Those with a predilection for royal grandeur would do well to visit the Victoria and Albert Museum‘s current exhibition of Qing Dynasty garments, “Imperial Chinese Robes from the Forbidden City.” Chronologically spanning the dynasty’s rule (1644-1911) and various genres of dress—from festive to military wear—the elaborate robes reflect Chinese ceremony, military tradition, and more, each piece tailored to represent social mores and constructed of gorgeously-printed textiles.

The exhibition runs through 27 February 2011, and tickets may be booked in advance by clicking here. Visit for the chance to get in touch with your inner emperor/empress.

Imperial Chinese Robes from the Forbidden City
Where: Victoria and Albert Museum, Cromwell Road, London SW7 2RL
When: 7 December 2010 – 27 February 2011
Price: £3.00-5.00
www.vam.ac.uk

Saturday 22nd January 2011
Chiswick Town Hall, Heathfield Terrace, Chiswick High Road, London, W4 4NJ
Presented by Nigel “JumpnJive” Anderson, Ceroc & the London Swing Dance Society

Swingin’ the Blues” is an annual event which has previously offered a whole day

of Blues & Swing style workshops from some of the very top UK Blues teachers, followed by an evening of Blues & Swing dancing with allegedly some of the best DJ’s in the world.

Now in its 11th year ‘”Swingin’ the Blues” has developed and grown into the only truly dedicated ‘Blues’ Event on the UK dance calendar and is bound to attract a diverse and interesting crowd.

This event starts with the The Saturday Workshops which will start at 11am and run through until 7pm, with a break for lunch at 2.30pm when we will have a lunchtime show ‘One Hundred Years of Swing’ for your entertainment.

The “Swingin’ the Blues Ball” will kick off at 8pm with a Cuban Blues class with Marc and Rachel and run through in three rooms until 12.00am.

That is one hell of a days dancing…Enjoy!!

Prices:

Workshops & Ball     £35
Ball only                      £10

Contact:
For bookings – 07946 221042 (Bill)
For general info – 07956 532721 (Nigel)

Or click here

Speakies on Dereham Road in Norwich is an old cinema with a wooden dance floor and amply stocked bar that now plays host to DJ Earl Harlem and the Norwich Hot Rhythm Club.

Give you feet a work out at THE night of the best dance music. Deejay Earl Harlem will be playing Hot 20s Jazz,30s Dance Band,40s Swing, Rhythm & Blues, Rockabilly,Rock ‘n’ Roll,Ska & 60s Soul.

We want you …
If you CAN dance,and WANT too
If you CAN’T dance, but WANT too,
If you CAN or CAN’T dance, and DON’T want too!

In fact all we want, is for you to have a gand time in a swell joint to a jumpin’ soundtrack !

Check out the Facebook page for more information

It brings me great pleasure to introduce to Vintage Secret my favourite club night on the South Coast.  Not just because its where i cut my dancing teeth as a young modette, but it is a fabulous club night.

Born in 1998 at the legendary Portsmouth Wedgewood Rooms they have expanded over the years and have hosted events all over Hampshire, including Basingstoke, Southampton, Bognor Regis, the Isle of Wight and London. They are also the staple diet of the IOW Scooter Rally, spinning their great tunes over the whole 3 nights in the Ryde Castle as well as hosting the Hipshaker Lounge at the IOW Festival earlier in the year.

Where: Portsmouth Wedgewood Rooms, 147b Albert Road, Portsmouth, Hampshire PO4 0JW

How much: £5 adv / £6 B4 11 / £7 after.  You can call the box office on 023 9286 3911 or book online here.

Click on the poster to take you to their Facebook Page.