Rachel has been dancing since she was a tiny dot, and hasn’t stopped ever since. After gaining a very serious Dance BA (Hons) at Leeds University in 2007 she took some time to develop other skills, but could never let go of the idea of being a dancer in some form. On realising that ballroom dancing was still stuck in the dark ages with only men being able to lead and women in the following role, Rachel couldn’t resist starting her own dance classes. Rachel Sparks Dance: Gender neutral partner dancing was born in 2015 out of a desire to create safe, body positive dance spaces for the LGBTQ+ community and their allies. By catering for people who wouldn’t usually feel comfortable in a dance class environment, Rachel has built a joyfully diverse community that can shake their stuff free from judgement.

Keen to get families dancing together, Rachel will be running a disco dance workshop at the Gaybourhood East event. Children can bring their parents/carers to get involved and no previous dance experience is necessary. We’ll even have a ‘dad dance’ off (involving all genders and ages) which will be a competition for the most awkward and silly dancing possible!

Find out more about Rachel’s classes (Bethnal Green and Liverpool Street), tea dance events (Notting Hill Gate), private 1-2-1 lessons and personal development coaching at www.rachelsparksdance.co.uk or follow her on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram

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