Georgian Dance Lesson

The Georgian Dance Lesson returns to The Guildhall on Friday 7 August, back by popular demand for the fourth annual York Georgian Festival. It's one of the more hands-on parts of the programme, and the setup is simple: you turn up and learn the classic steps of the period. The session is run by Dance Mistress Lottie, from Dance The Past, and it takes place within the medieval surroundings of the Guildhall in St Martin’s Courtyard, YO1 9QN.

It's built to be inclusive, so it works for all ages and abilities. You can come on your own, bring a friend, or turn up with a partner—none of that is a barrier to entry. The focus is on the dancing itself rather than how much experience you've got, so if you've never stepped foot on a dance floor, you're in good company.

The lesson sits inside the wider York Georgian Festival, which runs from Thursday 6 August to Monday 10 August and celebrates 18th-century life in the city. Over those five days, there's a full programme of talks, tours, performances and workshops spread across various city attractions. The dance lesson is just one part of it: the York Georgian Ball takes place at the Grand Assembly Rooms, city promenades bring the period to the streets, and His Majesty’s 33rd Regiment of Foot perform military drills in St Helen’s Square.

If you're just looking for one thing to do, the lesson is on Friday 7 August at The Guildhall, St Martin’s Courtyard, YO1 9QN, with Lottie of Dance The Past leading the way.