The community of Bridport is invited to swivel their way through the January blues with solo Charleston dance classes.

Classes will be held at 1pm every Thursday at St Mary’s Church Hall, inviting beginners and dance enthusiasts of all abilities to join.

Dee Lanning, from Dynamic Dance, initially ran a variety of dance workshops before Covid, teaching vintage burlesque, modern jive and Charleston as well as running sessions for hen parties and birthday parties.

By popular demand, she began to run weekly dance classes specialising in solo Charleston – a style famous for its lively movements.

Bridport and Lyme Regis News:

Dee said: “It’s great fun and one of those dances where you don’t need a partner. A lot of people want to learn to dance but don’t want to necessarily dance with a partner. Some people want to use it to get fit.

“But also, it’s a fun, energising dance and we look at all different types. From the 20s style flappers and swivels to the more relaxed and grounded movements of the 30s and 40s, it is varied each week.”

The classes are designed to fit around typical workday lunch breaks and create an inclusive space where people are free of any inhibitions and can just enjoy the freedom and fun of the dance.

Dee added: “You watch things like Strictly Come Dancing and it can look very intimidating, but classes break that down. We modify it for people who can’t do higher level energy stuff. It doesn’t matter what age you are, when you walk in that room you are at the same as everybody else.

“I really enjoy Charleston. It’s a feel-good exercise. Charleston’s a really great fun thing to do and because of how the classes are taught it’s something that can be enjoyed by everyone. You’ll walk away feeling happier.”

Classes are £5 per person and will run every Thursday from January, 4 2024. More information can be found on the Dynamic Dance website: https://www.dynamic-dance.uk