Hertfordshire Gets Ready to Dance: Angela Rippon CBE’s ‘Let’s Dance!'

Hertfordshire is set to get the whole county moving as part of Let’s Dance, a national initiative spearheaded by broadcaster and campaigner Angela Rippon CBE, encouraging people of all ages and abilities to embrace the joy and benefits of dance.

On Sunday 8^th March 2026, dance organisations, charities, health professionals, community groups and celebrities across the UK will come together to inspire more people to dance. In Hertfordshire, the Live Longer Better in Hertfordshire Team, in partnership with the Herts Sport & Physical Activity Partnership, is working with Angela Rippon to ensure the initiative is a big success locally.

The campaign aims to:
• Raise awareness of the physical, mental and social benefits of dance
• Make it easier than ever for people to find a dance activity - whatever their age, level or experience
• Bring people together and help communities connect through movement

Leading up to the 8^th of March and the following week, participating Hertfordshire dance groups will open their doors to anyone interested in getting involved. Dance is proven to improve balance, strength and cardiovascular health, while also boosting mental wellbeing and helping to combat loneliness.

Live Longer Better in Hertfordshire is a collaborative movement dedicated to enabling older adults to live longer, healthier and happier lives. The programme focuses on reducing frailty and tackling loneliness, while promoting independence through increased physical activity and proactive health management by empowering individuals with the tools, confidence and support to take charge of their wellbeing.

In September 2025, Hertfordshire residents were greeted by Angela Rippon CBE at the Live Longer Better in Hertfordshire Celebration Day held at the University of Hertfordshire and led a group of some 500 people through a dance warm up for the event where people had the opportunity to try a plethora physical activities. (Photos provided of Angela at the event) Following the event, appetite to get involved in dance classes has been strong across Hertfordshire and more than thirty free classes have been organised in line with the campaign.

“Last year so many of you got involved, encouraging more people to see dance as a great way of getting fit and having fun,” says Angela Rippon, CBE. “I know in Hertfordshire you all want to live longer and better, so on March the 8^th, there’s a perfect way of doing it!”

You can find local events and opportunities by visiting www.movingmore.co.uk, Hertfordshire’s Activity Finder.