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If you dread the gym and cringe at celebrity exercise programmes then dancing your way to fitness may be just for you, as Preston born dance school owner and teacher, Carol May, answers all the questions you need to know about taking up dance classes….

Why is dancing a good way to keep fit?

"Dancing is more fun than the gym, it’s an enjoyable way to exercise and you are learning new moves and dances along the way. I think that dancing is a popular form of exercise because of the social aspect that comes with it. You can attend with your friends or make new friends at the class. Dancing is cardiovascular exercise so it keeps your heart healthy and you never see a dancer with a big bum do you?"

Which is your most popular class?

"We do ballet, jazz, tap, salsa and street dancing. Ballet is most popular with the children but I would say that adult classes have a pretty even turnout; street dancing is very popular with teenagers too."

Can people attend dance classes if they aren’t very good dancers and just want to keep fit?

"Of course, we have beginner’s classes and people can come along just for fun and a bit of exercise if they like. Some adults attend and decide to take exams and improve themselves but we have many who have been coming for years and they aren’t interested in taking it too seriously.

One day we had ten people from an office in Preston all attend a dance class on their lunch break, they just wanted to do something fun and different. On the other hand we have a 68 year old lady who has been going to tap classes for 17 years and is now at grade nine which is the top level grade."

Which class would you advise a beginner to join?

"If they just want to have a bit of fun and exercise then they would probably enjoy tap classes. They are a lot of fun and its good exercise."

What would you say to someone who is nervous about joining a new class?

"All the classes are fun and they will be people who are in the same situation as you. It’s all about having fun and meeting new people. I think that joining a dance class gives you a sense of discipline and confidence as well as keeping you fit. Like everything it’s what you make of it. Bring a friend with you if you are nervous, I started dancing because my sister who is chronically shy wanted to learn so I went along to keep her company -  that was 24 years ago!"

Article sent in by website user Sarah Athey

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