Get on your dancing shoes! (From Chard & Ilminster News)

Get on your dancing shoes!

12:11pm Tuesday 5th February 2008 in Chard By Kirsty Maclagan

CHARD Guildhall have announced plans to get people in the town dusting off their dancing shoes - and are on the look-out for instructors to help them do so.

Organisers at the civic building are hoping to set up regular dance classes and want to hear from anyone who is interested in holding one.

Administrator Tracy Lamb explained: "Following the popularity of television programmes such as Strictly Come Dancing and Dancing On Ice, dancing has suddenly become fashionable again.

"After receiving a number of calls from people enquiring about lessons in the area, we realised that the Guildhall would be the ideal place to hold them.

"We have the capacity to hold a range of classes, from ballroom dancing to salsa, with a number of rooms of varying sizes depending on the group.

"And we are willing to support all the classes with publicity through the Guildhall.

"Now all we need are instructors who would be willing to teach them."

Tracy (pictured) has a background in dance and used to compete in rock 'n' roll and freestyle competitions at a dance school in Stratford Upon Avon.

In 1997 she won a European Dance Competition held in Brean Sands, North Somerset.

"The great thing about dancing is that you can start at any age," Tracy said.

"I was 28 when I joined a dance school and picked it up really easily.

"People of any age, shape or size can follow a few steps, it's big confidence booster."

And according to Tracy, it should no longer be thought of a 'female-only' pastime.

"Now that we have sports stars such as Darren Gough and Mark Ramprakash competing on television, men are beginning to realise that there shouldn't be such a stigma attached to it.

"It's a real social event, you'll get to meet lots of people - whether you go with a group of friends, a partner or on your own.

"Everyone should give it a go."

If you are interested in holding a class contact Tracy or Guildhall manager Sandra Hutchings on 01460-65282.