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Jazz it up
dronfield EYE
51
Get fit, makes friends and improve your confidence thanks to a range of dance classes available in Dronfield. Helen Firth slips on her dancing shoes
I ’M SURE I won’t be alone in turning green with envy at the sequin-clad gorgeousness that captures the nation when each series of ‘Strictly’ hits our screens. But just what is it about the show that grips the millions of viewers and
has revitalised certain forms of dance previously reserved for the older generations?
Is it the stunning dresses or the coiffured hair or even the flawless tans? Is it the passion of the tango or the joy of the salsa? Or is it the idea that you can take a non- dancer and have them performing show-stopping routines in a matter of weeks?
Not that my hopes were set quite that high, I have to say, as my two left feet entered the Gomersal Lane studio of Dronfield Dance and Theatre Academy for a free trial of their beginners jazz class.
I hadn’t ever done much dance training and I must admit to feeling a tad nervous of what to expect. Two of my fellow class members were already waiting as I arrived and, chatting about the routine they were currently practising, I was quickly made to feel welcome and at ease.
We were greeted at the door to one of the Academy’s bright and airy dance studios by the class teacher Miss Sami. More ladies arrived and the class began with a warm up and stretching routine.
Explaining that the class has a routine for a number of weeks before moving onto a different style of dance, Miss Sami announced the Latin-style dance we were currently working on to “Feeling Hot Hot Hot!” Perfect for the weather we had been enjoying recently!
Having little knowledge of the dance terminology didn’t impede my understanding as Miss Sami backed each move up with a demonstration and description of each movement. Her hot sand analogy for the step, ball, change movement was particularly helpful!
We would watch the steps, join in when we felt comfortable and then run through a section to the music. Any self-consciousness I had felt at first soon disappeared in the class’ relaxed, non-judgemental atmosphere and before I knew it we were stringing a few sections of the routine together in a final run-through for the evening.
Okay, okay I may have turned the wrong way a couple of times, was slightly out of time at others and was unlikely to be awarded anywhere near a ‘seven’ from former head judge Len, but I had enjoyed the class. I was added to the What’s App group to permit me to watch the video and carry out some (much-needed) practise at home. The class also introduced me to supermarket steps, so if you notice anyone dancing down the frozen food aisle behind their trolley they’ve probably been to one of Miss Sami’s classes!
There are many numerous health benefits to dance beyond the obvious improvement to physical fitness and posture. Learning steps and routines on a regular basis improves your memory and research suggests reverses brain ageing. Dance also improves balance and co-ordination. The ‘feel good’ endorphins released during exercise and the enjoyment of music improve your state of mental health.
“As well as meeting new people, dance is also fundamental in improving
confidence and the increase in a person’s confidence level is usually evident as they attend more and more classes,” explained Miss Sami, who is the latest addition to the Academy’s teaching staff. Dronfield resident, Sami Johnson joined the Dronfield Dance and Theatre Academy four years ago after many years of dancing as a child and is excited about her new role.
Dronfield Dance and Theatre Academy has been located at the dance studio for four years. The Academy’s Principal, Miss Sally, is delighted with the extensive class timetable the school now has to offer. A full range of children’s classes are available for all abilities between the ages of three to 18 years old. Adults are also catered for in beginner and advanced levels of ballet, tap and jazz classes as well as advanced contemporary dance classes.
For those struggling to get along in the evenings, a day-time beginners adult tap class is coming in September.
Free trial sessions are available for adults and children via the website www.dronfielddancetheatre.com. You never know - you could make it to the Blackpool Tower Ballroom yet!
For more information email sally@dronfielddance.co.uk or call 01246 292166.