DanceEast throws open its doors for free day this Sunday
Ipswich's DanceEast is inviting everyone to a free Open House event at Jerwood DanceHouse this Sunday, 8 March, featuring taster classes, live performances, and building tours from 10:00 to 15:00.
Why it matters: The completely free event is open to all ages and abilities, with no dance experience required. It coincides with Angela Rippon's Let's Dance! campaign.
The details: The day features a packed lineup of bite-sized taster sessions led by local artists, including:
- Baby & Me (10:15–10:45) – gentle movement for parents with babies in slings.
- Hip Hop Dance (10:45–11:30) – a high-energy family session in partnership with Elementz Dance Company.
- Contemporary 8-11s (11:45–12:15) – creative games and movement for young people.
- Ballet Boogie (12:15–12:45) – ballet basics set to modern songs, with multiple barre heights for all the family.
- K-Pop (13:45–14:15) – a family-friendly session taught by local dance artist Marni Cady-Heffer.
- Yoga (18+) (13:00–13:30) – a calming session to pause and reset.
- Moving Minds (18+) (14:30–15:00) – a creative dance and movement session from Inside Out.
Two live performances are also scheduled – DanceEast's Centre for Advanced Training (CAT) students perform at 13:00, and local over-50s company EncoreEast takes to the studio at 14:20, with work choreographed by Luca Silvestrini.
For young dancers: DanceEast's CAT Open Studio gives young people aged 10-16 the chance to observe classes, see student work and meet the team. Places are free but must be booked in advance.
Throughout the day: Building tours are led by DanceEast's Young Producers, information stands cover the organisation's creative health programmes – including Dance for Parkinson's and Care to Dance – and the café will be open throughout.
Attendance is free, but DanceEast asks visitors to register in advance to help manage access needs and numbers. To register or find out more, visit the DanceEast website or call the box office on 01473 295230.
The bottom line: From babies in slings to over-50s performers, Sunday's Open House offers something for everyone – a rare chance to explore one of Ipswich's cultural gems and try dance for free.
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