This is a wonderful Dancing school, generations of people have been taught there. It is run by Miss…read moreAngela Redgrave, a wonderful dancer. The children are taught Ballet, Tap and Modern, it not only teaches them to dance, it teaches them discipline, and self confidence. They have a summer school facility, where the children can spend some of their time during the school holidays, and they are sometimes chosen for the Panto, or other productions at the Bristol Hippodrome.

Sad to say we find the behaviour of the Bristol School of dancing less than professional…read more They expect us to pay all the way from May to January despite telling them in May that our child in May could no longer attend the classes. There is no waiting list for this class and no children clambering to join. We had previously discussed it with the teacher who then denied all knowledge of any conversation. They have sent letters that threaten bailiffs and have quite interesting beliefs that basically imply that they expect parents to decide for their children and make them go for a full term even after you have given notice, either that or they just want your money?!? It works like this. If you decide (not your child- heaven forbid they might have their own opinion) on the second session that your child is not going to carry on then you have to pay until the end of the term. Nothing wrong with that but you also have to pay for the next term too in full as you didn't tell them on the first day of the term. Therefore you either give them the money for the next term and write it off or you 'make' your child complete the full next term in the knowledge that they don't want to be there and probably that the school don't want them there as they clearly do not want to be world famous dancers and have snubbed the Bristol School of Dancing! Be very aware of this school. Obviously this is just my humble opinion.

We chose a Burlesque workshop with Pink Kitten Dance School. Our poor instructor was faced with a…read morenumber of extremely hungover / still half drunk hens who put us through our paces. First of all we were taught how to walk alluringly across the floor! Easy eh? We stumbled ungraciously and self-consciously across the floor in our high heels! However by the end of the class we were all able to do a routine. Dita Von Teese isn't going to be hanging up her boa anytime soon but it was a fun activity which really bonded the hen group and taught us some saucy tricks to use at home! The workshop took place in the club part of Java on a lovely light up dancefloor which gave that additional glam factor! We borrowed feather boas but bring your own cardigan (buttons rather than velcro, this isn't The Full Monty) to help you practice your reveal! No nipple tassle twirling required, you can wear a little top under your cardi. I wore shorts, a top, cardigan and high heels. It may be gentle exercise but were definitely sweating our toxins out towards the end of the workshop.

I heart Pink Kitten! I recently moved to Bristol from America and was mourning the loss of my…read moreburlesque and pole teacher there. As a shy retiring type and still very new to any sort of dance, I was hesitant to dive in with strange teachers in an unfamiliar place. But the PK students and teachers are some of the loveliest and most encouraging people I've met here. After trying several of the schools in Bristol, PK is my favorite! Great burlesque and pole, along with amazing circus classes...my newfound workout passion. Also, the student showcases mean opportunities for as much or as little individual creative expression as you want. My self-confidence has soared, and I've transformed from "scared to wear a swimsuit" to feeling so sexy and super-strong these days. And as a non-dancer I can safely say, absolutely anyone can and should try this! Take on a taster session and believe me, you will love it.

I have learned Pole Dance at three different pole schools and Spin City is by far the best, with…read morestructured courses, routines to build on each week and static and spinning poles. I have always found all of the instructors friendly, there is always flexibility when trying to find a session to suit, with lessons being run 7 days a week, including practice sessions every weekend, which are free when you have attended a free class! Pole fitness is a great way to keep fit while having fun, and it is so much more motivating than the gym, with there always being a new move to learn. I couldn't recommend it more!

My daughter attends ballet and tap at this dance school (Bradley School branch) and really enjoys…read moreit. I have found the teachers to be helpful and very considerate of her needs. It is an ISTD Exam Centre. They hold classes for ages 2 1/5 to adults and include belly dancing, Flamenco, hip hop etc. The classes are very reasonably prices in comparison to some dance schools. Children's fees are due in advance, a term at a time.

The Folk House has a number of fingers in a number of pies. Its main business is adult education -…read moreevening and daytime classes on pretty much everything from languages and writing, singing and music lessons, art and pottery, dance and drama, knitting and self-help. They run their classes in three 'terms' so you can pick a class up every 12 weeks or so, plus they have summer schools and Saturday day classes. I have learnt how to knit and sing in harmony here and enjoyed the mix of people it brings to the classes and the level of knowledge of the tutors. Art from their students is displayed about the place to buy with regularly changing exhibitions.. The House also has strong connections to live music of Bristol - obviously perhaps the folk scene but also blues and jazz. Live music is often on. This also draws in the record fairs every few months. Lastly, and this ties in the comings and goings of the various user groups, there is a cafe with nice food and cake and very good cup of tea. You can use the cafe if you are not attending a class. There is a nice little cobbled courtyard out front and undercover bike racks. The Folk House is signposted on Park Street, but is easy to walk past - you have to duck into an alley next to Nomad (see one of the photos). You can pick up a programme of their events and classes without going all the way in though as it is on the wall at the alley entrance.

Perhaps you're attending an art course at the folk house, or perhaps you've been shopping on Park…read moreStreet - the cafe is a perfect pit stop for those seeking a light lunch and a lovely cup of tea. They dish up homemade local dishes like cauli cheese or shepherd's pie, with crisp fresh salad. What made me drool is the rows of lush-looking cakes - I sampled (just for research purposes obviously) a slice a blackberry crumble flapjack with yoghurt topping - tart and sweet all in one, crunchy and yummy. You're cocooned by bright tribal art (from the courses they run) and afternoon's even offer up a plethora of musicians to lull you while you munch! Its not a load of hippy nonsense, its wholesome, warming and immediately filling - just like mum used to make.

Kuumba is officially 'kool' in my books. This Afrikan…read moreCaribbean arts and resource centre promotes ethnic arts, culture and community resources. It has the Jumoke nursery and an organisation that loans educational resources and toys to parents, carers, schools and play groups. The resources promote positive images and information on disability, culture and religion. In the back is a huge Caribbean library and the St Paul's Carnival office runs from the site. In the past they have also run youth theatre and performance and I have seen some amazing gigs here with jazz and reggae artists and musicians. Their Arts Council funding may have recently run out, but let's hope Kuumba stikk continues as strong and interesting as it is today,

Kuumba has been the leading Afrikan Caribbean arts and resource centre in Bristol for over twenty…read moreyears. It has worked to develop and promote Afrikan Caribbean arts, culture and community resources in Bristol and the wider South Western area. It has the Jumoke nursery which provides affordable and quality childcare for 2-5years in a safe environment. Also housed here is Bwerani, an organisation that loans educational and play resources to parents, carers, schools and play groups. The resources promote positive images and information on disability, culture and religion. Kuumba also has an extensive Afrikan Caribbean library which can be used by appointment. The St Pauls Carnival office is based here too. Classes at the moment include kids and adults Afrikan dance and Socacise. In the past they have also run youth theatre and performance and I have seen some amazing gigs here with jazz and reggae artists and musicians. Due to doubts over continued Arts Council funding after March, Kuumba has had to wind it's programme down, but they are hopeful for a reprise in an appeal meeting soon and are running a petition to submit in their support.

Away from the city centre in run-of-the-mill Southville, the Tobacco Factory Theatre is unlikely to…read morebe found out straight away by a visitor to the city. The building, in red brick, is understated, and this isn't a fancy place like the Hippodrome or the Old Vic. It's theatre in the round, with seating on all sides of the stage. Apparently the theatre started life the result of ripping out the Imperial Tobacco offices that were here and they've managed to keep a clean, sparse feel that actors and directors love. I won't venture too many opinions on what sort of performances this makes for. I will say, though, that when I went to see Richard III, things felt very intense. They put on a range of performances here, a highlight being the dedicated Shakespeare at the Tobacco Factory theatre company. Don't let the culture on offer scare you off. With tickets often less than a tenner, there doesn't have to a big to-do about going out here though. It's got a fairly relaxed and informal feel to it too. The Tobacco Factory is a smart addition to Bristol's arts scene.

Named after the original use of the building, (I have actually met people drinking in here that…read moreused to work for the cigarette company), The Tobacco Factory has got that kind of industrial kudos thing going on. The steel front doors are as easy to access as the vault doors at Fort Knox, but everything gets a whole lot easier once you've grappled your way in. The lay out is simple in this cavernous space, and the bar, with its dedicated food severing area, practically stretches the full length of the room. Amply staffed to cope with the numbers that often descend on the place, the team work well together, and so there's never too long to wait at the bar. I like to call in to make use of the free wi-fi and to plug in whenever I'm in South Bristol. I always order myself some tapas, usually manchego (which comes with a selection of delicious bread) along with some olives - the servings are incredibly generous, and so this is more than enough for one person. Up Fest will take place at the Tobacco Factory on 5 and 6 June, and promises to be a blast. with live music, dj's and 250 artists exhibiting their work. Tobacco Factory has a huge beer garden with a covered section for smokers if the weather turns nasty.