Dancing for fun teacher - Maureen

Preparation

‘When I started running the Dancing for fun and better health tea dances, I wanted the format to be out of the ordinary as I wanted to reach out to a wide range of people. I planned to include and teach ballroom, Latin American, sequence and line dancing. Tea dances normally cater for people who can already dance (or at least dance a bit), offering mainly sequence and ballroom, and instruction tends to consist of joining in by following the person in front! This is particularly off-putting to people who do not have a partner and who cannot dance.’

The Sutton class

‘The original Sutton group consisted mainly of people with limited dancing experience and was a mixed group of couples and singles with the ladies, as usual, out-numbering the men. Their main reasons for coming to the dance session were to get out and meet people, have fun and to get some exercise.

‘In the beginning I spent a lot of the time teaching, keeping everything very simple so that everyone could achieve. They were very eager, co-operative and an absolute joy to work with. I taught the Latin American dances such as the cha-cha and rumba as solo dances, so that those without a partner could get up and dance without the worry of dancing with a stranger. The line dances have always gone down well for the same reason.

‘On occasion we had to relocate to the Brooklands centre, and decided to move permanently in January 2010. What a fantastic venue! Lots of space, a lovely floor and tables arranged so that groups of people could sit together and chat.’

Volunteers and support

‘Right from the start, there were always willing volunteers to make the tea and coffee. When this job was later taken over by Diana, they continued to assist and took over whenever she was unwell. Recently, because of the arthritis in her hands, Diana has become unable to continue making the refreshments and, once again, the volunteers have taken over! I did mention having a rota, but so far no-one seems to think it necessary. (And it’s not just the ladies that I have seen out in the kitchen!)

‘When the move to the Brooklands became a reality, I discussed with the group the possibility of a leaflet drop to attract more people. Various volunteers came forward to leaflet-drop in their villages over the Christmas break. Unfortunately I was to fall ill, but the printing and distribution of leaflets went ahead, organised and co-ordinated by Robert, who has made a wonderful contribution to the group. (He has also run the group in my absence.)

‘As a direct result of the leaflet drop, the numbers doubled and more! The newcomers were made to feel very welcome by the rest of the group, who were very patient as we went over all the dances (that they now knew) slowly and thoroughly. They were willing to partner the new people and by doing so, they made my job a lot easier! It is now a Tuesday afternoon standard that we dance the Caribbean calypso as a progressive dance so that they get to thoroughly mix with everyone.

‘Some of the Sutton group gave me support at the first dance held at the Maltings. They spread the word about the Sutton venue and as a result, we now have a number of people who attend both Sutton and the Maltings. Initially transport was a problem for some of the ladies who live in Ely, but Rob soon sorted that out and there is a car rota now in place.’

Overall

‘I make a point of going round and talking to everyone during the tea break. I know just what the Tuesday afternoon dance means to various people. It has particularly made a huge difference to those who are lonely, sad or depressed. My reward has been to see the improvement in these people. Friendships have been made. People within the group look out for each other and check up on each other outside of the class.

‘I know that the Sutton group are more than happy with what I do for them, but, as I am quick to point out to them, they have contributed to making this group the success that it is. They are the ones making the newcomers feel welcome while I am setting up the equipment, they are the ones making the tea and coffee so that I can run an uninterrupted programme, they are the ones tidying the hall, and they are the ones promoting the class. There is a great community spirit within the group.

‘As for their knowledge of dancing, it is great to think of how far they have come. They now know so many different dances that it is impossible to cover all of them in one afternoon- and I still have lots more to teach to them!’