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!

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!

Rhythmics offer all sorts of dance classes for children and adults alike…read more There four studios - including two large main studios, that hold classes in ballet, tap, street dance and ballroom to name just a few! There is also a coffee shop and waiting room. All of the classes are lead by qualified UKA instructors. There is also the option of booking a private 1:1 lesson - which is perhaps a good idea if you are looking to build your dance confidence before facing the masses! Rhytmics also offer examinations throughout the year. They stage various shows and attend competitions across the country. There is also a well-stocked dancewear shop onsite.

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!

You know that old saying "Never judge a book by its cover" bare that in mind when you look at the…read morepicture. It doesn't look like much right? I used to go to dance classes a few years ago and this is where I'd come to buy what I needed. I came back the other day and think their standards are lower but they still look like a great place for young people to buy anything they need for dance. Unfortunately they don't sell anything for adult females or males. Yes, that's right male dancers. They also have a body toning studio, even though it isn't much. I thought this is a good idea because the nearest gym is a few miles away and it's a good way to get to the right size for an outfit. Swim suits and leisure wear is also available but nothing took my fancy. A lot of dance shops can charge extortionate prices for their products. Getting an outfit made here can be expensive but you can buy a ready-made outfit or swimwear for a reasonable price.

Jaides Stage studios is a brilliant organisation in Rugby, Warwickshire, not only is this a…read moreperforming arts school but also a registered charity (no 1124316) that aims to offer free places or subsidized classes to various children within the community, including under privileged, the disadvantaged, low academic achievers, children whose parents receive low incomes, special needs and the black and ethnic minorities. I first came in contact with Jaides over two years ago, when my little boy was just coming up to five years old and myself and my husband decided we wanted him to have a out of school hobby that would help him gain confidence and also something that he would enjoy. My husband came up with all the usual a daddy normally does, footy, kickboxing, karate, Rugby..... But I tried to think more about what did he like doing. He like many children loved singing and dancing, he was not especially brilliant at it or anything (the gene of the two left feet was passed on from his daddy) but I thought why not try it. I had a look on the internet for a dance school in rugby and came up with Jaides website, so I gave the number a call and it was the best phone call I have ever made. I got through to a wonderful lady called Sandra Ellery, (whom is Jaides mum) she was so helpful, not only did she talk me through everything they had to offer but also said to me, that she knows what children are like and they can start clubs and go off them really quickly so she would offer my son two free classes to see how he felt about it. The following week we turned up at the studios, and upon arriving I was given loads of information, timetables, programs of shows and festivals they had taken part of and also just a really lovely welcome. We had turned up about 30 minutes before the street dance class started, so after our welcome I was told I could now leave.......OMG!!!! I can not leave my baby....I can remember thinking, but Sandra advised me that although I was clearly anxious about this, my some would be in safe hands and also this would give him the independence and confidence that I desired for him. I went downstairs and sat in the reception area, and I can say it was the longest hour ever!!!! But 1030 came and down bounced my son with the biggest smile on his face ever...sticker on his shirt.... And a jelly sweet in his hand!!! He was so happy, he told me that he had been dancing, skipping, and having lots of fun and that Jaide was brilliant and he had a sticker and a sweetie for being such a good boy. Seeing him like this made me realize that this class was going to do wonders for him. Well, as the years have gone on my son has been in numerous shows, festivals, fete's etc, he has gained two qualifications and numerous certificates and has not only made him independent, confident and also good at dancing, the biggest thing is that Jaide tries to teach her students the correct way to behave while in class, while someone to talking to you etc etc, and I can say that all her students show such maturity and great manners. **How Jaides got started* Jaide had always done lots of dancing, singing, performing etc from a very young age and worked very hard at her skills and attended classes nearly every day. At the age of 14 she wanted to be a teacher but instead of this being a girls fantasy she put it into practice, to begin with she just taught street dance, but she did not stop here she then continued with the help and support of her mother to complete her a levels, to train in all forms of dancing and pass all her teaching qualifications so she could offer more classes to the children of Rugby. When I look at what she has done, I just feel amazed, she is still only 22, but when all her friends were going out clubbing etc, she was teaching so many children so many classes, and yet I have spoke to her about this and she never regrets it, she feels privileged to be living her dream and sharing her love of the arts with different children in the community. She really is a great role model and inspiration to many children, and the kids absolutely love her to bits *What they offer* Well as I stated before they offer numerous opportunities not only for children whom are looking for a hobby or qualifications in some of the arts but also to more underprivileged children Jaides offers a numerous amount of classes; I have listed a selection of the classes on offer; IDTA Freestyle/Street Dance for ages 4-6 yrs/7-10 yrs/10-12 yrs/12-15yrs/15+ yrs and also adult classes. IDTA Ballet Preparatory, Primary, Grade 1 - Grade 6 and Pointe classes and adult classes. IDTA Tap Preparatory, Primary, Grade 1 - Grade 5 and adult classes. IDTA Theatre craft grade 1-4 IDTA Modern Jazz primary- grade 2 Musical theatre 5-10yrs/11+ years/adults Vocal singing UKCA Cheerleading IDTA gymnastics and acrobatics Melody Bear which is an introduction to dance for toddlers 2-4 yrs All classes are

I saw jaides stage studios perform at the local spring air at whitefeild wreck park, and I must say…read moreI was really impressed. They have a great staff whom obviously look after and care fgor the children very well, their costumes were fantastic and also so sweet, some of the little ones were adorable. I never realized also they are a charity until seeing their stand at the fayre, they have done a lot of work in the area also, which I think the locals are really proud and protective of them because of. I have enquires already about my daughter attending and I think I will defiantly be enrolling her when he is old enough, the staff are very imfformative and were really helpful and kind to me, especially being a dad asking about the dance classes, they made me feel really welcome and at ease. They do numerous classes, all the standard ones like ballet, tap modern etc but also things like drama and cheerleading They are defiantly a great asset to our community.