Classes are held every Tuesday at Portishead Primary School. Click on a class below for further details.
+ Beginners' Class 8 - 8.40pm
These classes are aimed at total beginners and it doesn't matter when you join - we don't run courses that start at the beginning of each term, as some dance schools do. You will learn 3 or 4 moves in each class, and it will probably take you between 8 and 14 weeks to learn the beginners' moves and feel comfortable dancing them in freestyle sessions. Men tend to take slightly longer to learn the moves as they also have to learn to lead the dance!
Our emphasis is on teaching the basics and techniques of the moves, in a relaxed and fun atmosphere.
Everyone makes mistakes so don't worry if you've never danced before or if you think you have 2 left feet!
+ Intermediates' Class 9.15 - 10pm
This class moves more quickly and you will be expected to know the beginners' moves and the basic techniques. There are hundreds of intermediate moves, but you will learn 4 or 5 moves in each class, and we repeat moves regularly to ensure you have a chance to remember them. In this class more time will be spent on teaching style, too, so you can look good when you are dancing!
+ ...or Beginners' Extra Class 9.15 - 10pm
You’ll go through the moves in more detail in a much smaller, informal class where you can ask questions and get one-to-one help. It speeds up your learning and you’ll get to know people more quickly.
+ Freestyle 10 - 10.30pm
Practising what you have been taught is the best way to progress, so make the most of the freestyle sessions. Once you have learnt a few basic moves, you can link them together in different ways as you feel inspired by the music!
There is a break for refreshments and freestyle practise/warm up between 8:45pm and 9.15pm. The full evening of lessons and freestyle sessions costs £8 per person.
Your teachers
Steve Wonnacott, Dave and Kat Holbrook run Portishead LeRoc and are the main teachers. They have a wealth of experience of teaching classes, workshops and guest-teaching at dance weekends. They bring different styles and approaches to the class and draw on their knowledge of other dance forms, such as Argentine Tango. They all believe that dancing should be fun and will make sure you leave the class with a smile on your face!
Herb has danced LeRoc for over 10 years and leads the Beginners’ Extra class in the second part of the evening. He loves the salsa-jive fusion and hearing any Latin track brings a smile to his face! Herb enjoys the social side of dancing and can be seen at dances far and wide across the South West.
Graham and Julie met at Portishead LeRoc in 2011. They developed a friendship which blossomed into love and they got married in 2018. They both love dancing and being part of the class and community of Portishead LeRoc. Graham says, “We’re looking forward to being at the door to welcome people with a great big smile!”
About Portishead LeRoc
Portishead LeRoc was started in 2005 by Maurice Flay who wanted to bring modern jive to the area. Maurice’s passion for teaching beginners helped to make the class an established part of the Portishead LeRoc community and he helped many people to discover a love of dancing. Heather Parsons supported the class from the start and then joined Maurice as a teacher a short while later.
In 2011 when Maurice moved on to pursue other interests, Heather took over Portishead LeRoc and teaching the class. She had studied different dance styles throughout her life and competed in Latin and Ballroom when she was younger, so she developed the class teaching to include a focus on style and interpretation. Her passion for seeing people learn a new skill has always been matched by her desire to create a fun, supportive community of people who share a love of dancing. Social events became a regular part of the class life as well as dances and taking part in the annual Portishead Raft Race.
In 2021, following major surgery, Heather unfortunately had to make the decision to step back from running Portishead LeRoc. She passed it on to experienced local teachers Steve, Dave and Kat who continue the fun and sense of community that is such a big part of the class….tbc