Ceroc and roll

1:09pm Thursday 31st January 2008

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Inspired by Strictly Come Dancing, Helen Backway was keen to join the dance renaissance.

She tries out ceroc - an exciting fusion of salsa and jive - to see if she can step to the beat

I PRIDE myself in having some rhythm and that I can hold my own on the dance floor. But give me steps to think about and I am floored. So in a bid to re-enact my very own Dirty Dancing moment I resolved to give ceroc a try. A mix of salsa and swing it promises to be fun without tricky footwork. Established around 25 years ago, there are classes going on pretty much every day of the week.

I went along to a group in Penge which has been held on a Sunday night at the Royston Club, Royston Road, since June.

The evening starts with the beginners, followed by a freestyle session to enable budding Fred Astaires and Ginger Rogers to keep practicing the simple yet sexy moves just learned. This class is followed by an intermediate session where anyone who has attended six times can take part.

One of the nicest aspects of ceroc - at this class at least - is you can take part without a partner, as everyone lines up and swaps around.

In the hour I was there I mastered three basic moves (only one of which I had trouble with) and then had the chance to show them off.

As well as being really simple, sociable and good fun for all ages - there were a few older gentlemen giving me a run for my money - it's a great workout. I may not be Ginger Rogers yet but I felt confident I could hold my own and given a bit of practice I would soon be spinning around the dance floor with my very own Patrick Swayze.

For more information visit, ceroc.com