Julie brings dance good times back to Bedworth

The years will roll back when a dance hall re-opens in Bedworth later this month.

Music is set to again echo from the walls of a venue known almost a century ago as Joey Jazzer’s – where flappers once did the Charleston and couples enjoyed a slow waltz.

The single-storey building, in Marston Lane, next to the Miner’s pub, is being given a new lease of life by established local dance teacher Julie Earnshaw.

After standing empty for many years and used at various times as a boxing gym, brewery warehouse and haulage company storage depot, it is now being turned back into a dance hall.

Julie has taken on a massive restoration project to totally transform the interior, complete with a professionally-sprung wooden floor in the main hall, new windows and lighting, a large performance stage, plus a licensed bar, lounge, kitchen, dressing room area and toilets.

“The place was virtually derelict but I was delighted to make a successful bid when it came up for auction, because it would have been such a shame to see it knocked down,” said Julie.

“We are planning a grand opening on September 20, so we have had a great deal of building work to complete in a relatively short space of time. But it’s looking good and I’m sure a lot of people will be impressed with the end result.”

Julie, who lives in Nuneaton, has spent her whole career involved with the dance world. Her 21-year-old son, Tyrone Thiara, is the current British amateur champion, while she continues to give private tuition and competition coaching.