A High Barnet community dance group which had to close during the covid emergency is building back attendances at its weekly sessions and hopes more residents will come along and give it a go.

D2D – Dare to Dance – was established in 2010 and organises classes in creative movement and contemporary dance.

The group meets every Thursday afternoon at 2pm at the Wesley Hall in Stapylton Road, and newcomers are welcome.

Maga Judd, a dance teacher and choreographer, leads the sessions with the assistance of her father in law Nick Judd who is the rehearsal and performance musician on piano and percussion.

“Creative movement and contemporary dance are so good for health and wellbeing,” said Maga.

“After everyone missed out on so much during the covid emergency, we hope we can once again build back our weekly attendances.

“We are happy to welcome everyone, not just trained dancers.”

D2D was started by Mr Judd’s late wife Jane who held classes initially at The Bull and took part in the annual inter-generational dance event, Keep On Moving.

After Jane’s death in 2021, Maga took over as creative director and choreographer.

Maga trained as a dance teacher and choreographer at the London Contemporary Dance School and then completed her masters with Jane at Middlesex University.

“Maga has taken on the role of my late wife and so we have been able to re-establish and continue the group that Jane started,” said Mr Judd.

“Creative dance and improvisation are so fulfilling for the 50-plus age group, and we are so pleased to have had the chance to hold classes once again after a break following Jane’s death and then the pandemic.” 

D2D classes are held at the Wesley Hall, Stapylton Road, Barnet, each Thursday, 2pm to 3pm