The Heartthrob of the Northern Rivers takes Stillington in North Yorkshire by storm in his first ever International appearance!

On Monday 20 October 2025, the quiet village of Stillington situated just 25 min north of York, was anything but sleepy. With just 24 hours’ notice, locals gathered in the village hall for what would become a night to remember for the very first international MOVE IT Dance Fitness Fun class, led by none other than Philip Channells aka Heartthrob of the Northern Rivers (Australia).

The one-hour session, part dance class, part community celebration, had 13 participants aged 10 and up shimmying, sweating, laughing, and sparkling to an infectiously fun playlist featuring tracks like Everybody Everybody (Black Box), You Sexy Thing (Hot Chocolate), Freedom (George Michael), Back to Life (Soul II Soul), and The Boys Are Back In Town (Thin Lizzy).

“Heartthrob really knows how to work a room – we miss him already!” said Alex, one of the event’s hosts.

Hosts with the most: Meg Drury & Alex Wright (Wright & Grainger).

Who Is the Heartthrob of the Northern Rivers?

If you haven’t yet experienced the phenomenon, Heartthrob proudly identifies as the unofficial love-child of Jane Fonda and Richard Simmons – a glittering, high-energy celebration of movement, joy, and the inner diva. Created by Philip Channells in 2018, ‘Heartthrob’ lights up festivals and community stages with inclusive, body-positive dance sessions that are equal parts fitness, theatre, and feel-good fun.

Philip reflected after class, “Teaching fun, upbeat MOVE IT classes for everyone and every body in small community halls is just as meaningful to me as performing on major festival stages. When I see a room full of smiling faces and people really going for it, I know they’re feeling great – and that’s something worth encouraging.”

With his Throbbing Hearts backup dancers, Heartthrob has performed everywhere from the Tropical Fruits Festival alongside Betty Grumble for ‘SWEAT – A Mega Boogie Love In‘, to the National Circus Festival and Training Program in Mullumbimby, Bangalow Billycart Derby and Love Lennox street parties, River Sounds Festival in Bellingen, and LOLA: Laneways of Lismore Arts Festival. He’s also brought his infectious energy to birthday parties, funerals, wakes, and corporate events, always spreading the message that movement belongs to everyone, and every body is welcome.

‘MOVE IT – Stillington’ dancers: Georgie, Meg and Angie.

MOVE IT in Stillington: A Night to Remember

When the music kicked in and the disco vibes bounced off the wooden floorboards, the village hall transformed into a joyous dance floor. Locals who’d never met were suddenly grooving side by side, shaking off their Monday night blues and grinning from ear to ear.

“It was so much fun, I couldn’t stop smiling!” said Georgie, who came along with friends and left with a full heart and flushed cheeks.

The spontaneity of it all, a pop-up class organised with less than a day’s notice, captured the true spirit of regional communities. In places like Stillington in North Yorkshire (UK), art and connection don’t wait for grand stages or big budgets; they happen when hearts are open and someone just hits play.

“Stillington doesn’t know what it’s missing!” laughed Angie, still buzzing after the final track faded out.

Dancer: Josh with a lovely pair of coconuts.

“Heartthrob had us all moving and grooving until my coconuts couldn’t take it any more! A thoroughly enjoyable and silly evening,” said Josh.

From Byron to Britain

Philip’s connection to the region goes back to his time in Australia, where he first met Alex and Meg while they were touring the Wright & Grainger show, ‘The Gods The Gods The Gods‘, performing at the Brunswick Picture House. Their reunion in Stillington felt like fate, like coming home.

“The most colourful and joyful class I’ve been to. No right or wrong; just bodies, movement, playfulness, laughter, a bit of chaos, and loads of good vibes. All while accidentally getting an actual workout!” added Meg.

This pop-up session was an additional part of Philip’s Regional Arts Australia Fellowship, a research project that has seen him travel across the UK meeting artists, attending festivals, and connecting communities through dance.

The ‘MOVE IT – Stillington’ dancers. On the D-floor (L – R): Josh, Emily & Stan. Middle row (L – R): Meg, Martha, Helen, Angie, Kirsty, Heartthrob & Alex. Back row (L – R): Sarah, Jess, Georgie (just peaking out) & George.

The most fun I’ve had moving my body in a long time. Joyful, inclusive, fun and exhausting – my face hurt from my smile and my glutes hurt from the moves, said Jess.

Bring the party home

From Byron Bay to North Yorkshire, Heartthrob proves that dance is about joy, connection, and showing up exactly as you are. Can’t make it to a live class? No problem! Our recorded MOVE IT sessions let you dance anytime, anywhere: living room, backyard, or hotel room. Click here to login. Hit play, shake it out, and join the fun. Every body belongs on the dance floor!

I had a fab time that night! It was such a laugh, and I was shattered afterwards! I really liked the music and getting dressed up! — Stan Fedorenko (12)

Main Image: Stan.