Queer Tango to perform at Margate's Nayland Rock Hotel for Winter Solstice

Curated by Margate-based community dance company, Round in Circles, the programme aims to connect mind, body and soul through a range of activities

Dance sensations Queer Tango London will perform at the historic Nayland Rock Hotel as part of a weekend of events celebrating Winter Solstice.

Curated by Margate-based community dance company, Round in Circles (@roundincirclesproductions), the programme aims to connect mind, body and soul through a range of activities.

The festival starts with a solstice-inspired yoga class led by instructor, Geni Caloisi this is followed by a rumba class and special Christmas tea dance. A dazzling array of Ballroom, Latin and Swing will be accompanied by good food and cocktails which all pay homage to the Roman winter festival, Saturnalia – an ancient rite characterised by togas, feasting and carnival.

Dancers are encouraged to glide across the floor in glitzy gold or their toga as daylight draws in.

Virtuoso performer Ash Mukherjee returns to his hometown to provide the perfect soundtrack to soak up the atmosphere and sip cocktails as the sun sets over the seascape.

The following day Ray Batchelor and Gawaine Preston of Queer Tango London will then bring their barrier-breaking dance ethos to entertain and teach in a safe and fun way. Everybody is welcome to join in.

There will be frozen margaritas on offer and the chance to rip up the rule book and dance with whomever you choose and are comfortable with.

Creative Director at Round in Circles Anna Symes says after two years of lockdown the joy of dance in Margate will be a beautiful experience.

She said: “During the pandemic rather than touring the country I was connecting much more with Margate and the joyful things that happen in nature and in particular paid attention to the winter and summer solstices. I thought about the and physical effects they have and this weekend’s events to are a homage to that. The social dance floor is a beautiful place to celebrate and explore these themes and in such a stunning location. There will be good food, decadent cocktails and the very best teachers and performers - it will be a truly special weekend.”