August 2025

Hi everyone,

The hot weather continued through July, so the air conditioning at the Heene Community Centre is really paying dividends now. Also, not the best time to be getting into fancy dress but…

Our dance in July was themed as ‘Movie Night’. Thanks to everyone who turned up and especially those who dressed up. The feedback was really positive, so we’ll definitely be doing this again, probably in the Autumn.

There is another bank holiday on Monday 25th August and it’s also the end of the school holidays. So instead of a Tuesday class, we’ll just have the week off that week. Back to normal on September 1st.

Fact of the month: 3 for 1 today, so take your pick:

• 1st August 1774 - Joseph Priestly discovers oxygen
• 1st August 1834 - Abolition of slavery in the British Empire
• 1st August 1981 - The launch of MTV

Arundel Festival 2025

Leroc Sussex are participating in the Arundel Festival of the Arts this year which is running between 15th and 26th August.

I will be hosting a beginners workshop to introduce complete beginners to Modern Jive, followed by a freestyle dance. If you have any friends or family that have expressed an interest, then let them know about this event. Both are being held at the Arundel Football Club in Mill Road, so easily accessible with good parking nearby.

Saturday 23 Aug 2025 7:00pm - 7:45pm : Beginners Workshop 8:00pm - 11:00pm : Freestyle Dance

The beginners workshop is only £5 and participants are welcome to stay for the freestyle. For everyone else, the freestyle is our usual £10. Registration for the workshop is required at the link below. You can pay on the door for the freestyle as normal, or there is an option to register at the link below too;

https://lerocsussex.setmore.com/leroc

Key Dates

Event	Date	Time
Monday Classes	4th, 11th, and 18th August	7:45pm - 10:30pm
August Freestyle, Heene	Friday 8th August	7:45pm - 11:00pm
Arundel Festival Freestyle, Arundel Football Club	Saturday 23rd August	7:45pm - 11:00pm

The Importance of Musicality in Modern Jive

Musicality is what truly elevates a dancer’s performance, transforming movements into an expression of the music’s soul. In Modern Jive, it’s not just about executing steps; it’s about connecting with the rhythm, melody, and mood of the music. When you listen closely to the track, you can sense the highs and lows, the beats, and the tempo—and this is where your dance becomes an art form.

For dancers, improving musicality means tuning in to the subtle shifts in the music and responding to them in real-time. One simple way to develop musicality is by focusing on the beat. For example, try to match your movements with the downbeat of the music, or experiment with accents on the strong parts of the rhythm. This adds depth and energy to your dance. As you become more attuned to the music, you’ll naturally find ways to add variation, like slowing down on the softer sections or speeding up during more upbeat moments, all while maintaining your connection with your partner.

Being musically aware also gives you the freedom to interpret the music in your own style. Don’t be afraid to explore creative footwork, spins, or body movements that resonate with the song. As you develop a deeper connection to the music, you’ll find that your dance becomes more fluid, dynamic, and expressive, bringing a unique and personal touch to every performance.

Newsletter and Socials

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