Leodis Dance Academy is a new school that has opened in Stainbeck Community Centre offering dance…read moreclasses for children from age 4 years. They teach a variety of dance styles including Ballet, Tap, Street dance, Breaking and basic gymnastics. Some of the classes provide the opportunity to take exams within one of the world's largest and most recognized examination boards in the UK.

DSL beginners street dance is ace, there are new routines every week and Jess is really great. She…read moremakes sure everyone is keeping up and makes me want to come back every week. Oh, and I'm getting better at dancing too!

Fantastic place, run by the very lovely Katie Holmes. Its value for money, with a wide range of…read moredance classes, singing workshops, even has the Billy Elliot Auditions coming soon!!! Review of their launch http://zomadic.wordpress.com , its in the archive for august!

Did you set yourself some New Year resolutions that now seem a little too ambitious? I think this…read morecould be something to add that would be doable. The Northern School of Contemporary Dance are offering places on an introductory/beginners guide to contemporary dance. Although you are likely to be surrounded by people with dance experience it is likely to be very rewarding if you stick at it. Prices are £34.50 for the term or £3.45 per class.

Northern Ballet Theatre is one of those unique companies that helps to maintain the creative legacy…read morethat Leeds has nurtured over time. Created back in 1969, Northern Ballet has come a long way and has this year celebrated its 40th anniversary. They are renowned for their full length productions and have some of the most dedicated and talented performers from all around working within their company. Past productions include famous classics, such as Swan Lake, A Midsummer Night's Dream and Madame Butterfly. If you are looking for a classy and enthralling evening then I highly suggest you take a look at Northern Ballet's line up. I can't claim to be an expert in judging dance, but I can say that they are utterly bewitching. Every aspect, from the exquisite costumes, the beautiful music and the mesmerising dance, are wonderful and worth every penny. A total must see! With Christmas approaching they have some classics up and coming: Peter Pan and A Christmas Carol - but I'd book early as tickets will sell fast. If you miss these, there are plenty more productions to get excited about, such as Romeo and Juliet and Wuthering Heights. Elegant dance and classic stories - what could be better than that?

We're pretty much spoiled for choice in Leeds for hot rocking, culture infused and visually…read morestunning settings. Aren't we lucky? Well we're even luckier to have yet another cultural high in the form of the Northern Ballet Theatre. So we see all the finest thesps at the Playhouse and indulge in some "he's behind you" action at the Grand, well that leads me onto the ballet. Founded in 1969 (well if man can land on the moon then, anything is possible), it has continued to grow throughout the area and prides itself on the highest calibre performances. You'll often be able to see classics such as Madame Butterfly and celebrating our heritage with adaptations of Wuthering Heights. It really is top draw stuff. I know ballet may not be your thing, but believe me everyone should try anything once (assuming all is legal). It's an opulent and grandiose evening and is really worth a punt, especially for special occasions. I love getting the sparkly jewellery out and mingling with suits and dresses. It's also a good excuse to ask for a Martini, shaken not stirred, at the interval. I know I need to have a good old word with myself. Not suited to all tastes types but unrivalled for a sophisticated night of high production entertainment.

I went thanks to the Passport Launch event at Distrikt…read more Was made to be very fun and chilled out. Dancing was taught step by step but relaxed and jovial atmosphere and guidance. There was a mis-match of men to women ratio due to the Yelp Passport Event but I was assured by regulars that it is usually a more even split. Even so it was fine cos some girls became men and had a good crack at being forceful and leading. I will be going back and trying to drag a man with me to keep numbers even :) Usually £5 which I can live with, same as going for a swim but a bit more social and fun way to keep fit. Laughing is good for your tum :P On a side note the food at distrikt was very tasty and they accommodate the class well - we ordered dessert but the class started before it came, they very wisely held off until we had finished, yay.

I assume, for the most part when trying to move by body in a timely and aesthetically pleasing…read morefashion, that I have "two left feet". I'm not saying I'm a terrible dancer, nor am I adverse to busting out some moves to the right tune, but it's been quite some time since I last had actual dance lessons. I tried my hand at Lindy, and I can't say it was really for me, so attempting salsa was certainly going to be interesting! Well. With the fantastic opportunity to try it out at no cost, with the Passport event, I attended alongside some fellow brave yelpers. As Natalie mentions, given our extra presence (and the football *pah*), there was a rather large surplus of ladies -however, I've been down on a previous salsa evening, and there are indeed usually plentiful male members for ladies to dance with. We started by learning the more simple steps, the mambo being the initial move, and if nothing else I certainly feel as though I had that down by the end! A few more basics later, and we were all ready to try out the moves with partners. Everyone assembles in a circle, and guys partner up with a girl, practice some moves and the switch partners -a lovely way to get to know everyone, and have a chance at dancing with folks of all skill level. It's really friendly, welcoming, and since everyone's in the same boat, there's little room for embarrassment! Most of the guys (and girls dancing as guys) were very kind, complimenting my efforts! James and his instructor partner (whose name I didn't catch) were both absolutely lovely, welcoming, and made everyone feel at ease with plenty of banter. Of course, distrikt is a great setting for the class, with plenty of space to move, fabulous drinks to enjoy, and excellent staff! I've always been made to feel extremely welcome, which is wonderful. I plan to attend the next available class (for my sins) and attempt to master the moves of salsa. Who knows, perhaps they'll make a mover and shaker of me yet! Great source of exercise, great price (only £5 and £4 for students), great people, great venue and great instructors. Win!

Sometimes we all need to get a nice big helping of fresh air to blast away those work blues or for…read moreme likely hangover. Luckily we're spoilt for choice here. One such place I love to go is Potternewton Park. It's out of the city off Harehills Lane and is well maintained. You've got formal gardens and picnic areas for a start. The active among you can also feel the deep burn with a game of tennis. Lesser assertion is needed for a cheeky spot of bowls and there is often some football going on. What it's also good for is bringing the community together with some annual events. The West Indian Carnival and Reggae Concert is a must. It's a vibrant mix of costumes, music and food and is great when the sun basks down and lights up a beautiful summer's day. If you feel like some greenery and open space then look no further.

Potternewton Park is a great green space in the Chapel Allerton/Harehills area. The surrounding…read morestreets are full of beautiful old style terraced houses and so it's a lovely addition to the area for the local children and teens to go for a wander. I've driven past it so many times on the way to work it seemed only right to stop by and check it out. At the top end there are some really lovely shrubbery arrangements, which I realise isn't the thing most people are interested in, but I quite enjoyed sitting and eating a sandwich with all the greenery around me. Further down there is a play area for the younger kids, which certainly looks more exciting than the likes of parks from when I was a kid, and there are basket ball courts and a skate area for the older ones too. As an adult there is simply a large expanse of beautiful green parkland for an afternoon stroll/sunny picnic. All in all it's a lovely place to visit if the busy roads and city life is stressing you out.