

Dance for Adults
'Connect and Dance'
New Adventures, photo by Roswitha Chesher 2024
Move, create, connect and enjoy dancing together.
At Dance Network Association (DNA), we believe dance is for everyone. Our adult dance programmes provide welcoming and inclusive opportunities to move, be creative, meet new people and experience the joy of dancing.
Whether you danced years ago, dance regularly or have never stepped into a dance class before, you are welcome.
Our classes aren't about getting the steps perfect. They're about enjoying movement, exploring different styles of dance, building confidence and connecting with other people through a shared creative experience.
What to expect
Our adult classes are led by experienced professional dance artists and explore a variety of dance styles, music and creative approaches.
Depending on the session, you might learn choreography, explore a particular dance style, create your own movement or simply enjoy moving together to some brilliant music.
We encourage everyone to participate at their own pace and offer adaptations wherever possible. You don't need to consider yourself a "dancer" to take part – if you'd like to dance, there's a place for you.
Many of our sessions also include time to stay for a cuppa and conversation, because for us, the social connection is just as important as the dancing.
Connect & Dance – Wivenhoe
Dance. Connect. Create.
Connect & Dance is our friendly community dance class for adults who want to keep moving, try something creative and connect with others.
Each session offers something different, with our dance artists bringing a range of dance styles, music and creative ideas into the room. Sessions might take inspiration from contemporary dance, musical theatre, commercial dance, cultural dance styles or a favourite piece of music.
There's no pressure to perform and no previous dance experience is required. Come along, have a go and discover what your body can do.
Wednesdays
11:30–12:30 | Connect & Dance
12:30-13:00 | Social and Refreshments in the Wyvern Room -William Loveless Hall
OR pop two doors down and join us at the Creative Wellbeing Cafe
12:30–13:00 | at Wivenhoe Town Council
2026–27 Programme
🍂 Block 1 | Global Fusion
With Guest Artist Rosy May
May Dance with Guest Artist Rosy May May Dance is a form of movement with joy at it's core. Using the four elements of nature as a framework, find a connection with the feel of the movement whilst fusing many styles together from around the globe. We could move with quick, flamboyant FIRE and it could look like salsa or jive; or we could connect to our breath and flow using AIR. WATER welcomes a fluid ever changing motion, often found in island countries. Or we could root ourselves deeply into the EARTH and connect with our bodies, each other and the world around us. This class is open to all types of movements, and however your body feels comfortable moving that day. Come exactly as you, no experience needed.
Dates:
7, 14 & 21 October
4 & 11 November
No class 28 October.
🍂 Block 2 | Bollywood
With Guest Artist Gurpreet Tumber
The classes celebrate the energy, joy, and cultural richness of Bollywood and Bhangra, using upbeat music, rhythmic footwork, expressive arms, and strong yet accessible movements. Sessions are designed specifically for people aged 50+, with a welcoming, supportive atmosphere where everyone can move at their own pace.
Across five weeks, the group works together to learn and shape a full Bhangra-inspired routine, gradually layering steps, rhythm, and expression. Alongside set choreography, participants are invited into gentle creative tasks—exploring storytelling, gesture, and musical accents so the final piece reflects both the tradition of Bhangra and the individuality of the dancers themselves.
Dates:
18 & 25 November
2, 9 & 16 December
❄️ Block 3 | Commercial - Let the Music Play!
With DNA Community and Engagement Lead Katelyn Holman
Get ready to bring the energy in this fun and upbeat Commercial Dance workshop with Katelyn Holman! Commercial dance is the high-energy style you’ll often see in music videos, live concerts and stage performances, bringing together influences from jazz, street dance and popular dance styles. Working to an exciting track, you’ll learn a fresh piece of choreography exploring sharp, dynamic movement, rhythm, musicality and performance style. It’s all about confidence, personality and finding your own groove — learning the choreography, adding your individual style and, most importantly, having a brilliant time dancing!
Dates:
13, 20 & 27 January
3 & 10 February
🌸 Block 4 | Musical Theatre
With Guest Artist Natalie P
A four-week journey of music, movement and Broadway magic!
Join local musical theatre artist Natalie Prelogov as we explore the wonderful world of West Side Story through dance, music and creative expression.
Inspired by the iconic musical, we'll explore well-loved numbers including America and I Feel Pretty, bringing their energy, character and storytelling to life through movement.
A welcoming and creative experience celebrating the joy of musical theatre, with opportunities to learn choreography, develop confidence and enjoy dancing together.
No previous dance or musical theatre experience is needed!
Dates:
24 February
3, 10 & 17 March
🌸 Block 5 | Creative Contemporary
Guest Artist Bobbie Gargrave
A contemporary dance series using the iconic Rolling Stones track ‘Paint It Black’ as our musical inspiration. Drawing on the energy, attitude and character of 1960s rock ’n’ roll, we’ll explore bold contemporary movement, rhythmic accents, gesture, dynamics and musicality. We’ll learn some short original movement motifs and then have the best time playing with them, changing, developing and reimagining the material to create our own version. Expect plenty of personality, creativity and freedom to move. Most importantly, we’ll have a really good time dancing!
Dates:
7, 14, 21 & 28 April
5 May
☀️ Block 6 | Contact Improvisation
With Guest Artist Steph Townsend
Dates:
19 & 26 May
9, 16 & 23 June
No class 2 June.
☀️ Block 7 | Contemporary Performance
Guest Artist TBA
Dates:
30 June
7, 14, 21 & 28 July
This final block will give the group the opportunity to work towards a performance together. We will discuss and agree additional rehearsal and performance dates with participants.
Fees
Standard blocks: £40–£50 per block
Performance block: £100
Booking by block gives you the opportunity to really explore a dance style, get to know the artist and develop alongside the rest of the group.
Caring for a loved one and want to come and dance?
Between 4 November 2026 and 27 January 2027 DNA is piloting a Creative Wellbeing Cafe at the Town Council Chambers 77 High Street CO7 9AB
We open the doors at 11:15 for you to drop your loved one, and whilst they are with Katie and Gemma taking part in a creative activity over refreshments, you can come and dance!
For more details about the cafe click here
A little note about bookings
As places are booked and paid for as a complete block, we are unfortunately unable to offer refunds or credits for individual sessions that you are unable to attend.
We’re also unable to offer individual taster sessions within a block or refunds if you decide after starting that the particular dance style isn't for you. Part of the fun of Connect & Dance is trying something different, and we hope you'll give each artist and style a chance across the block!
Of course, if you're unsure whether Connect & Dance is suitable for you before booking, please get in touch and we'll be very happy to have a chat.
Book Connect & Dance
Choose the block you'd like to join and head over to our Bookings Page to book your place. Further blocks will become available with more descriptions as dates are nearing. Don't miss your place book today!
If you need support with booking, please call 07490 374 717 or email info@dancenetworkassociation.org.uk.
Never danced before? You are absolutely welcome.
Come as you are, move in your own way and discover the joy of dancing together.
Photo above: Sam Blayney