WAVE: Brighton Dancing

Samantha Harman trips the light fantastic

I grew up watching the iconic film Dirty Dancing, on a loop, completely falling in love with Jennifer Grey’s character ‘Baby’. I watched in wonderment as she laboriously learned complicated dance steps with the rather yummy Patrick Swayze, her ugly duckling to sassy swan transformation really capturing my young imagination.

There’s still a part of that little girl in me, who yearns to impress a room with delightful dance sequences, so when the opportunity arose to review a ballroom dancing class, courtesy of Brighton Dancing, obviously I jumped at the chance.

I arrived slightly early, with my somewhat reluctant dance partner (12 year old son ) in order to scope the place out. St George’s Hall is a stupendous venue in which to hold ballroom dancing classes, I was pleasantly surprised by its Tardis-like qualities – acres of floorspace and inoffensive lighting.

At the end of the class, I knew my Cha Cha from my Waltz with a little bit of Rumba thrown in

My fellow dancers had all congregated on the perimeter of the dance floor, a friendly bunch of various ages – this was week two of a six week course for them. Our instructor, Jane, is as friendly as she is graceful and explained that I may be slightly on the back foot (pardon the pun) as my counterparts were already a week more advanced than I. But, that I needn’t worry as plenty of support was available.

I had so much fun whirling around the floor, almost mastering the steps and watching in awe as the rest of the group had already grasped the slightly complex footwork, bearing in mind that they had also been complete beginners the week prior to my arrival.

At the end of the class, I knew my Cha Cha from my Waltz with a little bit of Rumba thrown in for good measure. The steps were easy to follow and concisely demonstrated by Jane. When the class ended I was rather sad that I am unable to partake in the whole six week course, not only was it great exercise, it was also clear that the group had built a great rapport and were all really enjoying the experience.

I guess the question is, did I feel like my childhood heroine Baby? Well yes I did a little and perhaps now I’ll be less inclined to sit in the corner at dancing events too!

To book a class visit www.brightondancing.com or call Carola Degener-Pereira on 01273 772462