Advanced Karaoke

**BOOK HERE**: https://sportas.co.uk/games/35595 **Game Description:** Advanced mixed volleyball session, includes initial warm-up drills, followed by games. **Rules** Members and all players are expected to show good sportsmanship, friendly behaviour, and help with the smooth running of the sessions, including timely attendance, setup and tidy up of courts

🗓 Every Monday! ⏰ 8:30pm (1 hour) 💃🏻 All levels 📍Location: Pineapple Dance studios, 7 Langley St, London WC2H 9JA YOU MUST BOOK IN ADVANCE ( CLASSES ARE NOT FREE ) ➡️Book here: https://www.pineapple.uk.com/pages/timetable Let out your inner belly dance goddess in Leilah’s fun and uplifting classes! Learn the ancient art of belly dance from posture to mesmerising shimmies and figures 8’s. Every week we will go through a new choreography as well as learning new exciting moves. We will often cover different styles of belly dance in each class, such as oriental, shaabi, Moroccan and more. Classes are for all levels! Don’t worry if you don’t get all the moves the first time, the more classes you attend the more moves you will start to understand. Belly dance is a celebration of the body, the curves, and the isolations so enjoy the journey! #hipsDontLie

Get ready to Salsa every Monday! The legendary Salsa teacher **Mario** and his team have a new location for their weekly Monday night lessons and party! 🎉 Join us at the gorgeous **Simmons Bar Holborn**! We've got a spacious floor, great sound, and the best vibes in town. ✨ Whether you're a **total beginner** who's never danced a step 👣 or a seasoned Salsero looking to sharpen your spins and shines, we have a class for you! Lesson times are as follows: * 6:45 - 7:45 Beginner 1 / Improver 1 / Intermediate 1 * 7:45 - 8:45 Beginner 2 / Improver 2 / Advanced On 1 * 8:45 - 9:45 Improver 3 / Intermediate 2 / Advanced On 2 * 9:45 - 11:45 Social dancing! Prices: (All lesson tickets include a **free drink** and social dancing!) * £11 for 1 class * £15 for 2 classes * £18 for 3 classes * Social dancing only (FREE after 10PM). Come solo, or bring your friends. No partner necessary! 🤗 Let's make every Monday the highlight of your week. See you on the dance floor! ❤️

GGO admins are on holiday this week! We will be back!

This is a mini-group class for a small number of English students (minimum 2, maximum 4) so that everyone gets lots of opportunity to speak and be corrected. We switch topics as the conversation flows, so that you can get used to talking about a variety of subjects and build your confidence, grammar and vocabulary. The atmosphere is fun and friendly and you'll meet new people to practice with. Look forward to seeing you there!

Flamenco Dance Classes for Beginners at Danceworks every Sunday! We will work on the placement of the body, the perception of the rhythm, clapping, footwork, movements of arms and head. Choreography depending on the level: Alegrías, Bulerías, Tangos, etc. We will learn or perfect the four Sevillanas. If you have dancing shoes and clothes, bring them. Otherwise, don't worry, just feel comfortable to dance! When? **Every Sunday** Time: **12:00 - 13:00** Where? **Danceworks** 16 Balderton St, London W1K 6TN Studio 4 Nearest Tube stations: **Bond St.** Marble Arch Cost? £12 per class. **Book here:** https://danceworks.com/london/classes/timetable/ Class bookings become available 7 days in advance. Online bookings close 15 minutes before the class starts but you can book in person up to the start time. **Waiting lists are available.** ***About Maika:*** Maika is a flamenco and Spanish dance teacher with more than 17 years of experience, teaching adults and children in Spain, the United States of America, Mexico, Canada and UK. She also led flamenco classes at Rey Juan Carlos University from 2013 to 2018. Born and raised in Madrid (Spain), she began studying ballet and Spanish dance from the tender age of nine. Maika studied at Karen Taft Dance Academy and Flamenco Centre “Amor de Dios”, majoring in Spanish Dance at Conservatory of Dance in Madrid. In 2003, she was awarded a certificate in Teaching Methodology Applied to Spanish Dance and then focused her career on dance education. Maika has continued her professional training alongside teachers including Antonio Canales, Alfonso Losa, La Lupi, Rojas and Rodriguez. Maika co-founded the company Spanish Flamenco Tour, based in Miami (USA), a business dedicated to promoting flamenco and Spanish culture, to a local audience. Adding more strings to her bow, Maika embarked on a Master´s Degree in Leadership and Management of Cultural Projects at Institute of Dance “Alicia Alonso”, Rey Juan Carlos University. Her final master’s project was based on the promotion of Spanish dance, receiving a First-Class Degree. Maika’s classes are designed to extract every student’s natural ability to dance and show them how wonderful and fun, this art form is.

We'll be having our annual Christmas party with Live Music at the Hope & Anchor Islington. the date is Tuesday 23rd December, so please bring those bad Christmas jumpers or nice Christmas outfits (though not compulsory!). There's Japanese punk and energetic raw rock from Dawn Tales, Shamisen and guitar along side drums from H2P, and heartwarming 80's classics spun by DJ Mika. Plus addtional guest Sakie has now been added to the bill, adding to the Christmas atmosphere. This should be a lovely night 🎄 This is a ticketed event and very likely to sell out. Tickets available from here, including £8 early bird option: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/gig-connection-christmas-party-2025-tickets-1967218539608?aff=ebdsshios&fbclid=PAb21jcAN_SiBleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZA81NjcwNjczNDMzNTI0MjcAAaexiS5eoadkhj164gY8mxAwvIAO3rpn5opj7noAuBPO6mgAj395_G-zdb_leg_aem_rOpbM3imNqhVDhd2QT-UlQ&sg=1251e3778c21fa4b22ac0c6f68c27216daf6c57f75a60d51aac57166e2f0067e23c0424983c1479981b6fb3bf22ff611f72d58c4f3cb9be10bad66badfdf1b8cba4b023a9733de6b76f9496416 **The Dawn Tales** The Dawn Tales deliver Japanese punk and classic energetic rock with absolute conviction. Always a great live show and pushing things to the edge, this certainly won't be a silent night...: https://www.instagram.com/thedawntales/ **H2P** Featuring Shamisen master Hibiki Ichikawa and Hide "Magic Fingers" Takemoto, known for his amazing flamenco technique, this will be a great match of traditional and modern music. With some classic styles alongside dance and even samba beats, this will be a great mix. https://hibikishamisen.com https://hideguitar.com/ **DJ Mika** Spinning a heartwarming selection of Japanese retro sounds from the ’80s to ’00s, DJ Mika brings nostalgia, emotion, and joy to the dancefloor. Her style blends Showa-era pop, city pop, and timeless J-POP classics — perfect for anyone longing for the golden days of Japanese music. **@dj.mika.london** Hope to see you there, bad Christmas jumpers and outfits very much appreciated!!

Flamenco Dance Classes for Beginners & Improvers at Danceworks every Thursday! We will work on the placement of the body, the perception of the rhythm, clapping, footwork, and movements of arms and head. Choreography depends on the level: Alegrías, Bulerías, Tangos, Sevillanas, etc. If you have dancing shoes and clothes, bring them. Otherwise, don't worry, feel comfortable to dance! When? **Every Thursday** Time: **18:30 - 19:30** Where? **Danceworks** 16 Balderton St, London W1K 6TN Studio 4 Nearest Tube stations: **Bond St.** Marble Arch Cost? £12 per class. **Book here:** https://danceworks.com/london/classes/timetable/ Class bookings become available 7 days in advance. Online bookings close 15 minutes before the class starts but you can book in person up to the start time. **Waiting lists are available.** ***About Maika:*** Maika is a flamenco and Spanish dance teacher with more than 17 years of experience, teaching adults and children in Spain, the United States of America, Mexico, Canada, and UK. She also led flamenco classes at Rey Juan Carlos University from 2013 to 2018. Born and raised in Madrid (Spain), she began studying ballet and Spanish dance at the tender age of nine. Maika studied at Karen Taft Dance Academy and Flamenco Centre “Amor de Dios”, majoring in Spanish Dance at the Conservatory of Dance in Madrid. In 2003, she was awarded a Teaching Methodology Applied to Spanish Dance certificate and then focused her career on dance education. Maika has continued her professional training alongside teachers including Antonio Canales, Alfonso Losa, La Lupi, Rojas and Rodriguez. Maika co-founded the company Spanish Flamenco Tour, based in Miami (USA), a business dedicated to promoting flamenco and Spanish culture, to a local audience. Adding more strings to her bow, Maika embarked on a Master´s Degree in Leadership and Management of Cultural Projects at the Institute of Dance “Alicia Alonso”, Rey Juan Carlos University. Her final master’s project was based on promoting Spanish dance, receiving a First-Class Degree. Maika’s classes are designed to extract every student’s natural ability to dance and show them how wonderful and fun, this art form is.

**BOOK HERE**: https://www.sportas.co.uk/games/37712 **Game Description:** Come and join a top quality 8 aside footy game in Stratford 🔥 🚨Important- The pitch can also allow for 5, 6 & 7 aside so don’t worry if there are less numbers, the game is still happening 🔥 **Directions:** 🚶‍♂️5 minute walk from Stratford International DLR Station 📍Pitch 1​​​,​​​ nearest to the entrance. **Rules** \- No aggressive behaviour \- Change keeper every 6 minutes \- No slide tackles

**Karaoke Night**: Bring your glee club friends. Enjoy a flashback to your choir days. No chorus line. It's all you baby. Sing. Shout. Scream. Lip sync if you need to. But do show up and do have a good time. **On Freestyle night** \- just bring a bottle to share\. There is NO formal wine tasting like on other weeks\. Door charge is $10 \(cash or Venmo only please\)\. We may have some left over wines to clear out\! Glasses are provided\. Take Care\. See you there\. **Parking**: There are several public parking lots near the Alive614 hall. Please be careful to NOT park in private parking lots. They do tow. Check Google maps to scope out your space. Anyone who is early could easily find a parking space on the street nearby. I am told that the Chase parking lot is safe after hours. **Glasses**: …will be provided. Please note that after the wine tasting, the EMPTY glasses need to be returned to the boxes at the service table. Please do not make me hunt down your empty glass. Please be gentle, our glasses are fragile. Uh, they are made of glass! **Food**: You are welcome to bring a snack to share. It is not required. Most people do though. If no one brings anything, there will be nothing. **Code of Conduct**: Though mostly understood, it’s still worth mentioning. We don’t have rules per se, but we highly discourage the following topics of discussion because they are likely to incite anti-social responses - Sex, Politics, Religion. Please don’t mistake this as an attempt to limit your free speech rights but rather a guide to a place and time for appropriate discussions. **After the lights go out**: After the last sip of wine, when we clean up and turn the lights out, if you still haven’t had enough of us, it is typical for a group to get together and go to a local eatery for food and/or drinks or coffee. Again, We look forward to meeting new members and reuniting with old friends. Sincerely, ***Paul Uttermohlen***, **Red 1 Realty** *Your Hilliard Wine Club Host*

Early-bird coffee and conversation at [5 Bean Coffee](https://5beancoffee.com/)!

Join us as we kick the New Year with a fun Happy Hour and your choice of two fun, new films! Option 1 is the biographical-musical-docu-drama, SONG SUNG BLUE, which stars Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson in the story about a real-life couple and Neil Diamond Tribute Duo. Option 2 is the comedy-action-adventure ACACONDA, which stars Jack Black and Paul Rudd as part of a group of friends remaking a favorite movie from their youth. Here’s a complete description, trailer and our plan for this event: SONG SUNG BLUE: The film follows Lightning and Thunder, a Milwaukee husband and wife Neil Diamond tribute act, who experience success and heartbreak in their musical journey together. Not a tribute to Neil Diamond, but a tribute to a Neil Diamond Tribute Band! The film is based on the 2008 documentary of the same name and is directed by Craig Brewer. It stars Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson, along with Michael Imperioli, Ella Anderson, King Princess, Mustafa Shakir, Hudson Hensley, Fisher Stevens and Jim Belushi. Critics call the film, “a crowd-pleaser with a ton of heart!” TRAILER: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GCM0Ztp3o1o ANACONDA: In this action-thriller-comedy-adventure, a group of friends going through a mid-life crisis head to the jungle to remake a favorite movie from their youth but encounter “unexpected events.” The film is directed by Tom Gormican and stars Jack Black, Paul Rudd, Selton Mello, Daniela Melchior, Thandiwe Newton and Steve Zahn. The film is a reimagining of the 1997 original. TRAILER: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TMsFsfrPNaw PLAN: We’ll kick off the event with a pre-show Happy Hour at nearby Bravo! We’ll confirm the details and exact meeting time once we get the showtimes, but planning for 5 to 5:30pm for the Happy Hour and a 7pm-ish showing of both films. For the movies, we’ll meet inside the lobby area about 20 minutes before showtimes! Once showtimes are announced, advance ticket purchase is advised. Once you have yours, please list your Movie of Choice and seat number in the Comments below. Complete details will be confirmed and announced as the date gets closer. Look forward to seeing you there, Dan

**Caller: Gaye Fifer** **Band: Hot Coffee Breakdown** **Big Scioty Contra Dance** **temporarily returning to our long ago location for Jan-March - First Congregational Church, 444 E. Broad St., Columbus 43215** WHAT IS CONTRA DANCING? Picture the Grand Ball scenes like you’ve seen in period films such as “Pride and Prejudice”, where the dancers are lined up in long lines, across from each other. That’s English Country Dancing, the predecessor of contra dancing. Now, add moves like “swing your partner” and “do-si-do,” like you’ve seen in square dancing. Set it to fabulous, high energy, live music with fiddles, guitars, percussion and more, alá “Riverdance.” Finally, set the whole scene down in the middle of Woodstock, with a hip, groovy atmosphere, a bit of tie-dye, and hints of counter-culture attitude. THAT’s Contra Dancing! Wear cool and comfortable clothes (you will get warm) and clean shoes that won't mark up our nice wood floor. Be sure to come for the beginner's lesson from 7:30 - 8:00, followed by dancing 8:00 - 10:30. All dances are taught; we will help you learn! Beginners always welcome, no need to bring a partner. Cost is $10.00 adults, $5.00 ages 12-26. Under 12 free. Free parking in church lot. For more information contact me or check out our website: [www.bigscioty.com](http://www.bigscioty.com/) Please bring your own refillable water bottle. Snacks to share are always welcome!

**Summary** I love hiking [Highbanks](https://www.metroparks.net/parks-and-trails/highbanks/) in the winter after the sun has gone down. Highbanks is never really dark -- there's too much ambient light from Lewis Center. But I love the trails at night. When I started hiking Highbanks, I was afraid of getting lost and particularly at night. But now that I know my way around, nighttime is one of my favorite times to hike there. In addition, near the end of our hike, we will take a few minutes to walk around the Nature Center and look at the Christmas lights. (The Nature Center itself will be closed, however, by the time we get to it.) We will meet next to the restrooms at the [Big Meadows Picnic Area](https://www.metroparks.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/HBK_Web_1980.png). They're all the way at the back of the park, and they can be found at coordinates [40°09'06.6"N 83°02'30.2"W](https://www.google.com/maps/place/40%C2%B009'06.6%22N+83%C2%B002'30.2%22W/@40.151828,-83.0423587,214m/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m10!1m5!3m4!2zNDDCsDA5JzA4LjAiTiA4M8KwMDEnNDUuMSJX!8m2!3d40.1522222!4d-83.0291944!3m3!8m2!3d40.151827!4d-83.041715?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI0MTIwNC4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D) (near the playground and the zip line). We'll hike about 5 miles on the Dripping Rock and Overlook Trails. Afterward, we'll head over to [Olentangy River Brewing](https://www.olentangybrew.com/) for drinks and [food](https://www.olentangybrew.com/eventsandfood). Last year, the weather wasn't too terrible, and the Brewery had their patio fire pits going and we were able to sit outside. The fire pits at night are kind of amazing. The actual address of the brewery is [303 Green Meadows Dr S, Lewis Center, OH 43035](https://www.google.com/maps/place/303+Green+Meadows+Dr+S,+Lewis+Center,+OH+43035/@40.1551938,-83.0144045,17.25z/data=!4m6!3m5!1s0x8838f395cef06c97:0xe407de61b3e30069!8m2!3d40.1551765!4d-83.0124352!16s%2Fg%2F11c26jc7j9?entry=ttu). If you can't make the hike, we should be there by 7:45. **How to find our starting point in Big Meadows** If you are new to Highbanks, the Big Meadows picnic area is 1.5 miles into the park just after you turn into the park off of U.S. Route 23. That is, after you enter the park, drive a mile and a half into the park. You will come to a crosswalk with a yield sign in the middle of it (this is not to be confused with the first such crosswalk you come to just in front of the Nature Center, which you arrive at maybe a quarter of a mile into the park). Just after this second crosswalk, make a left. Then make another almost immediate left into the parking lot on your left. There you will see the jungle gym and the kiddie zip line to your left. I will be just in front of the restrooms just a bit further down from the jungle gym and picnic shelter; the restroom building will also be on your left. **Note on our starting time** Highbanks closes at 8:00 this time of year, and they get kind of snarly about getting everyone out of the park by then. So please be on time for this hike. I want to allow two hours for the hike and be back at Big Meadows by 7:30. So we're shoving off at 5:30, with or without a quorum.

Salsamante Dance Academy will be at Swerve to share the Rhythm & Energy of Bachata & Salsa. These are Beginner Level lessons to get you comfortable and understand the two dances. Spread the Good News to all. Swerve Dance & Fitness Complex 640 Lakeview Plaza Blvd A, Worthington, OH 43085 Bachata 7pm-8pm Salsa 8pm-9pm $15 - One Lesson $20 - Both Lessons

We will meet next to the restrooms at the [Big Meadows Picnic Area](https://www.metroparks.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/HBK_Web_1980.png). They're all the way at the back of the park, and they can be found at coordinates [40°09'06.6"N 83°02'30.2"W](https://www.google.com/maps/place/40%C2%B009'06.6%22N+83%C2%B002'30.2%22W/@40.151828,-83.0423587,214m/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m10!1m5!3m4!2zNDDCsDA5JzA4LjAiTiA4M8KwMDEnNDUuMSJX!8m2!3d40.1522222!4d-83.0291944!3m3!8m2!3d40.151827!4d-83.041715?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI0MTIwNC4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D) (near the playground and the zip line). We'll hike about 5 miles at [Highbanks Metro Park](https://www.metroparks.net/parks-and-trails/highbanks/) on the Dripping Rock and Overlook Trails. Afterward, we'll head over to [Olentangy River Brewing](https://www.olentangybrew.com/) for drinks, coffee, or food (their Sunday [food truck](https://www.olentangybrew.com/eventsandfood) is Venezuelan and always gets good reviews). The actual address of the brewery is [303 Green Meadows Dr S, 43035](https://www.google.com/maps/place/303+Green+Meadows+Dr+S,+Lewis+Center,+OH+43035/@40.1551938,-83.0144045,17.25z/data=!4m6!3m5!1s0x8838f395cef06c97:0xe407de61b3e30069!8m2!3d40.1551765!4d-83.0124352!16s%2Fg%2F11c26jc7j9?entry=ttu). If you can't make the hike, we should be there by noon. **How to find our starting point in Big Meadows:** If you are new to Highbanks, the Big Meadows picnic area is 1.5 miles into the park just after you turn into the park off of U.S. Route 23. That is, after you enter the park, drive a mile and a half into the park. You will come to a crosswalk with a yield sign in the middle of it (this is not to be confused with the first such crosswalk you come to just in front of the Nature Center, which you arrive at maybe a quarter of a mile into the park). Just after this second crosswalk, make a left. Then make another almost immediate left into the parking lot on your left. There you will see the jungle gym and the kiddie zip line to your left. I will be just in front of the restrooms just a bit further down from the jungle gym and picnic shelter; the restroom building will also be on your left.