Xpress-Yourself Dance Newsletter January 2026

Hello and welcome to our January 2026 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 month’s Newsletter:
• – Keep Dancing January 2026 💃
• – In loving memory of Linda Jenkins 💖
• – The Magic of Movement: Why Dance makes us feel so good? 🪄
• – Together in Time – Dementia Friendly Tea Dance 🫖
• – Moor Pool Hall Skittles Club 🎳
• – Daylight Discos January 2026 🪩
• – Keep Dancing Sutton Coldfield Update
• – Payment Details for Keep Dancing classes 💳
• – Friends First 🫂
• – Could you be a hidden carer? 👥
• – Resources for Carers 💗
• – Throwback Thursday – 1998 🎆
• – Mental Health Support 🧠
• – Keeping In Touch 📧
• – Wish You Were Here January 2026 ✈️🌍
• – Keep Active – activities near you 🎨🎭🥋
• – NEW DANCER discounts 🕺
• – Dates for your diary 📆
• – EasyFundraising 💸
• – Benefits of Line Dancing for your Physical and Mental Health 🪭
• – February’s Keep Dancing Dances 🎩

Keep Dancing January 2026!

Keep Dancing January 2026 was all about the Samba and Line Dancing!

Fancy having a boogie at home to January 2026’s Keep Dancing playlist? Or perhaps you fancy that extra bit of practice on certain moves?

Follow the link here to be taken to January 2026 songs on the playlist!

In Loving Memory of Linda Jenkins

This month we pause to remember and pay tribute to Linda Jenkins, a much-loved dancer with Keep Dancing Garretts Green and Marston Green. Linda was a strong, friendly, and smiley lady, always bringing warmth, laughter, and a wonderful sense of humour to our dance floor. She was a big fan of My Girl by The Temptations and was once famously caught taking a taxi all the way from Stechford to Harborne so she could be part of our Keep Dancing for the Commonwealth tea dance in Harborne.

Originally from Ilfracombe, North Devon, Linda danced with us twice a week and was a great supporter of our Building Community Together tea dances, always enjoying the camaraderie and friendship that our dance classes bring. Her presence was truly valued, and her joy for dancing was felt by everyone around her.

Linda passed away in December and will be deeply missed by all who knew her. We send our sincere condolences to Tony, her surviving spouse, and to all her family and friends at this very sad time.

Linda will always be remembered as part of our dancing family, and we will be Catching Stars in her memory at Garretts Green and Marston Green.

The Magic of Movement: – Why dance makes us feel so good! 🪄

This month, Keep Dancing classes are cooling down to “It’s Kind of Magic” – not only because it’s a great song by Queen, but because it perfectly captures how magical dance can feel.

Check out our blog, The Magic of Movement here The Magic of Movement: Why Dance Makes Us Feel So Good – Xpress-Yourself Dance CIC to learn more about the mind-body connection, what feel good hormones are release when we dance and the flow state of dance.

We hope you are feeling the magic in our Keep Dancing classes this month!

Together in Time Dementia Friendly Tea Dance 🫖

Thank you to everyone who joined us for our second heart-warming dementia friendly tea dance, it was an afternoon filled with music, laughter, and friendship. This inclusive event welcomes people living with dementia, their carers, family, and friends to enjoy gentle dancing, live music, and a delicious afternoon tea in a relaxed and supportive setting.

Here are some lovely pictures from the event:

Our dementia friendly tea dance offers the perfect opportunity to share smiles, create lasting memories, and celebrate the joy of dancing together. Whether you love to dance or simply enjoy socializing over tea, everyone is welcome to experience this joyful, community-focused event.

This event is FREE thanks to generous funding from Birmingham City Council and Edgbaston NNS.

Join us at our next Together in Time Tea Dance on Monday, 30th March 2 pm-4 pm, you can book your space here Together in Time – Dementia Friendly Tea Dance – 30/3/2026 – Xpress-Yourself Dance CIC

We can’t wait to dance with you!

Moor Pool Hall Skittles Club 🎳

Do you fancy joining a new club and meeting new people on your Monday evenings?

Why not go along to the Moor Pool Hall Skittles club! Your first two sessions are free!

Daylight Discos 2026 🪩🕺

A huge thank you to everyone who supported our Daylight Disco on Friday, 30th of January! It truly felt like a wonderful afternoon filled with dancing, community, and fun. Keep your eyes peeled on our blog and Facebook page for some photos from the day!

📅 Our Next Event Date: Friday 27th March 2026
⏰ Time: 2:00 – 4:30 pm
📍 Venue: St Giles Church, 149 Church Road, Sheldon, Birmingham, B26 3TT

You can book your place here: Daylight Discos – Friday 27th March 2026 14:00-16:30 – Xpress-Yourself Dance CIC

In the meantime if you have any song requests for the next Disco please email Amelia at admin@xpress-yourself.co.uk

Thanks to generous funding from Yardley NNS, this event is FREE to attend so grab your friends, family and neighbours and boogie on down!. 🥳
☕ Refreshments will be provided, and please note this is a sober event.

We are holding Daylight Discos on : Friday 27th March 2026 (2pm-4:30pm), Friday 22nd May 2026 (2pm-4:30pm), Friday 10th July 2026 (2pm-4:30pm) and Friday 25th September 2026 (2pm-4:30pm).

Come and enjoy an afternoon full of music, movement, and joy – we’d love to see you there!

Keep Dancing Sutton Coldfield Update

From April 2026, the price of Keep Dancing Sutton Coldfield will be altered to £6.

We are so grateful that we have been able to have Keep Dancing Sutton Coldfield class at £2.50 thanks to our generous funders,

Thank you for your continued support

Payment Details for Keep Dancing Classes

From January 2026 the options to pay for your Keep Dancing classes will be card or cheque.

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

We have a little update on how to pay by cheque.

If you are paying by cheque, we kindly ask you to send a text to Amelia on +44 7826 622302 with the date your cheque was posted and the dates and class you wish to book.

This will allow us to track how long the cheques have been in the post and chase up the post office for any lost cheques.

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

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

📆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

Could you be a Hidden Carer?

In the UK, a hidden carer is someone who provides care and support to a family member, partner, friend, or neighbour who cannot cope without their help due to illness, disability, mental health condition, or addiction , but does not recognise themselves as a carer, and often goes unnoticed by services and support systems.

Key Characteristics of a Hidden Carer:

Unaware of their role: They may see what they’re doing as simply “helping out” or fulfilling a family duty.

Not accessing support: Because they don’t identify as a carer, they often don’t claim benefits, access respite services, or receive emotional or practical support.

More likely to struggle in silence: This can lead to burnout, financial difficulties, and mental health issues.

Includes children and young people: Young carers are often hidden because they may fear stigma or family separation.

🧰 Useful Resources for Carers
📞 Birmingham Carers Hub
Call: 0333 006 9711 (low call rate)
Email: info@birminghamcarershub.org.uk
Website: www.birminghamcarershub.org.uk
They provide carer assessments, advice, training, and access to local support.
👉 If you contact Birmingham Carers Hub, please mention that Xpress-Yourself Dance CIC referred you—this helps them understand how carers are finding their way to support.

For more information about hidden carers, you can read our blog here

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.

Throwback Thursday – 1998!

This month, we are throwing it back to 1998!,

1998 was the year the Titanic 🚢 was a big blockbuster movie, which set the record for the biggest January cinematic opening. Even in 2026 it remains one of the top-grossing films of all time at the UK box office.

Other memorable cinematic releases from 1998 include Antz, The Wedding Singer and Saving Private Ryan – what a year for film!

Fun Fact: In 1998, Google was founded by two Stanford University students!

How did the year 1998 impact you? What songs were you listening to, What big movies did you see?

Share your best memories of the year 1998 in the comments below!

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 – January 2026

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

This month, we have an amazing picture of Christine Blythe at The Louvre, Paris in 2018 🧑‍🎨

The Louvre is the largest art museum in the world by gallery space, covering over 72,000 square meters of exhibition space. The Louvre was built in 1190 as a medieval fortress to protect Paris, and later became a royal palace.

Thank you to Christine for sharing. We hope you had an incredible time!

We can’t wait to see whose travel pictures are shared next month…

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!

Please share our What’s On in Yardley 2025 – Xpress-Yourself Dance CIC blog with friends, family and neighbours to get them involved in the wonderful opportunities here at Xpress-Yourself Dance

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!

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

Read our EasyFundraising blog here

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 Line Dancing for Your Physical and Mental Health

January’s dance blog was a nod to our Line Dancing Routine as we gave you 5 benefits of Line Dancing for your Physical and Mental health.
Take a read here, and let us know in the comments if you felt the Benefits from January’s Line dancing 💃

February 2026 Dances

In February 2026 you will dance a Bachata choreographed by Faye O’Connor, and a Line Dancing routine choreographed by Faye O’Connor

The songs on the playlist in February 2026 will be

We hope you’re as excited to dance your way into the February 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 Dance Team