91Èȱ¬

Hundreds of people across Norfolk are now signing up for ballroom and Latin American dance classes, many of them having been inspired by the 91Èȱ¬'s hugely popular series Strictly Come Dancing.

Alesha Dixon and Matthew Cutler

The 2007 final saw around 12 million people tune in to watch singer Alesha Dixon and her professional dancing partner Matthew Cutler claim the coveted Strictly trophy, with more than eight million people then tuning in for the Christmas special.

So great is the desire to dance, organisers are now looking for more teachers to come forward to run classes.

"Demand has definitely come from Strictly Come Dancing and we've seen our classes really increase in all areas of dance," said Dominique Birar Segurado of Norfolk County Council adult education services.

"It's not just women who are making the telephone calls, it's couples and all age ranges that are joining in. It's been very encouraging.

"We run a variety of dance classes across Norfolk and we're always looking for new dance teachers to meet the increasing demand for people who are interested. If we have more tutors knocking on our door we can lay on a few more classes," she added.

Strictly ballroom classes

At Eaton Primary School in Norwich, Mike Yemm teaches ballroom and Latin American classes. He first started dancing more than 40 years ago. In a 10-week course, his students learn the basic steps of the waltz, quickstep, cha cha and jive.

Mike Yemm

"People want it for social uses, they are going to a wedding or something like that - quite a few people come because they want to learn to dance for a cruise and they want to enjoy the evening entertainment," said Mike.

"At the moment, the classes have increased and Strictly has done some of that. I think the old series of Come Dancing was for people who were into dancing.

"What's happened with the new series is that they've seen people like John Barnes, people who have never done anything before and then after a few weeks they start to make progress. People say, 'If they can do it, why can't I'," he added.

Camilla Dallerup

Dance lovers in Norfolk enjoyed a Strictly treat during the Royal Norfolk Show 2007 when professional dancing partners Camilla Dallerup and Ian Waite put visitors to the 91Èȱ¬ stand through their paces in a celebrity cha cha masterclass.

On tour until February 2008 with the Strictly Come Dancing Live Tour, Camilla is delighted to hear many people in Norfolk are getting into dance.

"The fact that so many people are starting to dance is something every professional will have wished for for years. It's such a great thing to do socially, along with it being good for your health," said Camilla.

Camilla and Gethin dancing the salsa

"On Strictly we just wanted people to see how much fun that dancing is and for people to be inspired by it. This goes to show we've been successful in that as people are going dancing - it's terrific.

"People shouldn't be worried about going on their own and lots of people will be there like you, so just give it a go. Make sure to try lots of different classes and styles, but most of all have fun as it's got be enjoyable for you," she added.

Thousands of people around the UK are watching Camilla, Ian and the other stars of Strictly as the show completes its first live tour.

"The tour is like a Saturday Strictly show night, every night. I cannot even describe the feeling when we walk down the stairs and we're seeing thousands of fans - the people who kept us in the show for weeks and weeks," said Camilla.

"It's amazing as everybody wants to be in the audience because they love the show. Getting to meet the fans is sensational," she added.

Something different

For those taking part in Mike's class at Eaton Primary School, it's the magic of Strictly that got them there.

"We just wanted to have some fun, learn to do something different and get some exercise," said dance student Maria Lewis.

"I think women are often a bit braver to try something the new. The men will need a bit more persuading," she added.

Jackie Kettley (left) and Maria Lewis

"We both watched Strictly Come Dancing and it inspired us to do something different," said her dancing partner Jackie Kettley.

"I've always watched Strictly and I love it. I jig in front of the telly. I've always wanted to have a go and our friends come as well," she added.

And if you sit watching the show at home thinking it looks easy, think again.

"It's not that easy! You see it on TV and it looks relatively straight forward, you try and do it here and you realise how difficult it is," said student David Henning.

"It's fun, but you realise what a long way there is to go if you wanted to pursue it," he added.

Details of Norfolk County Council adult education dance classes are available on their website.

Curriculum Office (Tutor Vacancies)
Adult Education
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