Keep up to date with the latest news...

April 13, 2024

We also have an opportunity to visit and practise your Jazz Technique...

Back to Basics Jazz Technique

Tuesdays 6:30pm

Pay in Advance - £21.25 or Pay as you go £5

Book in online - www.wokingdancespace.org.uk/classes

March 30, 2024

Over the next 2 weeks we have a super collection of classes, with various teachers.

They are ALL NON SHOW, so welcome for everyone to come along and enjoy.

Levels are identified and can be booked on the webshop up to a week before!

The full schedule is also available on our website.

February 17, 2024

or get in touch for more details info@wokingdancespace.org.uk

January 24, 2022

Attached are some useful snippets of information relating to this year's SHOW!!

Further information will be shared as we go along, but you can always get in touch with any other queries via the usual channels - info@wokingdancespace.org.uk, Facebook or in person at the studio!!

May 10, 2021

As confirmed by Boris' announcement this afternoon, we are happy to confirm that Face to Face classes are all set to return from Monday 17th May.

We will return to the 'Covid Secure' model that we were using last year, before the current lockdown.

• Classes will be available to book from one week before, right up to the time of class. So, Monday classes will be available from the previous Tuesday, Tuesday classes from the previous Wednesday etc etc.
• You must book to attend to make sure we have up to date contact details and ensure our maximum limit is not exceeded - teachers will have a class register to check. No booking and no space in the class ? No dancing I'm afraid.
• Class capacity is 13 dancers.
• Sanitise hands on entry to the studio, and coming back from the toilet.
• Enter via the fire escape, exit via the Mayford Centre (with your mask / face covering, unless you are exempt). If coming back in from using the toilet, you can come back in the 'normal' door - you dont need to go all the way outside to come back up the fire escape... 
• Refrain from using the kitchen and foyer areas, unless in an emergency (eg cleaning or first aid).

The ongoing building works at the Mayford Centre will likely cause daytime disruption. We have a meeting to confirm the situation, and decide our plan, with the centre / project team on Wednesday. I know this might seem late in the day, but their project meeting is tomorrow, so an informed decision wont be possible until then.

We are confident the daytime classes WILL be live and we have a plan B if the work around our studio proves to be unavoidable. All will be communicated as soon as we know 

January 2, 2021

Due to Woking and the surrounding areas being placed into Tier-4 we are unable to offer face-to-face class at this time.

However we will be back on Zoom with our full timetable of classes from Monday 4th January. Click here for details of out classes.

You can purchase your classes using the WDS on-line store. On completion of your order you will be sent the details to login to the Zoom class.

November 2, 2020

Not quite the new half term update we were intending to send, but we must roll with the punches...

Following the Government’s update over the weekend, we have to close the studio for face-to-face classes from Thursday.

As such Thursday and Friday’s classes are cancelled and we will be getting in touch with all those booked on in the coming days to arrange refunds etc.

We are working on our plans for how we intend to take WDS forward and will be in touch with exciting updates soon!!

October 27, 2020

Following discussions amongst the dancers and trustees, we are pleased to announce that we are mixing Wednesday nights up a bit to make more room for people to get to class.

From next week the Wednesday class timings will be as follows:

• 18:30 - 19:20 Beginners Ballet
• 19:20 - 20:10 Intermediate Ballet (Early)
• 20:10 - 21:00 Intermediate Ballet (Late)
• 21:00 - 21:50 Contemporary
• 21:50 - 22:20 Pointe

With the exception of Pointe, all classes will be 45minutes, with a 5 minute window at the end for cleaning and vacating / coming in, per the current set up.

Class price has been adjusted to reflect the shorter class, to £4.

The new classes are in the webshop ready to go from tomorrow, so please make sure you select carefully when booking on and make a note of the new start times!

As ever, if you have any queries or issues, please do get in touch via info@wokingdancespace.org.uk

September 23, 2020

An update in light of yesterday’s announcement!

Dance classes are not included when the Government talks of indoor sports. Organised dance and exercise classes in groups larger than 6 can take place as long as Covid safe procedures are in place and groups of more than 6 do not mix. Our classes do not involve group dances - everyone is on dancing in their own box or in their own area so not mixing.

With that in mind, especially when classes are fuller we are reminding people to make sure to keep distance to fellow dancers - being aware of movement and travel , using our separate entrance and exit routes, and sanitising hands.

Classes are booked a and paid for in advance only on our online shop, so book on , come along and join in!

September 9, 2020

In light of the recent announcement regarding the new “Rule of 6” that is becoming law from next week, we want to reassure our community that our classes remain unaffected and will carry on , as per our new 'norm'.

Organised gatherings that observe strict Covid protocols (funerals, weddings, gyms, schools, places of worship etc) are exempt from this law as we have hygiene, cleaning and distancing protocols in place in order to operate.

If you have a class booked and not already done so, please do familiarise yourself with our Covid protection summary, found further down in this news feed.

Please be reassured that we take the safety of our community very seriously, and the measures in place are there to keep everyone happy and healthy!!

August 23, 2020

We have has reviewed the Government guidelines on procedures and protocols needed in order to return to live studio classes. The main points that you need to know are below, the full policy is available on request!

Please remember that Government advice is fluid, and the below may need to change at very little, or no notice. 

All users of the studio attend at their own risk and we ask that anyone showing symptoms or feeling unwell does not attend. 

Booking and paying for classes

We are limiting all classes to 13 dancers. To try and equalize access, and collect details necessary for track-and-trace, all classes must be booked and paid for online, in advance, using the WDS on-line store.

Drop in & pay on the day is not available. If you have not booked, you will not be able to take the class, even if there appears to be space. This is to allow our teachers to concentrate on teaching class, and not worrying about taking track-and-trace details or handling payments.

All classes will be available to book for 7 days, up to midnight before the day of the class. e.g. Monday classes will be available to book Monday - Sunday, Tuesday classes can be booked Tuesday - Monday and so on.

Refunds will only be given if the booking is cancelled with at least 24hrs notice, when the attendee has to self isolate, or is unwell.  E.g. class booked for Monday Lyrical Jazz at 7:30pm, you have up to 7:30pm on the Sunday to cancel to get a refund.

There will be no concessions for classes, all classes will cost £5.

At the Mayford Centre

Please minimise personal belongings brought with you to the studio. There will be no access to the changing area or the kitchen, this is to reduce the number of potential contact points which can transmit the virus.

The Mayford Centre's toilet facilities are available, however, we have no control or responsibility for their cleaning, so advise only using them if absolutely necessary.

Entering the studio

We must use separate routes for entering and exiting the studio.

Entrance to the studio will be via the spiral Fire Escape.

Please arrive in good time for your class. Just before the class start time, please gather, in a socially distant manner, at the bottom of the fire escape stairs, located on the ‘other’ side of the building to the normal blue door. Do not ascend the stairs until invited to do so by the teacher, and once invited up, do so carefully and spaced out.

At the top of the stairs/studio door, remove your outdoor shoes on the mat provided, clean your hands (either using your own de-sanitiser or the one provided). As usual, no outdoor shoes worn in the studio itself please – to protect the floor. 

In class

Please do not use the cubbies for your possessions as this creates a pinch point and extra area to clean. Place your belongings around the studio, against the wall or mirrors, and take your position at the barre or in the studio nearest to your belongings.

We have marked out 2m 'grid' on the floor of the studio to assist with social distancing. Please be aware of spacing while dancing and moving around the studio. Just because you feel comfortable being closer to people doesn't mean everyone else in the studio shares that belief.

There will be no access to the kitchen area including the sink or cupboards, so please bring your own water bottle and check it is full in advance. 

Exiting the studio

Classes will be 5 minutes shorter to allow cleaning to take place between classes. The teachers will be wiping down the barres (if used) and common contact points like door handles. Please leave promptly to allow for the cleaning and to allow the next class to enter safely.

At the end of class, gather your belongings and move to the kitchen area. Put on outdoor shoes in the kitchen area and leave via the usual route through the Mayford Centre to the car park. When in the Mayford Centre, please observe the signs and instructions.

Any property left behind at the end of a session will need to be disposed of immediately.

Track and trace

If a confirmed case is reported, WDS will use the information collected during the booking process to contact people in that class, including the teacher, and follow the Track and Trace procedure including advising the Government guidelines to follow. This may include getting tested, and isolating for the required amount of time.

If you become unwell and test positive for Covid-19, please let the Studio Manager (info@wokingdancespace.org.uk) or a Trustee know as soon as possible. 

July 19, 2020

We are closely reviewing all of the Government guidance with the view to re-opening the studio in September.

As I am sure you will understand there will be restrictions on the number of people we can have in a class, and you will need to pay for all classes in advance online. The exact details will be posted here just as soon as we have worked out all of the 

Please check back for full details...

April 3, 2020

Following ATG's announcement on 3rd April that their venues will remain closed until the end of May, we must sadly confirm that our Joining Forces 2020 show has been postponed.

We are in discussions with ATG about alternative dates and will share plans with you as soon as we can!

The show WILL go on... at some point...!!

March 24, 2020

Following the latest government statement of Monday 23rd March, 2020, the Woking Dance Space studio is closed to customers.

All classes and rehearsals have been cancelled until further notice.

March 17, 2020

We have been keeping an eye on the changing situation related to the virus and regretfully believe that it will be in everyone’s best interests to suspend classes FROM TOMORROW (Wednesday 18th March) until further notice, but likely until after Easter, and to close Sunday rehearsals for at least the next two weeks.

At this time, We do not intend to announce cancellation of the show – obviously the venue is currently shut, but as May is still some time away,we feel it would be precipitate to make any decision at this point. We may, however, have to have an updated rehearsal schedule to cover the gaps.

We will continue making announcements along the normal channels, so do keep looking out on our various social media groups and the website. We want to reassure you that our community still exists with our shared love of dancing, and we will be there for each other!We all look forward to it all blowing over and in the mean time, even if its just in your kitchen, keep dancing!!

March 15, 2020

We are closely monitoring the Coronavirus (COVID-19) situation and following the advice provided by Public Health England (PHE). 

WDS is committed to providing our dance community with a safe and hygienic space to exercise in and we are taking this situation extremely seriously. At this time there are no recommendations to cancel classes or close the studio.

We are not aware of any confirmed cases of COVID-19 related to any person attending the studio. We will keep you updated should this situation change. If you are aware of any person who has tested positive for COVID-19 and has attended the studio please get in contact with us.

In line with the latest NHS recommendations we ask that anyone with flu or cold symptoms DO NOT come to the studio. For the latest NHS advice please refer to the NHS web site https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/ or phone 111.

At this time we are still planning to go ahead with our Joining Forces 2020 show in May. Ticket are still on sale and rehearsals will continue on Sundays as scheduled.

We understand that people are concerned about the Coronavirus (COVID-19). We are monitoring the situation closely and we will continue to provide as much advice, care and support as we can to our dancers and community.

March 2, 2020

We are thrilled to announce that tickets for our 2020 community show 'Joining Forces' are on sale NOW!!

Visit the online-shop to place your orders and spread the word to family and friends. We have added the shipping option to ‘collect at theatre’ which may be useful for ‘non dancers’ that wouldn’t get to the studio to collect otherwise.

Seats are allocated on a ‘best first’ basis, with the ‘best’ seen as the middle of the auditorium, but if you have any specific requirements, wheelchair, end of aisle etc etc, please make sure to add a comment when placing your order.

December 11, 2019

The January Absolute Beginners Tap course is fully booked! Get in touch to be added to a waiting list or to find out about future courses.

June 4, 2019

American Jazz class cancelled 4th June

Unfortunately, due to sickness, tonights American Jazz class at 7:30pm has been cancelled

June 3, 2019

Lyrical Jazz Cancelled 3rd June

Unfortunately, due to sickness, tonights Lyrical Jazz class at 7:30pm has been cancelled.

March 11, 2019

We are thrilled to announce that tickets for our 2019 studio show 'Gotta Dance!' are on sale NOW!!

Visit the online-shop to place your orders and spread the word to family and friends. We have added the shipping option to ‘collect at theatre’ which may be useful for ‘non dancers’ that wouldn’t get to the studio to collect otherwise.

Seats are allocated on a ‘best first’ basis, with the ‘best’ seen as the middle of the auditorium, but if you have any specific requirements, wheelchair, end of aisle etc etc, please make sure to add a comment when placing your order.

February 1, 2019

Friday morning classes 1^st February cancelled due to Snow.

• ISTD Advanced 1 Ballet
• Relaxed Contemporary
• ISTD Grade 5 Ballet

Classes will be made up in half-term 22^nd February

January 3, 2019

We have a new shiny dance floor!!

Being a professional (and therefore expensive!!) commodity we have purchased to improve our facilities for you, our lovely dancers, we ask that everyone helps us look after it.

You can help by;

• Removing outdoor footwear BEFORE going into the studio, (still of course using the cubbies to store your personal bits and bobs!)
• Tappers – checking your shoes for loose or protruding screws!
• Keeping an eye out for loose edges or tapes. Spare tape is in the cupboard under the stairs if needed but do let the Teacher or one of the Trustees know if you spot anything that doesn’t look right!

December 9, 2018

As we approach the new year, you may have seen that we are offering a new class from January!

Natalie Dodd has taken the decision to move her career in way that takes her away from WDS on a Monday night. We are sad to see her go, but wish her the very best in her new ventures and insist that she is not a stranger to us!!

So, with Natalie moving on, we have been given the opportunity to mix up Mondays!

From January we welcome to the teaching team :

• Laura Porter ! She will be taking on the Beginners Courses at 6:30pm, and introduce a BRAND NEW Lyrical Jazz class at 7:30pm.
• Helen Ledsome ! Helen will turn her dancing shoes to teaching the Improvers Tap class at 8:30pm.

November 12, 2018

For the last few years we have started our shows with a 'Montage' of dances of different styles joined together with a single theme. This year we can reveal that the theme for the Gotta Dance! Montage is based on the musical City of Angels.

There will be three blocks or choreography, and we are looking for dancers to sign-up for the first and third part (yes, you can sign-up for both parts if you want).

The three Parts and the relevant Choreographers are as follows:

• Part One - With Every Breath I Take - Laura Porter/Sharp
• Part Two - Fiesta (Men only) - Jen Dyson
• Part Three - Finale - Jen Dyson

For this show we are making a change to the way in which the Montage choreography is taught. Instead of fighting for class time with other pieces all of the Montage choreography rehearsals will be held on Sundays.

The dates for the rehearsals are 13^th January, 27^th January, 3^rd February, 10^th February and 3^rd March 2019 and the rehearsals are at 10:00am to 11:30am for Part One, and 11:30am to 1:00pm for Part Three.

If you are interested, and you can commit to the Sunday dates, sign-up sheets are on the studio notice board.

Please sign-up before 1st December.

November 10, 2018

Lyrical Jazz - Monday nights from 7:30pm

An energetic class combining elements of ballet and jazz. Classes consist of a warm up, body conditioning, corner work and a routine.

A fun class structured for experienced dancers with good jazz and ballet technique.

Starts 14^th January 2019

Taught by Laura Sharp / Porter

November 6, 2018

We are thrilled to announce the launch of our 2019 studio show GOTTA DANCE!

The show is open to everyone attending classes at the studio, so if you want to get involved come along to class from January and learn the choreography.

There are also many opportunities that do not involve going on stage. Please let us know if you could help out with front of house, costumes, stage management etc.

We would love everyone to start thinking about getting involved so here are the important dates for your diaries:

Sunday run-throughs at the WDS Studio

• Sunday 28^th April
• Sunday 5^th May

Please keep these days free.

Technical and Dress rehearsals at the Rhoda McGaw Theatre

• Act 1 Technical Rehearsal - Sunday 12^th May
• Act 2 Technical Rehearsal - Monday 13^th May
• Dress Rehearsal - Tuesday 15^th May

Ready to start at 6:30pm.

Performances

• Wednesday 15^th May
• Thursday 16^th May
• Friday 17^th May
• Saturday 18^th May

Warm-up on stage at 6:30pm.

Show tickets will be on sale from the WDS online show from 2nd March.

More details to come in future posts...

October 30, 2018

Welcome to the WDS Blog !

If you want to keep updated and informed about everything that is going on at WDS this is the place to check. We will be making regular posts and updates related to our Classes, Shows, and other important events.

So bookmark this page, or add the RSS Feed, and have the latest information at your finger-tips...

May 24, 2018

Like many groups Woking Dance Space has been preparing for GDPR which come into effect on the 25th May 2018.

The first thing to say is we have always taken very seriously our duty to take care of your personal information. We have never passed on dancers details to other companies for marketing purposes, and we won't be starting now!

As a subscriber to our dancers mailing list you receive updates because you have requested (or consented) to receive them. But of course you have to option to unsubscribe at any time, and would be immediately removed from the mailing list.

If you are still happy to hear from us then you don't need to do anything more, and we'll continue to keep you up to date with classes and events at Woking Dance Space.

January 1, 2015

We have great pleasure in introducing Eastbourne Dance Space, a sister studio to Woking Dance Space, opening in January 2015.

The studio has been established by Claire Tabraham, who was previously a teacher and trustee at WDS. They are starting with a great timetable including Ballet, Jazz, Tap and Contemporary classes running during the daytime and evenings.

We wish Claire every success with her new venture. If you are in the Eastbourne area and are looking for a dance class you know where to go..

July 22, 2013

Members of Woking Dance Space braved the 30 degree heat on 13^th July to perform in Woking’s summer event, Party in the Park.

They presented three popular pieces from our recent show (Taylor, Runaway Baby and Zorbing), as well as reprised the pretty Village Fete ballet from a previous show.

These were performed on the Main Stage and the Big Top – both only a few degrees shy of temperatures hot enough to melt the dance floor.

A group of our dancers also performed in Encounter, a 20 minute long piece, themed around the idea of journeys and involving other community groups, choreographed by Temujin (of Olympic dancing-nurses fame!) and danced in weather defying wellies and rucksacks.

The liberal application of iced water bottles and towels kept everyone on their feet, and WDS proved yet again that they are one of the best community dance groups in the area!

Many thanks to everyone who came and supported us!

August 1, 2012

On 1^st September 2012 we are hosting a day of dance classes taught by members of the Royal Ballet, followed by a cocktail party, to help raise funds for a project called INALA (‘An abundance of goodwill’).

The project aims to celebrate and raise awareness of South African culture, with music by Ladysmith Black Mambazo, choreography by Mark Baldwin and dancers from the Royal Ballet and Rambert.

The project is being managed by Sisters Grimm, with support from the Royal Ballet, Rambert and Sadler's Wells Theatre, where it will be performed in July 2013.

To book your place for the INALA Masterclasses and Cocktail Party

Classes cost £20 each. Please emailinfo@wokingdancespace.org.uk with your booking information and post cheque to Woking Dance Space, Mayford Centre, Smarts Heath Rd, Mayford, Surrey GU22 0PP.