Julie's is the best dance studio in the midlands. Two of my grandchildren and my niece attend and…read morehave been doing so since they were 3. I know of ex students of Julies who have gone on to great things, all down to Julie and her team. The annual show at the Civic Hall is always something to look forward to and never disappointing as are all the shows that the students work so hard to put on . . . they're amazing and so talented. And it's not just for the girls . . . my grandson loves it!

Been to The Patrick Centre before to watch my daughter do a Street Dance performance when she…read moredanced at Dance Xchange. That must of been about 6- 7 years ago now. So it really was a delight to have the opportunity to go back this week. I was lucky enough to win a ticket to see Mark Bruce's #Dracula on Thursday 16th October 14. Planned on taking a few pictures but the ususal rules applied re flash photography. Tucked inside the grandure of Birmingham Hippodrome shairing the same welcoming reception area and bar space the excitement before the show builds. When its time to take your seats you walk into a theatre that is inviting in the sense that actually do feel part of the performance because of the size of the studio. I decided to sit on the front row. Less than 5 minutes into the performance I began hiding my face in my scarf as Dracula emerged on stage looking hauntingly devilish under the darkness and very dim lighting. (I had to self talk myself into - this is a show Shaz, its not real hahaa) oh the power of the mind! I was gripped! The music, the choreography, the make up, the story line, the acting and the singing was wonderful. The scenes where the vampires feasted on the necks of their victim was really done well as 'fake' blood dripped from their mouths and chests and splashed all over the stage (front row bonus). The dancers/actors were all at arms length, I really felt part of the story. As mentioned above the studio is a lovely size, the access to the facilities of Birmingham Hippodrome and the link through to Dance Exchange makes this a unique establishment sited in the midst of the bustlin Hurst Street.

So I must admit that I haven't yet watched a performance at Dance Xchange - which I will rectify -…read morebut I attend a ballet class there every week and I love it! I did ballet for about 13 years, so, after 6 year break, I attend the improvers class. At £6 for 1 hr 15, which often runs over, it is very good value for money. The teacher Andrea is just amazing. She points out such simple little changes in my dancing that make a world of difference, and I have never done better pirouettes! There are also teenage, beginners and advanced classes, so anyone can give it a go. Above all, the atmosphere is friendly and relaxed, so it is the perfect un-intimidating place to try something new!

I had so much fun. Paul of Sa great instructor and motivator. Paul parliere me up with another…read morebeginner named Louise and we both had lots of fun practicing both sides and helping one another spot mistakes. The studio is located centrally and at walking distance from B'ham New Street station. I paid with PayPal so I do not have to unnecessarily keep foreign cash on me. All in all a great experience!

From the owner: Studio Stellar specialises in Pole Dancing and Pole Fitness Classes in Birmingham City Centre,…read moreBooking is done online on a PAYG basis and classes are from only £6 each!

Pure Joy is a little dance studio based in the Jewellery Quarter (just down the road from the…read moreChamberlain Clock). It's easy to get to by train (closest station is Jewellery Quarter) or bus and there is on street parking outside the building. It is worth noting there is another studio in Moseley. Pure Joy is a newer form of exercise in the form of Pole Dancing. I quite fancied doing this as a weekly workout, as I figured it would be good fun as well as a great way to gain some upper body strength and toning. I wasn't wrong... It was my first session last Thursday. Filled with trepidation and excitement, myself and Emma S. walked down the road a few times to find the venue. The address on the website is listed as above, but it might help to point out that this is held in the Warstone Centre (the bottom end of Warstone Lane), as the property number isn't shown. We were greeted by Joy (the owner of the studio) and led up to a cute little room at the top of the building. The walls are mirrored (as you might expect from a studio), but there are 5 poles (meaning everyone can do the moves at once). When we first got in there, the room was pretty chilly - but once the storage heaters were turned on and we started exercising - we all warmed up pretty quickly! We started off with some stretches and basic exercises, but ended up being on the pole within 20 minutes of getting there (which was a surprise as I figured we might have a bit of a cop-out lesson for our first try). This is NOT a class for those just looking to get light exercise. We were taught moves to swing around the pole, support our weight, climb and build upper body strength. As I have the upper body strength of a gnat, I was rubbish on my first try (and still aching the Monday after), but I have the upmost confidence that I will be better on my second go! Joy was funny, helpful, supportive and a great teacher. Even though I'm not very good at the moment, I'm looking forward to my second go (as it was so much fun). If you are looking for an alternative to a regular exercise class, give it a go!