Active Dance

Dance is one of the most positive activities especially aimed at all ages and abilities. The borough offers various organisations and types of dance, examples can be seen below:-

Breaking News: Strictly Come Dancing stars Ola and James Jordan have officially opened a new dance studio at the Stour Centre.

The leisure centre’s River Room has undergone extensive refurbishment to transform it into a state-of-the-art Dance studio, with a sprung floor, mirrors and new venting system.

Professional dancers Ola and James recently opened the new studio in front of a group of invited guests, and were then treated to both ballroom and street dance performances from local groups, Boys Dance Company and Manic Dance Company.

Ola Jordan was the winner of Strictly Come Dancing 2009 with sports journalist Chris Hollins. She and James, who was born in Gillingham, live in Kent.

Simon Harris, Sports Project Manager, at Ashford Borough Council said: “This was a great way to unveil the new Dance studio, and we are delighted that Ola and James have been so supportive to the project and encouraging dance in Ashford. Dance is playing a central role in helping people to stay fit".

Further information on the studio please visit the Stour Centre website.

Go to the ambassadors page to find out more about Ola and James.

“Contra dancing comes to Ashford

The only real answer to the question "What is contra dance?" comes when you try it.

Keep up to date with what is happening by checking the Contrafusion website or contact John via at email or telephone 01233 625 362. Come and join us to get some exercise, have some fun and meet lots of people of all ages.

Every Monday night at 7:45pm at Hothfield Village Hall, 5 minutes from J9 on the M20.

Contra dancing is such great fun that we would like to introduce it to as many people as possible; we would especially like to encourage younger people from 18 years and up. Apart from developing skills in dancing it is good exercise and also a wonderful opportunity to meet new people.

John and Karen will be happy to run a taster workshop for any group that is interested, in the Ashford area. All the group needs to provide is a hall and 30 or more people for a couple of hours.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Should I Wear?

Whatever you feel comfortable dancing in, there are no rules. Skirts and dresses can look great when you are spinning, but trousers are fine too.

Make sure you have comfortable flat or low-heeled footwear that you can balance easily in and that won't stick to the floor when you try to spin.

No stilettos please - they won't be comfortable and they might damage the dance-floor.

Do I Need To Bring A Partner?

No, everyone asks everyone to dance, and during each dance you will dance with lots of people. By the end of the workshop you will probably have danced with everyone in the room!

Fit to Dance

Ashford offers a company that has dance studios and delivers lessons and classes, for more information visit the Fit to Dance website or contact the school at 01233 660303.

UK Dance Academy

Interested in Salsa or Street Dancing, speak to Irina on 07832 394337 or visit the website for the UK Dance Academy .

Ashford Borough Council, Civic Centre, Tannery Lane, Ashford TN23 1PL
Telephone: 01233 330232 Email: activeashford@ashford.gov.uk