Move It! Article by Dance Coach Joe Eddington

As some of you know I got some free tickets to go up to Olympia for one of the three days of the dance event ‘Move It!’ We went on Saturday March 17th and had a very good day being there from 10 30 am right up to 6 30 in the evening. There were stage demonstrations of various types of dancing from Tango, to Street dancing and Bollywood. We also saw Lindy Hop and Ballet both classical and modern.

There were opportunities to do taster classes in all types of dancing, including Salsa and Argentine Tango and some master classes too. The six workshop areas were very full all day with lots of teenage girls mainly who seemed to have loads of energy and enthusiasm. The classes were pre-bookable on line and I think this is what I will do if I want to go next year as many of the popular classes sold out early if not before the day itself. At £2 a class I think it is very good value.

The stage show included a demo by Lilia and Darren from Strictly Come Dancing. The spectacle was made more enjoyable by the gorgeous colourful outfits of the dancers. The body of the exhibition centre was given over to loads of stalls from dance outfitters, with dresses and shoes and everything a dancer would need. You could buy a pole for your home pole dancing sessions. (was thinking of getting one for Christine but she has got one already!).

My son Martin and I having hung around to see the salesperson demonstrate, felt we should ask questions in case we appeared to be voyeurs. So I asked whether it was exclusively a female pursuit, at which the saleswoman pointed to a young man in sports kit who had a very well developed upper torso. He was that sort of inverted triangle shape which women are said to go for. Now where shall I put my pole in the lounge or the hallway? (Only joking, but it does seem a wonderful way training, but not as good as watching!).

One of the Dance Coaches from Gravesend who has sports injury to her foot was pushed around the exhibition in a wheelchair by her obliging escort on the Sunday. This did not stop her spending on exotic dancewear though! She said that at least she had somewhere to sit down during the long day and seats were in short supply and so that is quite a consideration. There are some quite decent food outlets such as ‘Pret a manger’ with some tables and chairs but if you fancy a beer be ready for extortionate prices-£3 10 for a small lager!

Wendy and I finished the day by watching a brilliant Samba band and dancers. The colourful headdresses and very skimpy costumes meant that I was eventually dragged away in a sort of trance by my wife, eyes still fixed on the stage. Mardi Gras in Rio next year perhaps!

Thanks Joe, what a great article. J,N&T