ARE you worried the first dance at your wedding will let you down? As unlikely as it sounds, City of York Council may have the answer.

The council has released its new offering of wide-ranging courses, which take place at numerous venues in and around the city with day time and evening times available.

Some of the more unusual classes include preparing for your first dance and learning to groove in time for Christmas.

A council spokesman said: “One of the new short courses, ‘Learn to Dance for the Festive Season’, aims to banish the side to side shuffles often seen at Christmas events, giving residents the confidence to strut their stuff on the dance floor.

“There is a range of courses to support people in the workplace.

“Brides and grooms can sign up for classes to prepare for the first dance at their wedding, allowing them to wow guests as they glide around the dance floor.”

Other courses encompass subjects including performing arts, computing, exercise and counselling.

As part of the New Learning 4 Everyone programme, the council has also launched classes alongside York Museums Trust to run workshops and courses at York Art Gallery, the Yorkshire Museum and York Castle Museum.

New courses this term include a range of drama-based workshops and courses, including an Introduction to Drama and Theatre, how to Act Shakespeare, creating characters through masks and script writing.

There are also one-day courses, along with many old favourites including painting, drawing, flower arranging and dressmaking.

Cllr Nigel Ayre, executive member for culture, leisure and tourism at the council, said: “This adult learning programme will enable residents to pick up new skills and qualifications, further their own businesses or simply learn new crafts for pleasure.

“This year, our taster programme of free classes include pilates, yoga, tai chi, zumba, dancercise, singing and computing so you can even try before you buy.”

For more information, pick up a brochure from libraries, or visit www.yortime.org.uk