Women behind a popular dance class in Wakefield say they are worried the sessions could come to an end unless new funding or sponsorship can be found.

The weekly classes, held at The Factory at WX (Wakefield Exchange), began in 2025 as part of Wakefield’s Wellbeing Wednesdays programme and were originally planned as a six-week course.

However, organisers say demand quickly grew, with participants asking for the sessions to continue.

Many members of the group suffer from various illnesses and ailments.

placeholder image — Bollywood Dance Class

WX later provided free venue space for a further three months, while tutor costs were covered separately, allowing the classes to continue into 2026.

Since then, the sessions have expanded beyond their original Bollywood dancing, with instructor Salma introducing a mix of styles including line dancing, 1960s routines, Arabic belly dancing and sessions inspired by the Bee Gees.

The class attracts people from across the district, including Castleford and Pontefract, alongside SEND families, children, and women living with both short and long-term health conditions.

Organisers say they are now looking at ways to keep the sessions running once the current support arrangement ends.

The group’s ideal outcome would be for WX to continue providing free venue space from September 2026, with tutor costs either fully or partly funded through council backing, charity support or sponsorship.

Regular participant and campaigner Maggie Brown called the group "really lovely and supportive."

She said: “It’s fun, it doesn’t matter if you get the steps wrong.

“The group has so many people, many with ailments, it’s like a cardio workout but enjoyable. If you can’t keep up with a part of it, you just wait until there’s a bit you can.”

She said the classes have become an important part of many people’s weekly routine.

“It’s giving people a reason to get out and something to look forward to. I don’t think there’s anything else like it in Wakefield.”

If funding cannot be secured, organisers say they would welcome help promoting the classes to increase attendance and make the sessions financially sustainable.

Alternative venues would be considered if the classes cannot remain at WX.

A Wakefield Council spokesperson said: “We are happy to talk to the group to see if we can help them become more sustainable.”