Social Dance & Community Activities in Belfast

Our Social Space

Creating space for social connections within local communities.

Inclusive social dance, community cinema, urban gardening and social evenings that help people connect, move and belong.

Activities

Classes, events & community projects

Donate

Support inclusive local programmes

Venue Hire

Affordable, community-focussed studio hire

About us

We’re a local charity working to reduce loneliness and promote social health by bringing people together through community activities, classes, and volunteering - based in Belfast.

Learn more about our mission and how you can be part of it.

Our Story in Film

Celebrating One Year at Dance Addiction

As we mark the first anniversary of Our Social Space transitioning into Dance Addiction as our community venue, we’re delighted to share this creative short film developed with our dance community.

Lost Sole was created as part of the NI Now Project, supported by the Nerve Centre and Northern Ireland Screen, and now forms part of the Northern Ireland Digital Archives.

Filmed in Our Speakeasy, the story follows a curious lost sole who stumbles into a lively Cotton Club-style gathering, discovering a welcoming world of rhythm, connection and social dancing.

This film was brought to life by our fabulous community social dancers, with story written by Julie and creative direction from Mark. It celebrates the creativity, collaboration and sense of belonging that continues to shape Our Social Space.

Latest News

‹ Back

🗑️ Adventures of the Blues Bin: Sunday Blues Field Notes – Episode 2

This week, I had a question rattling in my lid: why do humans learn Blues and Swing dances? Fancy foot flicks? Awkward knee bends? Surely not.

Naturally, I hitched a ride in The Sandyman’s dance shoe bag (cozy, bit whiffy) and ended up at The Sunflower.

Part 1 – A Flower That Lies 🌻

Imagine my disappointment when I realised The Sunflower wasn’t a garden at all. No soil, no seeds, not even a compost heap. Instead: beer, music, chatter, and… Elvis.

Well - a suspiciously shiny-haired Elvis who had the humans cheering and dancing like they’d just discovered sequins. I snorted (internally).

He even tried a few mouches. Let’s just say… I’ve seen better knees at Sunday Blues. In fact, I might extend him a personal invitation - plenty of room for improvement, and we do love a project.

Side Note: If he shows up, I’m calling dibs on the front row seat. Strictly research.

Part 2 – Humans, Shoes & Secrets 👞

I snuck into The Sandyman’s dance shoe bag to get here (cozy, smelled like effort). From this vantage point, I finally got a clue: why do humans learn social dances?

Answer: community. It wasn’t just about fancy steps - it was about the smiles, the laughter, and the way music stitched them all together.

I spotted a very dapper human called Tim - apparently, he knows everyone and everything. The bands adored him, the dancers greeted him like an old pal, and he even tipped his hat to me. (Finally, some respect.).

Tim introduced me to a band called The Sabrejets. The Sandyman couldn’t resist - out came his Rockabilly moves: knees flicking, feet kicking, hair quivering with delight.

And then it struck me: it’s not just the Blues. Whether it’s Rockabilly, Swing, or something else entirely - all the humans do is dance!

Side Note: If Tim runs for mayor, I’ll vote. Provided bins are allowed a ballot.

Part 3 – King-Sized Attention 👑

And then… it happened. Everyone wanted a photo with me. Me! Move over, Elvis - there’s a new King in town.

To top it all off, I even won the ballot prize: a handsome photograph of Elvis in his heyday. Not bad for a night’s research.

Side Note: My trophy shelf is getting crowded.

With prize in hand (or lid), I think it’s time I roll back to Our Speakeasy at Our Social Space. I need to see how the humans are getting on with this Blues dancing of theirs.