Tango very much!
Dance lovers on Leeside and beyond can look forward to swirling gowns, smoochy numbers, and classics from Johann Strauss to Abba at this year’s Lord Mayor’s Tea Dance.
A January gathering of young and old who love to dance will take to the floor in City Hall this Sunday from 3-5pm for this annual charity event, all to the irresistible music of Evelyn Grant and the Cork Pops Orchestra.
This year’s beneficiary is the Cork University Hospital Charity which provides a wide range of life-changing and life-saving equipment, facilities, and services for patients attending the hospital.
The Cork Pops Orchestra will be joined by soloists Keith Hanley (Voice of Ireland), and 8 year old Emma Sophia.
The MTU Carnival Samba band, directed by Stephen Kelly, will also feature, celebrating 20 years since their first performance at a Tea Dance in 2005.
As is tradition, a highlight of the event will see Rona Coulter from Viva Dance studio lead the floor for a legendary “slosh” involving everyone in the hall.
There will also be a boisterous and exhilarating demonstration from the Cork Swing dancers.Dancers can look forward to a wide range of music and a chance to demonstrate their dancing skills in waltzes, tangos, two-steps, swing dancing, and even a bit of rock ‘n’ roll.
There will also be a raffle during the event with all funds raised going to Cork University Hospital Charity.
A spokesperson for the charity said: “CUH Charity is delighted to be selected as the beneficiary of the Lord Mayor's Tea Dance, an event that beautifully reflects our ethos of fostering community connection and well-being by bringing together people of all ages to enjoy music, dance, and shared moments of joy.
“Funds raised will directly support vital projects and services that enhance patient care at Cork University Hospital and Cork University Maternity Hospital.”
Young people are invited to bring an older person or a group of older people to the dance, with previous balls having proven to be great fun for all ages. The aim of the Lord Mayor’s Tea Dance is to recognise the role of a previous generation and offer a wonderful opportunity to celebrate and acknowledge this contribution. And the invite doesn’t just include Cork. Organisers are encouraging the young at heart from all over Ireland to use free travel to come to Cork for the dance.
The Cork Pops Orchestra’s Tea Dances were devised by Gerry Kelly and grew from the successful Millennium Tea Dance project for The Young at Heart, which took place in Cork city and county in 2005.
The Lord Mayor’s Tea Dance is organised by a local committee of people from the public, private, and voluntary sectors and in conjunction with the Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr Dan Boyle. The committee is chaired by Dr Andrew Crosbie.