Last Saturday March 12 the Tilling Green Community Centre was jumping with the sound of music, dance and laughter as our social evening saw us dance our way through 40 routines while singing along to our favourite songs.
There was a good turn out of people including dance members from both the Rye and Staplecross groups along with family, friends, guests and the curious. All in all a wonderful evening.
Helen Day, who is the instructor at ‘Step Up and Dance’ Line Dance, said: “I feel very lucky to have the opportunity to be part of such a wonderful bunch of people. They are friendly, supportive and a real delight to teach. I am very proud of each and every one of them.”
“Classes have been running in Rye since February 2013 and at Staplecross since July 2011 and I am pleased to say they are still running well. Our members come from all walks of life with the one thing in common, wanting to dance.
“A lot of those who come have never done any form of dance before. A few have done a number of faithful line dance years. Some came to their first class alone, some with friends. Special needs, lack of rhythm, no confidence, age, ability – these hold no obstruction to this positive bunch.
“All came at first, primarily, to learn to line dance, but as they became a group it became something so much more. They had fun together, supported each other, bonded, got frustrated, laughed together, became friends, a family.
“The aims and goal of the class is to overcome the feeling of having “Two Left Feet”. Who knows – today’s two foot stumbler could be tomorrow’s champion.  Exercise through dance provides both physical activity and mental stimulation, and boosts confidence through improvement and self-satisfaction.
“Socialising builds strong, rewarding friendships through learning together, sharing their frustrations, their joys and achievements, supporting and helping each other. Enjoyment, fun and laughter are the best and most powerful medicines.”
“Step up and dance” do more than just classes as they also do demonstrations, like the Tilling Green Summer fete which they have performed at for the past three years, as well as Interactives, Parties, Wedding parties, Business and Office Party Fun, and their own Social Evenings.
The routines are varied, timeless classics to modern choreography, and the music ranges from Country to Pop, Waltz to Rock, 50s to the present day.
Classes are held at the Tilling Green Community Centre, Fridays from 10.15am until noon and at St Mark’s Church Hall in Staplecross, Mondays and Fridays 6:00pm–8pm
Why not pop along to one of the classes. You have nothing to lose, but you could gain a lot.
For further information telephone Helen 01797 252087 or email helen.day9@btinternet.com. Check out our facebook page.
Photos : Lewis Day