no cost, with the Passport event, I attended alongside some fellow brave yelpers. As Natalie mentions, given our extra presence (and the football *pah*), there was a rather large surplus of ladies -however, I've been down on a previous salsa evening, and there are indeed usually plentiful male members for ladies to dance with. We started by learning the more simple steps, the mambo being the initial move, and if nothing else I certainly feel as though I had that down by the end! A few more basics later, and we were all ready to try out the moves with partners. Everyone assembles in a circle, and guys partner up with a girl, practice some moves and the switch partners -a lovely way to get to know everyone, and have a chance at dancing with folks of all skill level. It's really friendly, welcoming, and since everyone's in the same boat, there's little room for embarrassment! Most of the guys (and girls dancing as guys) were very kind, complimenting my efforts! James and his instructor partner (whose name I didn't catch) were both absolutely lovely, welcoming, and made everyone feel at ease with plenty of banter. Of course, distrikt is a great setting for the class, with plenty of space to move, fabulous drinks to enjoy, and excellent staff! I've always been made to feel extremely welcome, which is wonderful. I plan to attend the next available class (for my sins) and attempt to master the moves of salsa. Who knows, perhaps they'll make a mover and shaker of me yet! Great source of exercise, great price (only £5 and £4 for students), great people, great venue and great instructors. Win!

I paid £34 for this seat. A disgrace. Although I knew it was a restricted ticket view, I did expect…read moreto see more of the stage. I got crossed eyed being so close to this wide pillar. Just money grabbing . Should not have been sold. Not worth £5. Lost all respect for this theatre. Was with my grandkids whose views were not much better. I felt so embarrassed. 4 X £34 was a costly mistake. A theme park next time.

I love the theatre, I love the 3Dness of it all, I love the action, I love watching the expressions…read moreform naturally from that in the moment feeling the actors present to their parts. I've seen a few shows at the Leeds Grand, musicals, pantos, and the serious dramatic theatre pieces. Acoustic wise, the Grand is fabulous, and it doesn't seem to have suffered from the renovations, I am rather sick of renovations sucking the soul out of a place, but this one has only enhanced the beauty of the Grand. It's the Grand, so as a large and traditional and acoustically sound theatre, it's bound to pull in the big players on the regional tours, be they Jane McDonald, Calendar Girls, Romeo and Juliet or Ken Dodd. Kids, big kids, grown ups, low brow, high brow, the classics and the contemporary, they can all be found here at the Grand at some point throughout the year, that is a given. And as far as shows and performances go, the Grand is worthy competition for plenty of theatres in the surrounding area, although the same ruddy issue of friggin leg room always comes up. The other thing I do love about the Grand is the open access events that appeal to hardcore theatre gooers and it's education friendly attractions, the theatre is also home to backstage tours and talks and even workshops should the opportunity arise. When the company allows it, there are opportunities for small groups to meet and greet with the cast of the show in question, to discuss the show and the actor's experiences, which I think is a lovely touch.