Xpress-Yourself Dance CIC April 2025 Newsletter

Hello and welcome to our April 2025 Newsletter,
This newsletter will update you on all things Keep Dancing.

Your continued support choosing to keep dancing with us every week is greatly appreciated.
Should you ever have feedback about a piece of music or particular dance please always do get in touch.   

• In this months Newsletter:
• – Keep Dancing April 2025
• – Payment Details for Keep Dancing classes
• – National Parkinson’s Awareness Month April 2025
• – Friends First
• -Tea Dance Highbury Hall
• – Xpress Yourself Dance Memories – 1981
• -Diabetes Wellbeing April 2025
• – ISE
• – Mental Health Support
• – Keeping In touch
• – Wish You Were Here
• – Support Our Research
• – Tea Dance Highbury Hall
• – Resources for Carers
• – Keep Active – activities near you
• – NEW DANCER discounts
• – Dates for your diary
• – EasyFundraising
• – Benefits of Swing Dancing for your Physical and Mental health
• – May’s Keep Dancing Dances

Keep Dancing April 2025!

Keep Dancing April 2025 was all about Swing Dancing and Bollywood Dancing!

Fancy having a boogie at home to April 2025 Keep Dancing playlist? Or perhaps you fancy that extra bit of practice on some certain moves?

Follow the link here to be taken to April 2025 songs on the playlist!

Payment Details for Keep Dancing Classes

Important Update: Payment Details for Keep Dancing Classes

Please note that the HSBC bank account previously used for Keep Dancing payments is now closed.

You can now make payments via bank transfer to the following account:

Unity Bank Trust Plc
Account Name: Xpress Yourself Dance CIC
Sort Code: 60-83-01
Account Number: 20447494

Alternatively, you can now pay quickly and securely by card through our website.

Please continue to book your classes via our website:
👉 www.xpress-yourself.co.uk/dance-classes

A polite reminder:

Please make payment immediately after booking your class.

Once a class is booked, it cannot be transferred or refunded.

If you’re unsure whether you’ll be able to attend, we recommend booking on the day, as reserving a spot without attending may prevent someone else from joining.

Thank you for your cooperation and continued support!

We have a little update on how to pay by cheque.
If you choose to pay by cheque, please can you ensure that cheques are sent in the post to this address: 
XPRESS YOURSELF
PO Box 18828
OLDBURY
B69 9HX
Cheques will not be accepted at the class.
When paying by cheque we please request
:Cheques are made payable to Xpress-Yourself Dance CIC.
You write the dates you wish to attend on the back of the cheque.
Please note that once the cheque has been received the dates you have booked are not transferable.
You write your address and telephone number on the back of the cheque.
As you do not book online, we will also need to be informed of an emergency contact number for you.
Please note the envelope will need a stamp.
Thank you for your support
Paying by Card

🌟You said, we did! 🌟
We’ve listened carefully to your feedback and integrated card
payment into our website! This means you’ll be able to pay for classes by
card, making booking your class an even easier process!
Simply visit https://xpress-yourself.co.uk/dance-classes/, choose your class, and select the Credit/Debit Card option at checkout.
If you are choosing to book by card please ensure that you check the amount of places you are booking before confirming your order. If you are accidentally booking an additional space your card will be card for all places.
Don’t hesitate – book your class today!

National Parkinson’s Awareness Month April 2025

National Parkinson’s awareness month is every April and aims to spread awareness about Parkinson’s disease, a progressive neurological disease that effects movement, muscle control and balance support.

Parkinson’s disease affects over 10 million people worldwide. Common symptoms are tremors, stiffness, slowness of movement and change in your ability to balance.

The month aims to educate the public’s understanding of symptoms and the challenges of living with the disease; promote research funding and policy change to improve healthcare for the people affected by Parkinson’s and encourage fundraising to get organisations to donate to the cause.

This year, over 180 iconic landmarks, buildings, and homes were lit up blue to shine a light on people with Parkinson’s and the people who love and care for them. There were also over 150 local events, from cake sales to exercise challenges.

You can still get involved in this year’s fundraising by donating straight to Parkinson’s Day UK here

Friends First

Would you like to make new friends?
Increase your social networks?
Or maybe you would just like support to engage in your local community?
The Friends First team are here to help.💚

We offer advice and can signpost you to find new opportunities in your
local area. A crucial aspect of the project is to set up friendship
groups that offer a safe space, where likeminded people can come
together and meet over a cuppa. ☕

You can find the team…
📆 Every Monday
⏰12:30pm – 2pm
📍Mere Drive Common Room, Mere Drive off Cremorne Road, Mere Green B75
5AN
📞Call Julia on 07985 270599 or 0121 362 3650 for further information
😃Bring Lunch if you wish!

📆Every Wednesday
⏰12:30am– 2pm
📍Hawkesley Community Centre, Edgewood Road, Kings Norton B38 9RN
📞call Miriam on 079852 70579 or 0121 399 0122 for further information
☕Coffee, chat, lunch club and/or Bingo!

📆Every Thursday
⏰10:30am– 12pm
📍Ladywood Leisure Centre, Ladywood Middleway, B16 8TR
📞call Miriam on 079852 70579 or 0121 399 0122 for further information

📆Every Other Thursday from 6th Feb
⏰1.30-3pm
📍Harborne Library, 193 High St. Harborne B17 9QG
📞call Miriam on 07985 270579 or 0121 399 0122 for further information

📅 Every Thursday
⏰10.30-12pm
📍Perry Beeches Baptist Church, Beeches Rd, B42 2HF
📞call Julia on 07985 270599 or 0121 362 3650 for further information
☕Café available

📆Every Friday
⏰10.30am-12.30pm
📍Sutton Coldfield Methodist Church, 16 South Parade, B72 1QY
📞call Julia on 07985 270599 for further information
🎲Activities, quiz, puzzles!

📆Every Thursday
⏰11am-12.30pm
📍Erdington Library, Orphanage Rd, B24 9HP
📞Call and ask for Chloe on 0121 437 0033 or Claire on 0121 362 3650

📆Every other Thursday
⏰1.30-3pm
📍Lench’s Close, Wake green Rd, Moseley B13 9EY
📞Call Miriam on 07985 270579 or 0121 362 3650 for further information
☕Coffee, chat and activities!

📆Starting Wednesday 26th March 25, then fortnightly
⏰11am-1pm
📍Beacon Church, 47 Sandwell Rd B21 8NH
📞Call Chloe on 07955265565 or 0121 3623650
☕Enjoy a chat, refreshments and games!

More groups will be set up over the coming months so please ring for
more information and come and get involved!

Highbury Hall Tea Dance

We are hosting a tea dance for The Chamberlin Highbury Trust 20th May and 24th June. Special discount for our dancers £15 instead of £25 which also includes a tour or the house.

You can book on using the QR code on the leaflet alternatively here is the link https://buy.stripe.com/fZeg1Q5JL8w22Zy6op

Throwback Thursday

This month over on our Facebook page, Xpress-Yourself Dance began a new segment of Throwback Thursday! One Thursday a month we will highlight a year and we want to know your memories are of the year!

In April we highlighted 1981!

Fun Fact: One of our cool-down songs this month, ‘The Land of Make Believe’ by Bucks Fizz was released! The same year that Bucks Fizz won the Eurovision song contest!

We wonder what your memories were of 1981?

And if you fancy further remenicing with your fellow dancers head over to our Facebook page!

Diabetes Wellbeing April 2025

ISE – Supporting Businesses and Empowering Communities

Mental Health Support

If you need help for a mental health crisis or emergency, you should get immediate expert advice and assessment.

It’s important to know that support services are available for you to access, whatever you’re going through. You can get urgent Mental Health Support from 111 online or by calling 111 and selecting the mental health option. Alternatively you can ask for an urgent GP appointment. 111 will tell you the right place to get help. You may be able to speak to a trained mental health professional over the phone. A GP can advise you about helpful treatments and also help you access mental health services. You may be able to refer yourself to some services.
Free listening services These services offer confidential support from trained volunteers. You can talk about anything that’s troubling you, no matter how difficult: Call 116 123 to talk to Samaritans, or email: jo@samaritans.org for a reply within 24 hours Text “SHOUT” to 85258 to contact the Shout Crisis Text Line,

Keeping in Touch

To avoid missing out on emails and important updates, please ensure both admin@xpress-yourself.co.uk and hello@xpress-yourself.co.uk are marked as safe email address. Additionally, make sure to always check your spam – just make sure the email address of the sender is one of the above.
Just a reminder that admin@xpress-yourself.co.uk office hours are Monday 8am-2pm and Thursday 8am-2pm.
Please ensure that you let us know of any changes of contact or emergency contact details.

Wish You Were Here April 2025

First of all, thank you to everyone who has sent images from their trips to contribute to our Wish You Were Here segment! If you still want to take part please email your trip pictures to admin@xpress-yourself.co.uk
In this months newsletter we are highlighting Susan Lawson from Keep Dancing Aldridge on her trip to Las Vegas for her 60th Birthday!

Las Vegas is a lively city in Nevada known for its bright lights, famous casinos, and non-stop entertainment. The Las Vegas Strip is home to extravagant hotels, live shows, and world-class dining, attracting millions of visitors each year. While it’s famous for nightlife and gambling, the city also offers nearby natural attractions like Red Rock Canyon for outdoor adventures. Las Vegas is a place where there’s always something happening, day or night.

Thank you to Susan for sharing such an amazing picture, I am sure you will agree that it looked like she had a fabulous time! 🌍

Support Our Research April 2025

We’re currently working on funding applications and would greatly appreciate your support with our research. Even if the project isn’t directly related to your area, completing the survey will still help shape future projects and applications that could be relevant to you.

Community Feedback – Dementia- Friendly Tea Dance in Quinton – https://forms.gle/KtmqfuUNyCU5dpVeA

Daylight Discos for Over 50’s – https://forms.gle/3JNU7n3SU7ExGDZe8

Thank you for all your support

Highbury Hall Tea Dance

We are hosting a tea dance for The Chamberlin Highbury Trust 20th May and 24th June.

Special discount for our dancers £15 instead of £25 which also includes a tour or the house.

You can book by using the QR code on the leaflet.

We hope to see some of you there!

Resources for Carers
Here at Xpress-Yourself Dance CIC we support carers. If you feel like you need additional support or advice we can make a referral to Birmingham Carers Hub. Please do just get in touch with us, we are happy to help.

In addition to our carer classes on offer, we are also happy to provide resources to help support carers and hopefully make their responsibilities a little easier – we are more than happy to help!
We have compiled all our resources into one handy blog post for you! There is information about support, activities for carers and information about Carers IF card. Click here to access the blog!
Don’t forget we have a FREE pre-recorded downloadable class for carers. A monthly half-hour session for those unable to join us for our online or in-person carer classes, but don’t want to miss out on the dancing. After booking the class, you will receive a link via email to download the video. The link will expire within 7 days.

Find More Local Activities to Keep you Active

Xpress-Yourself Dance CIC understands the importance of Dance to keep your mind and body active and healthy, but joining other local activities can boost community spirit and your own wellbeing.

We have collated activities for you to join in Acocks Green area , West Bromwich area and Yardley area click on each area to see the blog post and find an activity for you!

If you know of any other activities in your local area that you think your Keep Dancing friends will enjoy, please send the information to admin@xpress-yourself.co.uk. and we can get them into a handy blog post!

Dates for your diary:
May:
Keep Dancing Garretts Green will not run on Monday 5th May and Monday 26th May
Keep Dancing Acocks Green will not run on Monday 5th May and Monday 26th May
Keep Dancing Sutton Coldfield will not run on Monday 5th May and Monday 26th May
Keep Dancing Aldridge will not run on Monday 5th May and Monday 26th May
Keep Dancing for carers Shenley court Hall will not run on Tuesday 20th May

Keep Dancing Quinton will not run on Thursday 22nd May

Keep Dancing Sheldon will not run on Thursday 22nd May

New Dancer Discount

Do you have a friend, neighbour or family member who would like to join a Keep Dancing class?
We have a brand new discount for dancers who are brand new to Xpress-Yourself Dance CIC, our New Dancer 6 classes for £12!
This deal is available for:
Keep Dancing Sheldon
Keep Dancing Shirley
Keep Dancing Garretts Green
Keep Dancing Aldridge
Keep Dancing Harborne
Keep Dancing Marston Green
Keep Dancing Bentley Heath
Keep Dancing Quinton
Keep Dancing Greatest Hits

For NEW participants attending Xpress-Yourself Dance we have a special offer of block booking your first 6 classes for just £12. (Classes are usually £5.50 per class.) This is a special offer and can only be applied as a block booking. New participants should send the 6 dates of the classes via email to admin@xpress-yourself.co.uk after booking. Transfers of dates will not be offered and no refunds given.

Please note the NEW DANCER promotion is explicitly for dancers who are new to Xpress-Yourself Dance CIC. Please do not use this promotion if you already attended Keep Dancing classes at another venue.

For more information, visit our blog here

Thank you for your understanding.

EasyFundraising

Support us when you shop online
You will be unsurprised to hear that room hire for many of our groups has recently increased.
We are keen to not increase our prices for Keep Dancing classes but we do ask for your support. If you are partial to a little bit of online shopping you can support Xpress-Yourself Dance CIC every time you shop. We are now registered with easyfundraising, which means you can help us for FREE. Over 4,000 shops and sites will donate to us when you use easyfundraising to shop with them – at no extra cost to yourself!

All you need to do is sign up and remember to use easyfundraising whenever you shop online. It’s easy and completely FREE! These donations really will mount up and ensure that we can continue to run classes where you book by the week, and not by the month, with no price increase so please sign up to support here  So far £208.75 has been raised. This money will be used towards a monthly hall hire at one of our nine venues.  Thank you to everyone who has signed up to support us and have been online shopping with us in mind, your support is greatly appreciated. 

Read Our Blog: 5 Effective Benefits of Swing Dancing for Your Physical and Mental Health

March’s blog was a nod to our Swing Dance Routine as we gave you 5 benefits of Swing Dance for your Physical and Mental health.
Take a read here, and let us know in the comments if you felt the Benefits from April’s Swing Dancing 👯‍♀️

May 2025 Dances

In May 2025 you will dance a Flamenco Dance choreographed by Faye O’Connor, and a and a Swing Dance choreographed by Helen Mason

The songs on the playlist in May 2025 will be

• 1 . Tiger Feet – MUD
• 2. Pencil full of lead – Paulo Nutini
• 3. Flamenco – Kàroly Csecsodi
• 4. Swing Choo Choo Ch’ Boogie
• 5. You send me – Aretha Franklin
  

We hope you’re as excited to dance your way into May as we are!

We are so grateful for your continued support. Whether that be continuing to interact with our Facebook page, leaving us reviews, telling your friends about our classes and booking onto our Keep Dancing classes. Your support is truly appreciated and we hope to continue keep dancing into the future. 

If you have the time please Leave us a Facebook Review here
Subscribe to our YouTube Channel here
Follow us on Instagram @xpre55your5elfdance
Increasing our social following will certainly help us maintain our small business in 2025.

Thank you so much!

We love to boogie!

The Xpress-Yourself Team