BAKEWELL: Day of Dance gets carnival week off to a lively start

The lively, interactive event today (Saturday, June 29) launched carnival week in style.

Forty students and their instructors from Belrobics brightened up an overcast morning with their belly dancing and fitness routines, exotically dressed in eye-catching pink and violet outfits. Founder Jenny Muhlwa, of Sheffield, said: “This is the first time we have performed at this event and it is a lovely day. Her business partner Sharon O’Connell, who lives in Barlborough, said: “It gives the members a huge amount of self-confidence. They were really excited coming here on the mini-bus - they were like kids in a sweetshop.”

Morris, tango, African and line dancing were among the styles performed in five locations around town, with plenty of opportunity for spectators to join in the free celebration of movement and music from around the globe.

Workshops offering lessons on different dance styles were held in the town hall. Helen Clements of Shirland-based Hop Frogs, was there to guide people through rock ‘n’ roll dances, with several of her students encouraging people to join in. Heather said: “This is the first time I have have done a workshop for this event. It has been brilliant.”

Two of her students Rod and Dorothy Wilkinson make a 100-mile round trip every week from their home in Atherstone, Warwickshire, to be taught ballroom dancing and rock n’ roll moves. Rod said: “There isn’t anyone as good a dance teacher as Heather where we live.”