Monthly Archives: October 2012

Strictly Come Dancing – Week 4 Halloween Special

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Strictly Come Dancing – Week 4, it’s Halloween

After some improvements last week, and Jerry’s perhaps not so graceful exit, who would raise their game in week 4 and who would be in the Strictly coffin?

Danny & Vincent (6, 6, 8, 7, Total 27)
Dancing the Scooby-doo themed Cha Cha Cha, Danny was starting to dance choreography from a higher level which was encouraging – Vincent maybe getting a bit braver with her now? The technique still needs big developments to pull off this dance better (more body action, stronger legs will all make this dance look better) but it’s going the right way.

Richard Arnold & Erin Boag (5, 5, 7, 5, Total 22)
After an improvement for his Quickstep last week, could Richard keep moving forward with his dancing this week? Dancing the Paso Doble he certainly threw himself into this, and maybe earned some points for that. However, now he was back out of hold, there was still some improvements not yet made. He really needs to raise his game in the quality of his Latin now to keep up with those at the front.

Lisa Riley & Robin Windsor (6, 6, 7, 7, Total 26)
Dancing the Halloween Charleston once again Lisa entered full of personality on the floor, bright, cheerful and happy. This was a very fast track and did expose some lack of technique in this dance, not going unmissed by the judges this time. Her personality really is carrying her further and further, but is this the start of the calls for more quality to go into her dance.

Sid Owen & Ola Jordan (2, 5, 5, 5, Total 17)
Dancing the Ghostbusters’ Cha Cha Cha, we were hoping for a step forward after a bit of a dip last week. Well, this was a little restrained and left us feeling not quite brought into his dance enough (Compare this with Lisa who also lacked some technique but pulled herself forward). Sid is in trouble and under pressure on the dance floor at the moment and will need to raise his game and find some confidence very quickly to last out a bit longer.

Nicky Byrne & Karen Hauer (6, 6, 7, 7, Total 26)
Nicky made a good positive step forward last week so we hoped this week would continue in the same theme, maybe relaxing into a more confident role too. Dancing the Tango (to Weird Science!), you’d have to say he did achieve just that. He has raised his game, and didn’t lack confidence stamping out his steps! Yes, still much to do, but he seemed to get away with Weird Tango this week.

Fern Britton & Artem Chigvintsev (4, 5, 6, 6, Total 21)
Last weekend Fern was needing an injection of energy and sharpness. Dancing the American Smooth, there was an opportunity to play to a bad-girl here but we saw a softer role. Len said she needed more “Wow factor” and we felt just the same. She needs to indulge some more, and express much more through her body to really get the most out of it. More expression Fern, come on! This is holding her back now.

Denise Van Outen & James Jordan (7, 7, 7, 7, Total 28)
Denise has now risen expectations each week that she will be the one to beat. Dancing the ‘freaky’ Cha Cha Cha to “Can’t touch this”, she was slightly more exposed in this dance and you could see there needed to be more leg and hip action. The basic quality of the dances is hardest to achieve and whilst often hidden in choreography and fuller outfits, here it was in need of development as it was on full show. Still heading for the late weeks of the show but more dance quality developments needed now.

Michael Vaughan & Natalie Lowe (8, 8, 8, 7, Total 31)
Michael has been struggling, particularly with his Latin. Dancing his Quickstep, he was back in hold and much better once again. OK, so there were refinements in his hold and movement needed but this was so much better than last week. If he’s going to take to ballroom much better than Latin, Natalie’s challenge will be getting him through the Latin dances more successfully. Well done Michael, the best step up from one week to the next we’ve seen. Cracking score!

Victoria Pendleton & Brendan Cole (7, 8, 8, 8, Total 31)
After a tricky costume issue last week, we’d been waiting for two weeks now to see if she’d settled into the competition more. Dancing the Tango (and another wonderful costume and theatrical setting) she was much improved, a developing hold and posture, only a minor bloopster, but very solid. Very pleased to see her perform now, and another cracking score.

Colin Salmon & Kristina Rihanoff (5, 7, 6, 6, Total 24)
Last week we felt he hadn’t been able to spend enough time in training and it showed in amongst the tricks and lifts. Dancing the Salsa ( to “Superstition”) he did have a pleasant rhythm ticking away but more footwork, body action and a few bloopers all dragged the scores down. Difficult for Kristina here but her job will be made easier in the studio if she can get him there enough. We feel he could do better with more time.

Louis Smith & Flavia Cacace (8, 9, 9, 9, Total 35)
After a couple of weeks of this series it was becoming clearer that Louis might be the one to push Denise. Dancing the Tango (and another amazing wardrobe set-up), this was very solid. Flavia has clearly worked him so hard with this routine, full of tricky content and some characterful play brought into that too. Highest score of the series so far. Keep it up Louis!

Kimberly Walsh & Pasha Pasha Kovalev (8, 8, 7, 8, Total 31)
After a good week with the quickstep last week, could Kimberly keep it up this week? Dancing the Paso Doble (as Little Red Riding Hood), there she was acting and dancing like a Diva! It looked like the gates had been opened and now she’s finding confidence, style and enjoying the actions of dancing more too. Thoroughly deserved best score to date from her too.

So, after four weeks, we maybe have Louis and Denise as early stars, but Kimberly and Victoria are raising their game now too. Denise, Louis, Kimberley, Victoria, and Michael should all be in it for a while yet, Sid, Fern, Richard and Colin might have a sleepless spook night waiting to see how the public rate them.

Strictly Come Dancing – Week 3 Hollywood Week

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Strictly Come Dancing – Week 3, it’s Hollywood

After some improvements last week, who would raise their game in week 3 and who would be joining poor Johnny in the early exits?

Fern Britton & Artem Chigvintsev (5, 6, 6, 6, Total 23)
Last weekend Fern was starting to look more at home on the Strictly floor, and seemed to be enjoying herself. This week, dancing the Charleston, there was potential for complications with the canes, hats and umbrellas in the mix, but they pulled it off. Maybe this wasn’t the rip roaring, gimmick-packed Charleston we hoped for, but this was positive, in character and was free of errors. They were pulled up by the judges who were left wanting more content and energy but not at all bad, still going in the right direction. Will need more energy and technique soon though!!

Victoria Pendleton & Brendan Cole (4, 5, 7, 6, Total 22)
After a slightly better week 2 dancing the Foxtrot, this week would her Rumba start to light up the floor with? Well, costume issues stepped right in to steal her thunder. Wrapped up in the dress more than twice this was a costume that she shouldn’t have been given. It looked like she was just going to open up and shine, then it was hampered away again. We were left frustrated that she couldn’t show us her best this week but felt there is something improving under that naughty chiffon!

Michael Vaughan & Natalie Lowe (3, 6, 6, 4, Total 19)
We felt Michael had to show improvement this week after a week Jive in the last show. He might have nearly fallen of his chair, but we didn’t quite fall off ours! Top comment from the judges, “At least the top and the bottom of your body were connected this week!” Maybe this was better than his Jive, but there needs to be some strong improvements from him to make it to the later weeks. Latin is a real weakness for him at the moment.

Jerry Hall & Anton du Beke (3, 6, 5, 4, Total 18)
After seeing her struggling a bit last week, we were hoping for a positive step this week! Sadly, it still lacked the posture needed to carry off this dance. Footwork, not too bad, but please, please Jerry, we want you to step up and dance like the glamour lady you are!

Sid Owen & Ola Jordan (4, 4, 5, 4, Total 17)
Dancing the Tango, they had the tricky task of combining head-banging rock with staccato and legato body rhythms and it didn’t suit. He did take a good while to get dancing and when he did, the dance was weaker, lacking that key Tango character. He’s gone backwards this week so let’s hope it’s a one off blooper.

Kimberly Walsh & Pasha Pasha Kovalev (7, 7, 7, 8, Total 29)
The problem with Kimberly is that people expect so much. Dancing the Quickstep, a good follow-on to the Foxtrot from last week, there was certainly much there to be proud of- the makings of a hold coming along, early signs of developing posture, good feel for the quickstep, and even a few smiles. Well done Kimberly! One to watch.

Denise Van Outen & James Jordan (8, 8, 8, 8, Total 32)
After a chart-topping week last week, Denise put herself in the spotlight. With their Foxtrot from Toy Story, they showed that it wasn’t a one-week wonder, and has now shown capability across very different dances. The judges resisted bringing out the “9” just yet. Denise is the one to beat at the moment and we don’t see a challenger right now.

Colin Salmon & Kristina Rihanoff (7, 7, 6, 6, Total 26)
Dancing the Argentine Tango, he stepped back into the James Bond movie style. It was performed and carried off in character, but there was really little Argentine Tango content to this. He partnered Kristina well in the lifts but we wanted more dancing from Colin please! Only ten hours this week was really not enough. Come on Colin, show us your stuff!

Richard Arnold & Erin Boag (6, 7, 6, 6, Total 25)
Cha Cha showed some weaknesses last week. Dancing the Quickstep this week, with Strictly’s Queen of Quickstep, Erin, this was definitely a step up from last week, beginnings of posture, hold, footwork, and it caused no offence with the judges too! Much better Richard, well done!

Danny & Vincent (7, 6, 8, 8, Total 29)
Dancing the Foxtrot, she really had worked hard with this sometimes quite demanding choreography. This was a lovely routine, and well danced, especially for week 3. Not quite as strong as Denise’ Foxtrot but not far behind and improving.

Lisa Riley & Robin Windsor (8, 6, 7, 8, Total 29)
Once again, Lisa through herself into her dance, the Jive. She’s full of enthusiasm and character that makes a bigger impression that wonderful technique sometimes, and she’s clearly proving to be popular on the show. She’ll need to improve the dancing technique underneath all the pizzazz as the show goes on but she’s in it for a while longer yet – she has time.

Nicky Byrne & Karen Hauer (6, 7, 7, 7, Total 27)
Choreography let him down last week, and what little cha there was needed to be stronger. Dancing the Quickstep to the Mask this week, he showed more energy and at least there was more dance content this week! He needs to carry on from here, work on the technique and throw himself into the dancing more. A real step forward.

Louis Smith & Flavia Cacace (8, 8, 6, 8, Total 30)
Louis had already shown himself capable in Ballroom and Latin with good previous scores in both disciplines. Dancing the part of the routine from Dirty Dancing, including the infamous lift, he held himself extremely well once again. There’s more to come from him in terms of action and technique still but this was a good performance so early in the series too. The only one keeping Denise vaguely honest at the moment.

So, after three weeks, we have a one horse race, with one horse chasing, the rest have yet to catch up. Denise, Louis, Kimberley, Dani, and Lisa should all be in it for a while yet, Sid, Jerry and Michael might have a sleepless night waiting to see how the public rate them.

Strictly Come Dancing – Week 2

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Strictly Come Dancing – Week 2

After some positive performances in the first week, and some that had clearly slumped to the bottom of the leader board, who would step up with style for the second week?

Nicky Byrne & Karen Hauer (4, 5, 4, 5, Total 18)
After a contraversiol week last week, Nicky needed a solid and safe performance to bring him back into the competition. Dancing the Cha Cha Cha, this was a little more like disco than Latin! As the routine unfolded we felt this wasn’t really what he needed to come out with. Stylish, but not really much Cha Cha Cha, and what little there was looked slightly underpowered. Come on Nicky, you’ve got to find the Strictly groove soon.

Colin Salmon & Kristina Rihanoff (6, 6, 6, 6, Total 24)
Dancing the Viennese Waltz, Colin didn’t manage to step into the ballroom shoes quite as comfortably as his Latin from last week. We felt his actual waltz steps (very few that there were) were lacking movement. That rise and fall action should be used in the Viennese to move across the floor, and here it was a little restricted. After a stronger showing in the Latin, his challenge will be how quickly can head apt to the ballroom styles?

Danny & Vincent (7, 6, 7, 7, Total 27)
Dancing her salsa, she certainly showed improvements from a nervous first week, and the routine added pressure with some higher risk lifts and drops too. Sometimes she became a little stiff in the back and slightly clumsy but for week two, this was a solid performance and showed she’s moving in the right direction.

Fern Britton & Artem Chigvintsev (6, 6, 6, 6, Total 24)
Dancing the Viennese Waltz, they were looking a little more comfortable than last week. Sometimes a little unfinished but there was more content than previous competitors. Hopefully if she can maintain the rate of improvement in the coming weeks she’ll grow in confidence.

Richard Arnold & Erin Boag (3, 6, 5, 5, Total 19)
Dancing the Cha Cha Cha (yes, in ‘full bloom’, where did he get that shirt?!), there was clearly room for improvement in those all-important fundamental actions, the body and leg actions, although there was some entertainment behind all of the ‘campness’. Maybe he’d have been better with a more conservative approach, working up those Cha Cha ingredients. Still, it wasn’t dance disaster in week two for him was it?

Victoria Pendleton & Brendan Cole (6, 6, 7, 7, Total 26)
If there was one person who needed to move up the leader board, Victoria was the one, and as such a competitor who would write her off. Dancing the foxtrot, this was a step up from her first week but there was still a little awkwardness in places that she’ll have to gain confidence to get on top of, especially when she’s spinning. Maybe, just maybe, this was the start of a more confident Victoria.

Michael Vaughan & Natalie Lowe (2, 5, 4, 4, Total 15)
Dancing the Jive, he threw himself in to it, and there was some entertainment factor. BUT, as far as the jiving went, the technique was lacking, and the timing had joined in a completely different dance we felt. Unfortunately we felt he’d regressed this week, spirited, but this one will be his weakness for a while and he will have to work it up.

Louis Smith & Flavia Cacace (7, 7, 8, 8, Total 30)
After starting with a good dance for him, his Cha Cha Cha, how would he get on with the different nature of the Viennese Waltz? He coped so well with the different demands of this dance. There was the beginners of poise, posture, good footwork (generally) and movement. He’s really shown himself to be capable for both the Latin & Ballroom and surely now, one to watch.

Denise Van Outen & James Jordan (8, 8, 8, 8, Total 32)
Dancing the Jive, we felt she threw absolutely everything into her dance, full of character, charisma, energy, fast-paced and flashy. For week two, this was a really terrific performance. In some ways it was crafty choreography as it had few of the tricky Jive chasses but plenty of other great content. A very enjoyable dance to watch, and a well deserved score too.

Johnny Ball & Aliona Vilani (Iveta Lukosiute) (5, 5, 5, 5, Total 20)
After being disappointed with his scores last week, he promised to raise his game for this week. Dancing the Foxtrot, we felt he’s really been working hard to get himself this far. He had tried to develop a hold, some movement and raise his game from last week. Ok, so there is much to do but this was no disgrace.

Sid Owen & Ola Jordan (6, 6, 5, 5, Total 22)
Dancing the Salsa, he certainly brought everything out onto the floor again, a big performance, and Ola made us laugh in taking on the gymnastics of Louis! We have to remember this is only week two for these celebrities and, in context, this was another solid performance and sure to keep him in a good while longer yet.

Kimberly Walsh & Pasha Pasha Kovalev (7, 6, 6, 7, Total 26)
After enjoying her first week experience so much, we were hoping that might mean a step up in confidence this week as she took to the floor for her Foxtrot. The problem with doing that with a Foxtrot is the dance is so, so demanding and reveals everything, and this revealed a few weaknesses. There were several big breaks of body connection, loss of tone through the hold, and some loss of self-belief we felt. The routine was quite ambitious and maybe over-exposed at this early stage. It was a solid score but people’s expectations are high of her. You’ve still got to think she’s in it for the long haul.

Jerry Hall & Anton du Beke (3, 5, 5, 5, Total 18)
Dancing the foxtrot, possibly one of Anton’s favourite dances, it was little like she draped everything over him and he had to power both of them around! She needs to work so much on posture, posture and more posture to carry herself better in the ballroom. At the moment she’ll be vulnerable until she sorts out some of these things and expects more of herself. Come on Jerry!

Lisa Riley & Robin Windsor (7, 6, 6, 6, Total 25)
After such an amazing, show-stealing week, how would that affect Lisa for her next performance, and a ballroom one with the Viennese Waltz? Plenty of confidence here and she has a very nice way about her on the floor. She struggled a little bit with posture in places, particularly when things got faster! Sometimes this gave a distraction, a few little bumps here and there, but generally she impressed once again and carried herself well with a wonderful smile right the way through. She’s surely going to be a good all-rounder but will need some ballroom refinements that perhaps could be masked in those more flamboyant Latin dances.

So, that’s it for the first and second shows. Now some poor celebrity has to be the first to be voted off and now the public vote adds a different aspect to success as popularity becomes a part of the story.

With another 24 hours to wait for the results show, we’ll await with interest how the public influence the outcomes in the coming hours. Those at the top of the leader board Louis & Flavia, Denise & James, Lisa & Robin, and Kimberley & Pasha might be feeling safer then those at the bottom, Michael & Natalie, Nicky & Karen, Jerry & Anton, and Johnny & Iveta. Good luck to them all!

Strictly Come Dancing 2012 First Week – Part 2

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Strictly Come Dancing 2012 First Week – Part 2

As promised, a few notes on the second of this weekend’s opening sets to Strictly 2012. After a solid opening last night, here’s hoping tonight is just as good, if not, better.

Order of judges scores: Craig, Darcey, Len, & Bruno

Kimberley Walsh & Pasha Kovalev (Scored 7, 7, 7, 7, Total 28)

You’d think with such an energetic background on stage, she’d be fired up and very able to step into the demands of the Strictly role. Dancing the Cha Cha Cha, she was certainly full of energy and dynamics and it was certainly a good start. She’s not going to be short of personality on the floor. Yes, technique was clearly not yet developed, and the leg action quite weak, but another good opening to the show and at the end of her dance, the highest score so far!

Sid Owen & Ola Jordan (6, 6, 7, 7, Total 26)

Eastenders seem to have a mixed track record on Strictly but with Ola, former Strictly champion, on the case, surely Sid would be worked to impress. Dancing the waltz, he’d clearly put some hard work in, maybe to the extent of being a bit stiff in all those positions! Over the next few weeks will he be able to relax, develop that posture and refine his footwork? Maybe he won’t have an easy ride of it but if hard work continues he should hold his “Owen.”

Johnny Ball & Aliona Vilani (Iveta Lukosiute) (3, 5, 5, 4, Total 17)

Would it be a ball, or would be the dance disasters continued from rehearsals to the big night? Well, he tried hard didn’t he? There was some personality there that gave it a respectable go. There is much, much development to be done with technique, style and poise, but a positive note. At 74, he’s got to be proud hasn’t he.

Dani Harmer & Vincent Simone (5, 5, 6, 5, Total 21)

Star of children’s BBC, we expected a confident TV performance and somehow the nerves showed in front of live TV.Dancing the waltz, she put her best foot forward for week 1. There were several areas of detail that needed refinement but hopefully she’ll grow in confidence as the weeks go on. Will she be the nervy one of the pack?

Lisa Riley & Robin Windsor (8, 8, 7, 7, Total 30)

Dancing the Cha Cha Cha, she showed us one thing for certain, she wasn’t going to struggle with charisma and throwing herself into the showy side of the Strictly dance routines. A real crowd pleaser, a great dance number to get some energy out of the tv into the living room and wonderfully spirited. Right, improvements in technique and everything other than energy must come now but a wonderfully entertaining start from her. Great score for her, the highest of the opening shows so far. She’s running away with it at the moment…

Richard Arnold & Erin Boag (5, 5, 7, 5, Total 22)

His life has been rubbing shoulders with showbiz and you’d expect him to be able to bring some experience to the floor but how would his dancing turn out? Dancing the waltz, probably Erin’s star dance, it wasn’t dance disaster, and it was a dignified opening for him. Erin was clearly holding his timing and getting him moving, and he’ll need to start dancing more himself for her. Maybe nerves made him a bit more inward but this should get better. Not bad for week one we felt.

Jerry Hall & Anton du Beke (3, 5, 5, 5, Total 18)

Can anyone stand up honestly and say you don’t expect her to be a Diva? In fact, would our ballroom boy be underpowered for her big persona? Dancing the Cha Cha Cha, it looked a bit like the engine never fired fully. We were hoping to see her really get going and were a bit disappointed not to see a bit more dancing. Come on Anton, we want to see her turbo in action next week.

Louis Smith & Flavia Cacace (6, 8, 6, 7, Total 27)

Olympic Silver medalist Louis was one of the super-stars of the summer and wouldn’t it be something if he could carry that on through the autumn? He’s certainly got all the physical requirements to dance strongly but will need to find his comfort zone as he refines them. Oh yes, and a little spice of gymnastics is surely to help things along the way too; no shortage of tricks. He has got strong potential if he can refine his movement and bring out that confidence too. Strong score to open things too.

So, there we have it until next weekend. Lisa Riley stole the show didn’t she and who predicted that? It will take quite some improvements in dance talent from the others to overhaul Lisa’s potential here. How far can she go?

Viva La Dance

Strictly Come Dancing 2012 – Week 1 Pt 1

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Strictly Come Dancing 2012 First Week – Part 1

Strictly hit the TV screens tonight after much anticipation over the last few weeks and dancers and non-dancers alike were keen to see how the couples coped with first night nerves, and who would be the star of the show. A few notes from the first show will be followed by some for tomorrow night’s second installment too.

Order of judges scores: Craig, Darcey, Len, & Bruno

Fern Britton & Artem Chigvintsev (Scored 4, 5, 5, 5, Total 19)

Former This Morning star, now at home on Ready Steady Cook, was over the moon to be put with Artem. Dancing the opening dance tonight, the Cha Cha Cha, she showed signs of grace on the floor and Artem had clearly got her working hard already. The routine wasn’t flawless, with a few bloopers, but a solid opening to the show. Hoping our chidren’s classes were listening to all those comments on dynamics, style and sharpness our teachers spoke to them about today!

Nicky Byrne & Karen Hauer (2, 5, 5, 5, Total 17)

The Westlife boy took to the floor with a Waltz and despite looking slightly terrified, seemed to enjoy himself. He was a bit exposed for stiffness and weak posture in his body and didn’t get away with that naughty lift. Difficult to judge how he might develop without knowing how much work has gone in so far but he’s underway.

Michael Vaughan & Natalie Lowe (5, 5, 6, 4, Total 20)

Could another sportsman step into the dancing shoes and bowl us over? Dancing the waltz, he wasn’t bad was he? A little terrified looking, only natural for the first show, and the key will be how quickly he can relax, move his body more freely and sort out that all important posture.

Victoria Pendleton & Brendan Cole (3, 4, 5, 4, Total 16)

When was the last time an Olympic Gold medalist appeared on Strictly? Surely you’d expect her to be in peak physical condition, and the demands of the dances should be easy from that point of view. So how much was she out of her comfort zone? Quite a bit with the Cha Cha Cha it seems! First night nerves seemed to be the theme of tonight and for Victoria this was also the case – a little terrified here and there and full of apologies for her bloopers, with some tears in the eyes. Can she channel all of that and fight back? No one would doubt it.

Colin Salmon & Kristina Rihanoff (4, 7, 6, 6, Total 23)

Working for everyone’s hero, James Bond, could he bring that panache to the dance floor? Rehearsals again suggested he was out of his comfort zone too, but dancing his Cha Cha Cha there was some surprising freedom to his dancing, in fact he looked the most relaxed of the show, even enjoying himself. Some body action, energy and charisma. Refinements to come but one to watch? May well be…

Denise Van Outen & James Jordan (6, 6, 6, 7, Total 25)

Somehow we had high hopes for Denise to bring some of that energetic personality to the floor. James claimed she had the attention span of a fly, but she must have been listening quietly as her Waltz showed great promise. A little like Colin, she acted or carried her demeanour through the dance very well although that mist did a great job of hiding the feet that were clearly not quite doing the right thing from looking at how she moved. A very solid start and we’re looking out for her too!

Roll on part two tomorrow!

Viva La Dance.

Ballroom Classes Bath

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Ballroom Dance Classes Bath

Just to bring you right up to date with Viva La Dance’s ballroom classes in Bath. These are held every Monday night (except Bank Holidays) at the fabulous Guildhall in central Bath (BA1 5AW), with a few changes from time-to-time to the equally jaw-dropping Tea Room of the Assembly Rooms, Bath.

What do we teach?

We have a full programme on a Monday night which starts with a beginner session at 7pm and covers basic steps in Waltz, Quickstep, Cha Cha Cha and Jive as well as a few simple variations in each (but not all in the same week we hasten to add!). Sometimes in the beginner sessions we have also taught basic steps in Samba, Rumba and the wonderful Tango. There is a small opportunity of practice and some general dancing in between each class.

Improvers Ballroom Dancing

From 8pm we offer a half-hour workshop aimed at improving style and form in the dances, making them feel terrific and looking good at the same time. The workshop is open to all levels and we actively encourage both beginner and improver dancers to attend and pick up what tips they can to make the dancing great.

We hold an improver class from 8.40pm which means you would need an understanding of the basics in most of the dances, or at least an ability to pick things up very quickly. In this class we teach higher level variations in the dances and show how to dance them well with a few key points. The evening then opens out to general dancing and practice, supervised by our teachers, from 9.30pm until 10.45pm, or earlier if everyone has flat batteries by then!

When to join?

Several have been enquiring when it is best to join these classes. Here we have a very open arrangement where you can drop in to the beginner’s session (from 7pm) any week and our teachers will show you everything you need to know to join in that week’s class. In other words, knowing any dance before is not a requirement. For those who come regularly, you will obviously become more familiar with the main dances and the basics steps as the classes continue.

The Bath classes are, in our opinion, a great way to learn some of these famous dances in a relaxed and fun way, whilst picking up some of those top tips along the way. The venue is unbeatable as well; the setting is probably one of the finest in the UK, if not the world, for this type of activity.

We hope you fancy giving it a go in the near future. Don’t worry if you feel you won’t be abe to dance from the outset, lessons are there to help you learn and no-one is born dancing, it’s all things that are learnt. The great thing about learning to dance though is the fun you can have along the way. Just laugh at those naughty feet if they’re not doing what you want and in no time at all you’ll be a diamond on the dancefloor.

Viva La Dance!