Wayne Sleep Gets Wandsworth Dancing photo:C Thurman    

Celebrity Wayne Sleep held a fun packed and inspirational open workshop for hundreds of people on Sunday 16 July 2006 at the Royal Academy of Dance.  Adults, young people and families; beginners and professionals alike, all took to the dance floor together for the opportunity to dance with the popular choreographer and dancer.

The Wayne Sleep Special was just one of a whole range of FREE taster classes and workshops held throughout the day, run by professional dance teachers, aimed at anyone willing to ‘give dance a go’ regardless of their age or ability.  Dance classes took place both inside and out – as well as having the opportunity to dance in the RAD’s purpose built studios, a marquee in the RAD’s courtyard housed a fully sprung dance floor (sponsored by Harlequin).  Families learnt how to move together in the popular ‘parent and child’ workshop whilst a group of young men were given the rare chance to work with professional male dancers in the ‘boys only creative’ session.  Adult beginners braved Ballet, Bollywood and Spanish while the more experienced had the opportunity to hone their skills.   The day ended with a good old fashioned Tea Dance with Wandsworth’s very own DJ Mr Wonderful.

The day was supported by other celebrities who made guest appearances including Agnes Oaks and Thomas Edur, guest Principal Artists with English National Ballet, Steven Wilks, former Royal Ballet Principal and actor Ben Price, BBC Casuality. Face-Painting, Reading Dance (chance to learn the basics of Benesh Movemnet Notation) raffles with fabulous prizes and professional Street Dance performances by G-Force Productions were interspersed throughout the day.

Harlequin Floors have very kindly provided the outdoor dance floor.