Ballroom and latin dancing for lesbians, gay men and bisexuals

About us

Victor Victoria has been running tea dances and balls for lesbians, gay men and bisexuals since 1995. In 1997 we moved from the Victoria Hall in Saltaire to Leeds Town Hall, the first time there had been a queer event at the town hall.

These days our balls are the highlight of the gay calender in Leeds, and guaranteed to be a sell out. Most folks dress up - one way or another! - and ballroom groupies mix happily with people who don't know a foxtrot from a cha-cha.

Music is from our resident DJs Henry Tickner and Andy Fellows, and ,for years, Leeds' very only queer band, the Lavender Cafe Orchestra. More recently we've featured the Very Good Rock and Roll Band, and Leeds-based Fingersmiths

Since starting the balls, we've also run other events, including a queer table top sale, nights in at the old Milan's club, beginners' dance lessons, and we were proud to support the Rainbow Picnic last year in Leeds.

Victor Victoria's is a not-for-profit group. None of us are paid; we do it because we're desperate for somewhere to dance!

To contact us
Email: mikeweb@ntlworld.com
Write: c/o Shout!, PO Box YR46, Leeds LS9 6XG

If you want to be included on our e-mailing list, click here for details.

Victor Victoria's has only been possible through the help and hard work of a vast number of people and organisations. They're not too numerous to mention, but they might be too numerous to remember. Apologies to any we've missed, and thanks to all of the following (in no particular order):
  • The late Liz Normaschild, because she taught us to dance first, and then came along to teach at our first tea dances.
  • The staff at various venues: Victoria Hall Saltaire, Leeds Town Hall, Milan's, the Grand Theatre, and the Serbian Club.
  • People who've sold tickets: The Bavaria Tavern as was, Cutting Camp as was, Dixon Bate as was, Blayd's Bar, the Love Apple Cafe, Libertas Books, Shout! and The Sun Hotel.
  • For editorial support beyond the call of duty: Shout! (again).
  • DJs Henry and Andy who between them have provided music for every event we ever held, and local band the Lavender Cafe Orchestra who supported us when we started and have played ever since.
  • Assorted people who've turned up and helped on the night, including door minders: Graham and Nicky, Dave E, Mark M, Viv and Alan, Louise G, and many others; decorators: Viv and Alan, Dave E, Alex J; cake-makers many and various; and Graham for the amount of time he spent with his hands in the sink.
  • Special guests Ian MacKellen and Belinda the singer. Olympia Dukakis couldn't make it.
  • Jason and Ian who shared their experience of Nancy's right at the start.
  • Not forgetting the Victor Victoria's team, past and present: Addie, Andy, Anne, Ian, Jane, Liz, Louise, Mary, Mike, Noel, Norma, Rhiannon, Steve, Susan and the men from Harrogate whose names I don't know.