A Time Tu Danse

Of all the classes run for adults, ballroom is by far the most popular, partly due to the influence of shows like Strictly. The surge in ballroom’s popularity is a phenomenon that’s been noticeable in dance studios across the country and Tu Danse is no exception.‘When it first came out in 2004 Strictly had a major impact on dance class attendance. As soon as a new series hits TV screens we receive endless phone calls about classes. It took a bit of a dip a couple of years ago because the show got a bit comical with some of the people they had on it. It kind of lost its credibility and, because of that, the younger generation in particular started looking at it in a different light and didn’t want to do it. But this year has been really good again. I think the producers realised what was going on and they tried to bring it back into line a bit. We’ve picked up quite a few new pupils in the last few weeks since it’s been back on TV again and we’re starting a new class in January, when the series is over, for adult couples who have been inspired by it. The danger is that people watch it and think they can reach those levels in the first week! It actually takes a bit longer than that. The celebs on Strictly are receiving intense one-to-one coaching for the entire week so they’re learning much faster than would normally be the case.’

Of the 750 pupils who now regularly use the Tu Danse facilities, very few are male – another phenomenon that’s repeated in dance schools nationwide and one that Anita would like to address.

It’s definitely female-heavy If you take ballet as an example, we’ve got about two male dancers compared to 160 females! Obviously ballroom is one-to-one as we only take couples, but dance is still predominantly a female world. I think a lot of that is down to there still being some stigma attached to some areas of dance. Things like street dance is helping to reach out to the boys more but it’s still female dominant

Is it a fear of not being able to do it that puts people, particularly men, off trying to dance? ‘Some people do struggle initially and just somehow can’t hear the music or follow the rhythm for whatever reason. But the bottom line with all our classes is that it’s about having fun and we try and get that across to every age group. Our youngest student is about 18 months old and our eldest is around 84 but, whatever age they are, it’s about keeping moving and enjoying yourself. Most people manage to pick up the basics and as long as they walk out of this building laughing then that’s all I’m worried about. It doesn’t matter if they’ve nailed every move perfectly, as long as they’ve enjoyed themselves.’

At the other end of the scale to those with two left feet are the lucky ones who seem to be natural dancers. ‘You do get some people coming in who just have no problem learning whatever you teach them’ Anita says. ‘It’s lovely to see that with some of the children who just excel after a very short period of time. It’s nice to encourage it and help them to take it all the way. We’ve got students who have been with us for four or five years and are now auditioning for professional dance colleges so it’s really nice to see them going through that.’

Aside from the fun and social side of learning to dance, not to mention the exercise and health benefits, there are professional opportunities available if you’re good enough and Tu Danse also offers formal dancing qualifications. ‘We’re members of the ISTD (International Society for Teachers of Dance) so all of our students, from the age of five, go through ISTD exams. When they get up to level six – an intermediate level – the exams actually carry UCAS (Universities & Colleges Admissions Service) points so if they’re looking at going to university then it helps with that. Pupils can go right up to being student teachers with us and next September we’re looking at doing a one-year foundation course in music and dance which would bridge the gap between leaving school and going off to full-time educational college.’