Activities

The aim of all of the dance and fitness classes is to provide the opportunity for you to dip your feet in the water and try something new. All of the instructors are able to adjust the level of the activity according to the needs of the individual group and they will also give you personal attention if required during the classes. We want you to enjoy yourself and discover skills you never knew you had.

Our classes are not suitable if you want formal training in any of the disciplines, but our classes will serve as an introduction so that you can find out if it is something you might want to explore further.

Aerobics and Toning Classes

Graded exercise to music. Participants can exercise at their own level, from low impact to high impact and it is therefore appropriate for all ages and abilities.

A good cardiovascular workout should warm you up gradually, work you at your peak for about 20 minutes and then cool you down. Many aerobics classes go full pelt from beginning to end, and you may have found it difficult to keep up in the past. If you are very very fit you may prefer a class like this, but it does not give you any added benefits than you achieve by exercising at a lower level for the same period, other than increasing your metabolic rate for longer. If you want to make sure you keep fit and healthy our method is the best.

In addition, the last twenty minutes or so of the class contains muscular strength and endurance training, again working at your own level, and we finish the session with relaxation and flexibility exercises.

Loose clothing and gym shoes are recommended.

At the moment we are focusing on our dance classes so we are not offering aerobics and toning classes.

Ballet Classes

In our ballet class, which is suitable for adults and teenagers over 16, you can learn steps and routines that will help with posture, flexibility, strength and grace. We are aware that many adults feel they have lost out by giving up ballet as a child and feel that it is now too late. If you are one of these, this class is for you. It is never too late to learn. You will find the class relaxed and liberating, and you will also meet like-minded people – so why not give it a try?

 

Ballroom and Latin Dancing

If you have been wowed by the splendour of Strictly Come Dancing and think that you would like to try it for yourself, then this is the class for you. However, we don't expect you to be able to give up every day of the week to learn a specific routine, so we take things much more gently. We know that many couples rightly or wrongly believe they have two left feet, and nearly always we can show them that they can dance once moves are broken down into their simple components. You may not become and expert, but you will become a competent dancer.

We have many different levels of ballroom and latin dancing classes, depending on where you live. Most terms, we offer at least one Beginners' class, which will cover Waltz and Rumba as a minimum and probably cha cha cha and Quickstep as well. As soon as you have completed this class, you can move onto the Beginners' Plus Class, which will expand on the classes you have already learned, making sure you feel confident in the early dances, and concentrate more specifically on Cha Cha Cha and Quickstep. If time, we will introduce another dance.The next class is our Improvers Class, where it is now assumed that you feel comfortable with the basics of the two earlier classes and we move on to Foxtrot, Samba, Jive and Tango.You will probably stay in this class for longer than the previous two. Finally, we have our Intermediate /Advanced Class where we start to learn more intricate steps associated with all / any of the dances you have previously learned and have fun with other less used dances, such as Viennese Waltz and Paso Doble.

In the Summertime, we have a Midsummer Ball, where you can dress up in style and dance to our popular band on a good sized dance floor with your friends and enjoy a good buffet meal. Details of our dancing events are posted on our website when they are available.

Contemporary Dance Classes

Not to be confused with Modern. Contemporary Dance takes its inspiration from different dance forms from around the world as well a collection of systems and methods like the Graham and Cunningham techniques. Contemporary dance has a very unique way of showing freedom of movement, rather than being restrictive like other styles. This is the style of dance you would expect to see if you went to the theatre to see dance companies such as Rambert or Random. It is expressive and really does allow ‘The Real You’ to emerge. A very liberating form of exercise.

We do not offer these classes at present.

Core Stability / Pilates

Core Stability with Stability Ball: this is the buzz word for those wanting firm thighs and trim tums, and it does you a world of good, no matter what your age. The ‘core’ is what we call our trunk and it refers to all the muscles in that area, along with the bones and joints in the spine. The aim is to strengthen this area, and make it more flexible. Also by working on alignment we develop better balance and posture. We use the stability ball because this increases the demand on our core. Being an unstable surface the stability ball makes the body work harder to keep the core stable. Many of the exercises are similar to those used in Pilates. You will need a stability ball, which are available from many supermarkets at low cost. Make sure you buy the right size.

 

 

Jazz Dance Workout

Jazz Dance is a popular form of dance which works with the natural rhythm of the music and brings out all the light and shade within it.   It can be dramatic or soulful, as it is designed to tell a story. It may be sexy and cheeky depending on the music chosen!  Just think about those fabulous Musical extravaganzas like Fame, Grease and Chicago! 

The jazz class starts with warm up sequences to improve heart and lung capacity, strengthening exercises, & floorwork to develop flexibility. After this 10-15 minute section, the instructor will teach a dance routine, which is developed and added to each week. Music can be from any era and many of the tunes will be familiar to you.

Age is no barrier and for those who believe they are not as flexible as they once were adaptations can be provided. You do not need to be superfit, just moderately fit, but If you are not sure about joining the class because of your own fitness level, you can always try out the class for the weekly fee before committing yourself to a block. Jazz Dance is fantastic fun and you will go home on a high without doubt!

Wear: trainers, leggings, joggers, t-shirt etc

Modern (Pop)Dance Classes

Do you find yourself drawn to the TV screen whenever Britney Spears or Justin Timberlake burst out into their high energy dance routines? Do you find yourself twitching as you sit on your sofa doing the movements with them? Wish it was you? Wish you knew how? Our Modern Dance classes offer you the chance to learn fantastic new moves and fun packed routines like you see on Top of the Pops or in music videos. Suitable for all ages and abilities.

 

Pilates

Finish off the evening with a well-earned conditioning. Using the well –tried safe techniques of stretching and endurance work, the body will feel toned and conditioned. The aim of Core Stability (Pilates) is to isolate muscle groups and keep the rest of the body stable. You will find that you become much more aware of your posture and begin to treat your body with the respect it deserves.

Core Stability (Pilates) requires concentration as the moves are often slow and repeated. You will develop control over your body which will allow it to become efficient, mobile and strong.

Core Stability (Pilates) is particularly recommended for older people. However, people of any age should seek advice before undertaking this class if you have any joint or muscular problem on a regular basis. You will be asked to complete a screening form, and the instructor may consider it necessary for you to take further advice before joining this class.

Not currently being offered.

Latin Dance Workout

This solo dance class focuses entirely on the Latin dances and has no ballroom dance component. Dances include Cha Cha Cha, Rumba, Samba, Jive & Salsa. It is designed for fun and fitness and the instructors use music that will lift your spirits and ensure that you go home enegerised. The music may be pure latin or pop music from the different eras. There will be something for everyone, and no experience is necessary. Most people wear trainers and loose clothing. If you prefer, you can wear a shoe with a cuban (low, chunky heel).

If you are looking for ballroom dancing or a blend of ballroom and latin, we offer plenty of beginners classes for couples, and also solo salsa and latin classes.

Solo Salsa, Cuban Dance Moves

These are dance classes using pure salsa moves and figures in a routine danced to either latin pop or salsa music. Each move is broken down into its basic elements so that anyone can do it, though an understanding of timing and rhythm is helpful. We do a lot of flashy footwork and learn some body moves. Inevitably, some steps are easier to learn than others and the instructor takes her lead from the class, so no-one gets left behind. We don't take this class toooo seriously, and certainly have fun.

We are now aiming to form a demonstration team, if this interests you.

The Cuban Dance Moves class draws on a variety of rhythms and will give you a true Caribbean flavour. In every other way, the class structure resembles that of the Solo Salsa class.

Couples Salsa

Get that body moving with our swinging couples salsa class. Salsa is a great dance as it does not involve too much technique and it is a dance that most people can master quickly and you can get get further experience at your loacl club. there are many opportunities to dance salsa aroudn the country, and this is a dance that does not require a lot of floorspace, so you and your partner can dance around your house to the latest music. we are just starting some new classes at Towcester, so this is a great time to join.

We have just added a clip of a couples salsa class that Gill taught to give you an idea of what to expect. Have a look under the Ballroom and Latin demonstrations ballroomlatin

Social events

As a Club we want to encourage members to socialise and get to know one another. One of our aims is to help us all to improve the quality of our lives. Meeting new people and take ourselves out of our normal environment helps us to realise that there are other ways of doing things that can bring us deeper satisfaction and happiness. The Walking and Running Clubs to some extent serve this purpose as well as keeping members fit, and we are open to suggestions for social evenings in the different locations. We hope to provide an annual show for a charitable event where we can show off the skills we have learnt in our classes and raise money for charity at the same time. We actively support Race For Life and will encourage our members to support this worthy campaign.

Street Dance/ Hip Hop

This involves a variety of styles that have been adapted literally ‘on the street’, e.g lindy hop developed from the charlestan. It is continually evolving and has an emphasis on energy, co-ordination and pure enjoyment!  Develop your dance skills with high tempo dance sequences set to funky music and give the kids a run for their money!!

Hip Hop involves a lot of shoulder drops and brisk actions. it is any more difficult than street dance.

Both of these dances are very popular with the younger age groups, and with adult alike.

Our combined class offers both of these styles within one lesson, and the exact dance style will depend heavily on the music chosen by the instructor. Both elements will be incorporated into the dances over the term.

As soon as we can find an instructor we shall offer these classes to our members.

Tap

Fancy becoming the new Fred Astaire or Ginger Rogers? This is a fun way to keep fit whilst having fun and trying something different. Learn basic Tap for Fun steps to music, which will then be put into a sequence over a number of weeks. Whether you are new to Tap for Fun or have previous Tap experience this class will offer a fun challenge. Suitable for all ages and abilities.

Wedding Choreography

Nervous about that compulsory first dance? No need to worry about having two left feet or dancing in public. We can teach you simple steps to your favourite tune that will impress your guests at your wedding. It can be as a simple or as flashy as you want. We can choreograph your routine for you to practice on your own, or we can provide lessons, or video the routine for you to learn on your own. Judging from the couples we have helped so far, you will be excited and amazed at what you can do with a just a little instruction and a lot of motivation. Ring the office on 01604 878983 to discuss your requirements and to organise your own very special wedding dance package. See also our separate page on the top menu, with demonstrations!!