If there is a season when ballroom dancing is front and centre in the nation's minds, it's autumn. Why? Because Strictly Come Dancing is back on the BBC.

As a result, people up and down the land debate heel leads, the quality of frame, and the technical skills of celebrities they might not otherwise be remotely interested in.

At its heart, ballroom is a social dance. It's about people leading and following in a pair, moving around the floor to music and (hopefully) having a fine old time. A social dance isn't about judges' scores or showing off; it's a chance to share something you really enjoy with other like-minded people in a relaxed environment, with plenty of space, plenty of chairs, and excellent music.

And so, we welcome you back to the friendliest dance floor in London: Bishopsgate Ballroom, now in its 13th year.

One of the things that makes this event unique is our team of Dance Hosts, whose fees are part of what your ticket helps us cover. They are all excellent and generous social dancers who really enjoy making our dancers feel welcome. They can either lead or follow, whichever you prefer, and are on hand for any questions you might have (within reason).

Each Bishopsgate Ballroom starts with a solo taster routine, taught by our host and DJ, Nick Miles. You don't need a partner, and the combination you'll learn will stand you in good stead for social dancing.

You can expect a lot of the usual Ballroom & Latin dances (Waltz, Quickstep, Slow Foxtrot, Tango and Viennese Waltz, Cha Cha Cha, Rumba, Jive, Samba and even a Paso Doble) plus alternative rhythms (Argentine Tango and Salsa, for example), much-loved Sequence Dances (such as the Saunter Together) and the usual social line dances (including the Bus Stop, Hello Dolly and Rio Cha Cha).

The event is for adults, runs for three hours from 19:30, and we run a card-only bar (so please don't bring your own drinks or food).

To quote Tess and Claudia, keep dancing....!

Practical Information

• Tickets are £14/£12 in advance and £16 on the door.
• If you claim a concessionary rate, you may be asked for proof of eligibility (e.g. student card, or proof of age). Find out more about our concessionary rates.
• Online ticket sales will close two hours prior to the event starting. We encourage you to book in advance, as tickets will be available on the door but will be limited.
• For group bookings larger than 10 people, please contact our Box Office team via 020 73929200
• We want you to relax and enjoy the evening, so there is no dress code beyond no sharp heels, please.
• We run a card-only bar and also provide free drinking water, so bring your reusable bottle and help yourself. Please don't bring your own food and drink into the event.
   
• We don't have a staffed cloakroom for this event. Please use the rails in the Boardroom suite.
• Our events and courses are designed for over-18s only. We do not allow under-18s to attend our social dance events as our evening events are aimed at an adult audience, with a licensed bar in operation.
• If you have any accessibility needs or concerns, please email us at enquiries@bishopsgate.org.uk.