On Sunday 25 October, a room full of people took over the upstairs at O'Neill's in Reading and danced their hearts out for two and a half hours. No mirrors, no judgement, no experience needed. Just music, movement and a LOT of laughing.
Dance Your Heart Out 4 is done, and honestly? I'm still buzzing. Here's what happened, why we do it, and what you all said afterwards.
Why we created Dance Your Heart Out
Caz and I started these events alongside our mobile Dazzle work because, honestly, I was SICK of going to intimidating dance classes and leaving feeling worse about myself. We both used to be dancers, so I can't imagine what that feels like for an absolute beginner.
We looked for AGES for something that wasn't just a Zumba class. As much as I love Zumba, I wanted a hybrid, with the music I actually love and listen to all the time. When we couldn't find it, we made it.
One rule was non-negotiable: NO MIRRORS. Dance Your Heart Out is about feeling good, not looking good, so why bother having them?!
What went down at DYHO 4
This was our fourth Dance Your Heart Out, and it might just be my favourite yet. A genre and a dance style for absolutely everyone. This time we went from:
Hip hop to get everyone warmed up and grooving
Cheese, because nothing breaks the ice like a proper singalong anthem
Country, with a bit of line dancing thrown in
Sassy heels (no actual heels required!)
Reggaeton to finish on a high
The best bit? You could dip in and out of whatever you fancied. Some people went full throttle the whole way through. Some found their favourite style and gave it everything. Everyone left sweaty, smiley and a little bit lighter than when they walked in.
We had complete first-timers, regulars, people who came on their own and groups of friends, all dancing side by side. One lovely lady messaged afterwards to say she'd been totally out of her comfort zone and hid in the back row, insisting she's not a natural mover. She's already coming back in January. Back row, front row, it doesn't matter. You belong here.
The moment that stayed with me
The feedback after these events gives me literal goosebumps. I've lost count of how many of you have told me these sessions have boosted your confidence.
But one comment from Sunday has stuck with me all week. One dancer came up to me afterwards and told me that, for the first time in ages, she suddenly stopped feeling invisible.
"For the first time in ages, I finally didn't feel invisible."
THAT is why we do this. Not for perfect steps or flawless choreography. To dig deep and find that little kid who hadn't learnt self-doubt and insecurity yet.
In your words
Don't just take it from me. Here's what some of our dancers have said about Dance Your Heart Out:
"Oh my days, that was THE best Sunday I’ve had in forever! Met some great ladies……..Damian and the 2.5 hours went SO quickly. I think I smiled the whole time.
Ceri & Caz, you have something incredible here and we really did Dance our hearts out. Thanks for the best time xx" Collette Woodcock
"I wouldn't normally enjoy dancing in the middle of lots of strangers but the atmosphere was so fun and supportive I felt so comfortable." Louise Kehoe
"I'm in my 70s but I danced with all ages, chatted, laughed and had a good workout in a friendly, joyful, non-judgemental atmosphere. Can't wait for the next event." Heather Steele
"What you guys are doing is everything the Reading community needs. I can't wait for the next one and to dance those Monday blues away whilst feeling like I did my body a service and worked out!" Francesca Dunne
"Dazzle Dance is the most joyful activity to participate in. The energy, the fun, movement and laughter. Movement, fun and dazzling dance, what's not to love." Caroline Gratrix
A massive thank you
To every single person who came along: thank you for showing up, for being brave, and for giving it your all. You made the room.
Thank you to my partner in crime Caz, for the energy, the moves and the belly laughs. To Ritisha, for all the visuals, messages and behind-the-scenes magic. To O'Neill's Reading, for giving us such a brilliant space upstairs.
And a special shout-out to Damien, who shares our events on What's On Reading and has helped get so many people through our doors. On Sunday he finally joined us in person, was the only bloke in the room, and absolutely threw himself into every single track. What a legend.
Dance Your Heart Out 5: Sunday 17 January 2027
Missed it, or already can't wait for the next one? DYHO 5 lands on Sunday 17 January 2027, the day before Blue Monday. Yep, we planned that on purpose.
January can feel looooong, so we're dancing the gloom away before it even arrives. Expect all the same feel-good vibes: hip hop, cheese, country, heels, reggaeton and plenty of laughs. Beginner-friendly, no mirrors, no judgement, and all about how you feel, not how you look.
Bring your friends, bring your mum, or come solo. It's the easiest way to meet your new favourite people.
Get your tickets: https://www.dazzledanceexperience.co.uk/dance-your-heart-out
See you on the dance floor!
Ceri x
