Shipley's very own dancing queen is inviting people to try out some new steps and help raise money for charity at the same time.

Louise Eaton is staging her eighth Day of Dance on Saturday, an event which could see the total she has helped raise for worthy causes go past the £30,000 mark.

Over the last three years Mrs Eaton's events, which give people the chance to try out dozens of different dance styles, have raised a staggering £24,000 for Oxfam, the Ardenlea Marie Curie Centre at Ilkley and Yorkshire CND.

November's Day of Dance generated some £6,500 despite Mrs Eaton, 61, breaking her foot just days before the event and she is hoping this weekend's activities will raise thousands more for Oxfam.

Saturday's workshops feature around 30 different styles including everything from South American, Israeli, salsa and Cajun to western line, swing jive and Cotswolds and North West Morris dancing.

Mrs Eaton, who lives in Saltaire, said: "The workshops give people a chance to just try out such a variety of different dances that they may never have done before and with most of them if they like it there are groups or classes in the area they can join.

"Bookings are slightly down on last year at the moment but we're still hoping to raise at least a couple of thousand pounds.''

The dancing continues at Saltaire's Victoria Hall on Saturday evening with a family ceilidh, featuring Ad Hoc, between 5 and 7pm.

That will be followed between 8pm and 11.30pm by a ceilidh as well as French, salsa, swing jive, rock 'n roll and Cajun dancing.

The Day of Dance itself will be preceded on Friday(April 17) evening by a folk concert - featuring Julie Felix, Roger Sutcliffe, Fiona-Katie Roberts and the Bradford Women's Singers - and a western line dance, suitable for everyone from beginners up, at the Victoria Hall.

* Priced at £3.50 for adults, £2.50 for concessions and £2 for children the workshops, which run from 9am to 6.30pm, must be booked in advance by calling (01274) 491858.

Tickets for the Friday and Saturday evening events - priced between £2 and £7 - are available from Saltaire Tourist Information Centre, The Bodhran and Helen Kemps on Victoria Road, the Shipley Advice and Information Centre or by phoning the above number.

Mrs Eaton is also desperately looking for halogen lights on stands to light up the stage at the Victoria Hall. Anyone who can help can call (01274) 775161.

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