SPOTLIGHT / DANCE On your toes
With more than a little help from a certain television series and a growing choice of accessible opportunities, it seems we’re taking to
the nation’s dance fl oors in increasing numbers. And “so what” if you’ve two left feet?
Words David Leck
T
here are those who believe when times get tough we go in search of the familiar, the comforting
and the reassuring. If that’s true it may well account for our seemingly collective embracing of things such as baking and dancing.
Who’d have thought sticking a dozen people in a tent in the middle of nowhere to create some obscure Austrian confection, or the travails of two-left-footed ‘celebrities’ perfecting their paso doble would have anywhere upwards of 12 million of us
scrabbling for the remote control. Developing a new skill or improving an existing one is said to
be a key ingredient in a full and happy life. If that’s true then increasing numbers of people are fi nding the dance fl oor to be a rewarding place in which to devote some valuable leisure time. Judy Wood, who founded the Medway School of Dance in 1970, has seen some changes over the intervening decades and the success of Strictly Come Dancing, while welcome, presents a challenge for dance
teachers when it comes to managing the expectations of students.
“Strictly has been wonderful and in the early days we saw many more beginners come to classes but it did lead some to believe they could learn to dance quicker than is typical for the average person,” says Judy, who qualifi ed in ballroom and Latin and whose school started with beginner classes for adults and children in the traditional disciplines before responding to myriad trends from disco and rock to salsa and line dancing. Incorporating different styles and
GET IN STEP! The Dance Studio aims to provide classes for all, from beginners to advanced, whether it be once a week for fun or dedicated dancers looking into a career in dance. Learn ballet, tap, modern, jazz, street dance and musical theatre in a fun atmosphere with the emphasis on learning in a non-competitive environment. Classes are held in Tunbridge Wells, Paddock Wood, Pembury, East
Peckham, Otford and Kemsing. • The Dance Studio, 190 Forest Road, Tunbridge Wells TN2 5JB, call 07812 565826 or visit
www.thedancestudio.biz
FOR FUN
& FITNESS Exercise is a chore, right? Getting fi t is another job on our long list,
yes? Not with Louise Bunny Hop – you dance, you make friends, you have fun. Getting fi t is just a bonus. It’s a workout that feels more like a night out – but you defi nitely feel
better in the morning! • Contact Louise Jordan at Louise Bunny Hop Dance and Fitness on 07852 256353, visit www.louisebunnyhop.
wordpress.com or
www.facebook.com/ louisebunnyhop
FROM FIRST STEPS TO
THE STAGE Associates Dance was formed in 2000 by Sian Dunlop and
Sally-Anne Leigh. Since then the school has gone from strength to strength, winning many awards and proud to see many ex-pupils currently appearing in the West End and national tours. Students perform in many local shows and pantomimes, as well as competing in dance festivals, termly exams and a bi-annual show.
Classes from two-and-a-half years. • For more information, visit www.
associatesdance.co.uk
66
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