January was a crazy busy start to the year here at SJDF, including our third trip out to dance with former Strictly Come Dancing pro, Giovanni Pernice!
A group of us from our FitSteps© classes headed over to Nottingham one Friday evening for a night of dancing and to meet the man himself!
After a quick pre-dancing gathering for a few of us at the local Costa, we all headed over to the venue to register for the classes. Not knowing what dance styles we'd be doing only increased the excitement and anticipation levels!
After a short wait, Giovanni himself arrived and the evening begun!
Class 1 began with Latin... the SAMBA! Using plenty of steps we were familiar with from our FitSteps© classes, including Stationary Walks, Voltas, Corta Jacas and Batchacadas, Giovanni put us through our paces in a short routine, with some dipping into the technique of the steps and the overall feel of the Samba. We danced the short piece to several pieces of music, some faster, some slower and rounded off the class splitting into two groups to dance the final piece - cheered on by the rest of the class watching.
During the short break between classes, we had the opportunity for our meet and greet with Giovanni. Making time to chat and have photos with everybody, Gio was gracious with his time and, having spotted we were all a big group, invited us to have a group photo together!
Whispers began during the break as to what the second class might be and word on the street was that we'd be doing the CHARLESTON. This was confirmed when Gio came back and began class two! Very exciting as for those of us who have danced with Giovanni before, the Charleston was a brand new style to explore!
The routine was fast paced and fun, and with a nod to Strictly Come Dancing, and Gio's friendship with the judge - we danced to Anton Du Beke's version of 'Putting On The Ritz'.
Sugar Pushes and Charleston basics were familiar to some of us from previous FitSteps© FAB classes, but we were also introduced to lots of new steps and this class really put us through our paces, both physically and mentally!
Again, we rounded off the night by splitting into groups and dancing in front of the other members of the class.
Ballando was a great evening out to get dancing, learn new steps and have lots of fun! Highly recommended!
Now.... when's the next one...?
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