Stardust Ballroom, a new ballroom dance studio in central London, opens on Friday, April 3. With its impressive 18 metre by 12 metre sprung wooden floor, it gives dancers the chance to experience one of the biggest studio spaces in the country.
The studio, which is conveniently situated near Oval tube station in south-west London, will be open seven days a week, with a packed timetable offering opportunities for beginners through to competitive dancers to try drop-in classes, monthly courses, private lessons, practice sessions, wedding coaching and social nights.
Stardust Ballroom will primarily specialise in the standard 10 ballroom and Latin dances, including waltz, tango, jive, quickstep and rumba, but will also offer tuition and socials in a range of other styles, such as salsa, swing and Argentine tango.
The studio will be run by Melina Hamilton, a ballroom and Latin specialist who trained with Strictly Come Dancing star Karen Hardy, and her partner, Mark Kendal, who she met—and fell in love with—when he came to her for lessons.
Melina says: ‘Dance fever has hit the nation, following shows like Strictly, and there is an enormous demand for new studio spaces, especially in central London.
‘We aim to make Stardust Ballroom a real dance haven for everyone, giving serious dancers access to top coaches and teachers, and providing a welcoming environment for those taking their first steps and for wedding couples who want to create the perfect dance for their big day.
‘Dancing is so important right now, in these difficult times—it allows you to release stress, do something positive for your health and connect with a range of people. You can also be transported to the heat of Argentina or the old-fashioned glamour of a 1940s ballroom, all without leaving London.’
Mark adds: ‘As a dancer, I’m really excited about having access to such a huge floor in a central, affordable venue, which is open seven days a week. I’m also looking forward to trying out lots of different styles of dance, as well as perfecting my ballroom technique. Stardust Ballroom is a real dream come true.’
There will be a grand opening night for the studio on Friday, April 3, which will feature a special ballroom cabaret performance by top Amateur 10 Dance couple Danny Stowell and Kate Moore. If you would like to be added to the guest list for the event, email info@stardustball.co.uk
For more information on Stardust Ballroom, including a full class timetable and booking details, contact Melina Hamilton on 07951 742346 or Mark Kendal on 07956 511074, or visit www.stardustball.co.uk
Stardust Ballroom is situated at Kennington Park, 1–3 Brixton Road, London SW9 6DE, two minutes from Oval tube station (Northern line).
Mark and Melina also organise the monthly Stardust Ball dance night, which is held in the Grand Hall at Fulham Town Hall, London SW6 1ET. The event has a class from 7:30pm to 8:30pm and social dancing until 12:30am. Entry costs £15 on the door or £14 online. The next Stardust Ball is Saturday, April 18. Future dates can be found at www.stardustball.co.uk
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