back to top

BALLROOM AND SEQUENCE DANCES AT THE TOWN HALL

keep fit . .

keep young . . .

keep dancing

WHAT IS SEQUENCE DANCING

Sequence dancing is a form of group dancing based on standard ballroom and Latin dances such as the Waltz, Foxtrot and Rumba. It involves every couple in the group following the same 16 bar routine. This makes learning the steps, including the more difficult ones, easier to pick up and more enjoyable.

OUR CHARITY RAFFLE

The Charities that benefit from the proceeds of the raffle are chosen by you the dancers on an annual basis when we conduct a survey of your opinions on the dances.

The charities from 2010 - 2011 are British Heart Foundation, St Ann’s Hospice, and Cancer Research UK.

Last year (2010 - 2011) you raised £870.78 which was split between all 3 charities. The charities for this financial year are RNLI, St Ann’s Hospice and Cancer Research.

This year let’s all try to raise more! You can always donate any unwanted gifts to the raffle.

Thanks to all of you who regularly support the charity raffle. 

Mike Davies our Compere
I began to dance at the age of eight at Cadmans Dance School in King Street Stretford.  In later years I was coached by Miss Nora Carter of St Helens for my professional exams.  I am a fellow of the International Dance Teachers Association, a fellow of the United Kingdom Alliance, a member of the Northern Counties Dance Teachers and a licensed adjudicator of ballroom, latin and classical sequence of the British Dance Council.  I think the ballroom at the Town Hall is one of the best in the country and in July I start my 31st year as the MC.

Evelyn Kennedy
Evelyn Kennedy started dancing in the late 1960’s with the introduction of old time dancing, continuing on into modern and Latin style dancing which included sequence dancing. She attended various dancing schools throughout the South Manchester area. In 2004 she became a professional teacher of dancing. She continues to teach social dancing as well as partnering Michael Davies at the Town Hall.

Her outlook is if you can walk well to music with good style and movement, you can dance. Dancing is a great pastime which can be enjoyed by the whole community. She would like to invite you to come and join in the dancing in the magnificent Town Hall Ballroom.

Charles Brown - the organist
Charles began playing the church organ in his early teens, and developed an interest in the music of the cinema organ through listening to the broadcasts of Reginald Dixon from the Tower Ballroom in Blackpool.  In the 1970’s Charles began working as a projectionist for the Tatton Group Cinemas, which included the Davenport Theatre, Stockport.  This enabled him to begin playing the Compton pipe organ installed there for mid-week film presentations.  On the retirement of the resident organist, Charles took over playing for the Friday and Saturday evening performances, and by that time was also playing for the bingo audiences on the Compton pipe organ in the old Plaza Cinema in Mersey Square.

In 1985, Charles began playing the organ in Chorley Town Hall for the monthly social dance, as a result of which, he was introduced to Eric Barlow who was the resident dance organist at Stockport Town Hall.  Charles was very pleased and grateful to receive support and guidance from Eric, as playing for dancing requires a specialised technique.  On occasions, Charles deputised for Eric, and in 2000 took over the organ bench when Eric retired after 20 years at the Town Hall.

Charles also plays old time and modern sequence dancing at a number of venues around the North West, on these occasions taking along his own portable electronic organ.  Charles is pleased to be able to continue the tradition of “live” dance music at Stockport Town Hall, in the company of MCs Michael Davies and Evelyn Kennedy.  A pleasant and enjoyable evening can be had by all, at this magnificent dancing venue.