To celebrate a national initiative offering free dance classes, details of which are available online from today (Wednesday 5 March), The Minister for External Affairs and International Development, Humza Yousaf joined office staff at an Edinburgh company to try out some dance moves with the expert help of ballet and hip-hop teachers.

Get Dancin' offers opportunities for people to try free classes at local dance centres across Scotland.
 
A great way to get fit and meet new people, the classes are designed to appeal to those who haven’t been to a dance class before, as well as those who maybe have been in the past and would be interested in having another go.

Taking place from Monday 10 March until November 2014 there’s a dance class to suit everyone - from ballet, tap, hip-hop to country dancing classes, with classes for mums and toddlers, the young at heart, and complete beginners – everyone is welcome.

Full information about what’s on offer and where is available at: getdancin.org.

Mr Yousaf along with staff at Whitespace creative agency put their best foot forwards with Amanda-Louise Clark from the Central Scotland Ballet School and Jo Richards from Hustle Dance Troupe who teaches Hip Hop, along with other styles.

Minister for External Affairs and International Development Humza Yousaf said:

“As part of the Glasgow 2014 Cultural Programme for the Commonwealth Games, Get Dancin’ offers a fantastic opportunity for people to try something new – or even revisit a hobby they once loved.
“With a huge range of classes all over Scotland – from ballet to hip-hop – there is something to suit all tastes, ages and abilities.
“Get Dancin’ is a fantastic way to connect to people and communities and participate in culture in new and exciting ways. I would urge everyone to sample one of these classes and take the opportunity to Get Dancin’.”

Janet Archer, Chief Executive, Creative Scotland said:

“If you’re looking for a new way to get and keep fit then I’d strongly encourage you to give dance a try. It’s sociable, you can go along with friends or family, or on your own. There’ll be a warm welcome at the Get Dancin’ classes and it’s an enjoyable way to meet new people. Dance is also a very creative activity, allowing you to express yourself in new ways. And, above all, dancing is fun and makes you feel good, it’s well worth checking out a class in your local area and Get Dancin’. ”

Get Dancin’ is an initiative for the nationwide Get Scotland Dancing campaign, to inspire more people to get active and participate in dance, which is supported through National Lottery funding, and is part of the Glasgow 2014 Cultural Programme.

http://www.creativescotland.com/news/minister-pointes-the-way-to-get-dancin%E2%80%99-05032014