2011 is the time to dance!

Sway Dance is being launched on the 15th January, 2011, at Parkwood leisure centres nationwide, which locally includes Chase Sports and Fitness Centre, Shoeburyness Leisure Centre and the Southend Leisure and Tennis Centre.

Parkwood Leisure is working with Ida Freeman, an internationally renowned professional dance instructor, dance school owner and performer, who has created a bespoke range of high quality teaching resources.

Participants will be able to work towards nationally recognised dance qualifications as part of structured dance classes designed to appeal to all age groups and abilities.

To begin with Sway Dance is offering three core disciplines - Streetdance, Ballet and Ballroom - with local bespoke additions including Bellydancing, Cheerleading, Salsa, Jazz, Jive, Contemporary and Freestyle.

Councillor Derek Jarvis, Southend-on-Sea Borough Council's Executive Councillor for Culture, said: "Dance is now considered only second to football as the most popular activity undertaken by schoolchildren.

"The diversity of dance offers a unique way of engaging with people of all ages, genders, cultural backgrounds and abilities, which I am sure Sway Dance will be able to achieve."

Andrew Holt, Chief Executive of Parkwood Leisure, said: "The introduction of Sway Dance is set to be extremely advantageous to Parkwood leisure. We believe that it will appeal to all members of the community who might not otherwise use traditional sports and leisure facilities. "

Alan Davey, Chief Executive of Arts Council England, said: "Dance is something people do, its something people get excited about, it can be a universal and yet highly technical language that people respond to at a deep level. It can change attitudes and change the world, as only the best art can."

As well as the classes Sway dance will also offer a range of dance and leisurewear for its participants. The items are current, wearable, practical and fun and will include branded hoodies, leisure bottoms, t-shirts, towels, water bottles and much more.

If you are interested in Streetdance or any other dance classes at Chase Sports and Fitness Centre contact Anthony Thompson on 01702-433006 for details about the class programmes. Sign up for a full term of lessons and you will receive an exclusive Sway Dance T-shirt.

For further information on the other Sway Dance classes contact the Parkwood Leisure Centres directly. For Shoeburyness Leisure Centre call 01702-293558 and for Southend Leisure and Tennis Centre please call 01702-613000.