Spring back into action this autumn with dance in Birr

Offaly children may not be dancing with delight at going back to school, but both children and adults can do just that with dance classes offered by Legitimate Bodies Dance Company at Birr Theatre and Arts Centre. Straight from their success at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival with 'Hanging in There', the dancers are looking forward to welcoming back old friends and meeting new ones. All of the classes guarantee a fun, friendly and safe environment where everyone can experience the beauty and joy of dance after choosing the relevant class from the programme below. First Footing Amazingly fun dance game sessions with lots of breathless dance for seven to eleven year olds. At the end of the term the children will have the opportunity to dance in Birr Theatre and Arts Centre. Saturdays 10am-11:30am Eleven week block starting Saturday, September 20 (€65 or drop-in €12) Offaly Youth Dance Offaly Youth Dance is the only chance to explore and perform contemporary dance in the county for 12-16 year olds. In its first year of existence the company, formed by local young talented dancers, had already the opportunity to perform at the DanceHouse in Dublin, at the Birr Theatre and Arts Centre and during Vintage Week, while in November the company will appear at the prestigious newly built Wexford Opera House. If you need even more reasons to join this exciting reality, Birr Stage Guild is offering a number of scholarships for those who join OYD for the first time. And if you are an old member don"t worry, you can still get ten free ballet classes if you come back. Audition and workshop sessions will be held in St Brendan"s Community School on Monday, September 8 and Thursday, September 11, and on the first class on September 20 in Birr Theatre. Saturdays 12pm- 2pm 12-week block starting Saturday, September 20, including two Sunday masterclasses with guest teachers (€75 or drop-in first class €12) Ballet for Adults If you ever dreamt of becoming a ballerina but never got the chance, come along to this lovely class and let the health benefits of ballet take you by surprise. Wednesdays 6:30pm- 7:45pm 10-week block starting Wednesday, October 1 (€95 or €13 drop-in) Community Contemporary Dance Classes A great opportunity to maintain fitness and wellbeing in a fun and relaxing environment, the community dance classes are an old favourite amongst locals. The session starts with a gentle warm-up that draws from Yoga and Pilates exercise and builds up towards an aerobic series of dance combinations that travel into the space. Wednesdays 8pm- 9:30pm 10-week block starting Wednesday, October 1 (€95 or €13 drop-in) Yummy Dance Dance games for three to five year olds, to keep them active and nurture their creativity. Yummy dance is back after the great success of the past editions. Early booking is recommended. Tuesdays 3pm- 4pm 5-week block starting Tuesday, October 21 (€50 or €12 drop-in) To book any of these classes or for more information call Birr Theatre and Arts Centre box office between 1pm and 5.30pm on 057 9121911 or email legitimatebodies@eircom.net. And if you feel curious about what the company is getting up to, drop in any Wednesday morning between 11am and 1.30pm during September to watch three professional dancers rehearsing the new production 'Touching Distance', which will premiere in Birr on October 9 before going on to tour the west of Ireland.