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Armley: Upstairs Downstairs reopens as dancing venue
Armley's Upstairs Downstairs nightclub has a genteel new lease of life – as a venue for ballroom and latin dancing.
Over the past few years, Upstairs Downstairs on Armley Ridge Road had become a magnet for crime and antisocial behaviour and was shut down earlier this year – much to the relief of residents living nearby.
Now, local woman Linda Ritzer – who remembers the club's glory days and dancing there as a teenager – has bought and transformed the club into a dance hall and studio.
The venue, now renamed The Limelight, is now open for business for salsa nights, dance classes and children's workshops.
Grandmother of three Linda said: "I used to dance here when I was 14.
We'd all get together and dance to the latest Beatles songs so I have a lot of fond memories.
"When the building became available I knew I had to go for it. It has taken much longer than I thought and we've had endless problems but it has become a labour of love for me.
"I wouldn't have done it if I didn't believe in it.
"I don't think there is anything else like it in Leeds. There are church halls and other buildings where people go to dance but nothing like The Limelight.
"And with programmes like Strictly Come Dancing, dancing is having a
massive revival. There is a lot of interest out there."
The building has taken nine months and 120,000 to revamp. It now boasts two dance areas – on two floors – a stage, a function room and state-of-the-art sound equipment.
It also has a licensed bar but Linda is not expecting much profit from it.
Linda, who lives in Wortley, said: "Dancers don't drink. We sell more water than anything else – ,alcohol dehydrates you so it's not good for dancing."
Linda had until recently lived in the United States for 25 years and became a salsa dance expert. She will be teaching classes along with other dance professionals she has drafted in.
Classes being staged at present range from smooth and jive to the tango, ballroom and salsa.
The classes are aimed at adults over 18.
There are also classes for youngsters including hip hop and street dance.
Adult classes are 6 per session, which are followed by social evenings, and children's are 4.50.
In the new year, Linda is looking to launch lifestyle classes, including weight loss and nutrition sessions.
More details are available by logging on at: www.thelimelightleeds.co.uk
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Saturday 04 February 2012
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