SALTAIRE will be twirling and tapping its toes when it plays host to a Day of Dance in aid of good causes next month.

The 42nd Day of Dance on Saturday, May 16, takes place at Victoria Hall and other venues in the World Heritage Site with workshops in everything from salsa to belly-dancing.

Bookings are now well underway for the unique community event in which all the dance tutors and performers give their time free in order to raise charity cash.

The event, which is usually attended by around 500 people, includes 40 dance, music and song workshops throughout the day - with a number of brand new workshops and tutors being added yet again – followed by an evening dance party in Victoria Hall.

The evening programme includes three live bands in three different rooms – a traditional and very popular ceilidh in the main hall with Fools Jig and caller Bob Carter, a South American Carnival with high energy drum, dance and song outfit, Honeydrum and a swing-jive party with the hugely popular 309s.

New workshops this time include a contemporary dance workshop by acclaimed dancer Peter Coenen of the Old School Danceworks, Halifax, Chacarera Argentian Folk Dance with Tango Yorkshire, an Edwardian House Party with Rob & Tess Benie, Nicaraguan Folk Dance with Son de America from Sheffield.

These join popular favourites as varied as salsa, swing-jive/rock ‘n’ roll, tango, Charleston, nia dance, morris, clog and Scottish & Ceilidh Dance as well as the return of more recent additions such as Traditional Indian Dance, Greek Dance and Dance with Poi.

A new Taiko Japanese-style drumming workshop has already sold out, however there will be some short displays from the Taiko drummers during the evening dance party.

Organiser Denise Craghill said: "We are delighted to have such a great line-up for this May’s Day of dance. I would encourage people to book as soon as possible to ensure their first choice of workshop.

"This is a unique community event and people enjoy the very friendly atmosphere and the fantastic venue as well as the amazing selection of dances to try out.

"All our excellent dance tutors and evening performers give their time free to raise money for good causes and provide a fantastic day of dance with an unrivalled choice of workshops.

"With 40 workshops there is a great variety to chose from, all suitable for beginners and more experienced dancers, and in a very welcoming atmosphere.

"The Victoria Hall is a great venue and there is plenty of room for more people to join in. If you’ve thought about coming before and not got round to it, or if you haven’t been for a while, now’s your chance to give it a try!’"

All the proceeds will be donated to Yorkshire CND, Oxfam and Campaign Against the Arms Trade.

For full programme and booking details www.dayofdance.co.uk . Enquiries: email denise@yorkshirecnd.org.uk or tel, Denise (01274) 730795

For Editors