Tea Dances in Spitalfields

Band and dancers in Spitalfields. Photo: Sarah Corke & Isabel Minter

Spitalfields may seem an unlikely draw for those who enjoy a cha cha or a foxtrot but over the summer it attracts social dancers from all over the south east of England.  Spitalfields Tea Dances take place on the last Friday of the month from April to September.

The dances were launched 4 years ago by local resident, and former Education Manager at the Royal Opera House Orchestra, Michael Spencer.  He is now the leader of the New Covent Garden Dance Orchestra, who play regularly at the Tea Dances.

Michael Spencer introduces the next dance. Photo: Sarah Corke & Isabel Minter

The 9-piece orchestra, made up of professional musicians, play a mixture of music from the 30s through to the 50s.

Mr Spencer believes that the very presence of the Tea Dances shows what a diverse, and creative area Spitalfields has become.

Hear what Michael Spencer has to say about founding the Tea Dances and about Spitalfields:

Get a flavour of why so many people attend the dances:

Additional contributor Isabel Minter.

See also:

Bejeweled in Spitalfields

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