MY FIRST CEROC NIGHT 

Most people spend weeks deciding whether to come to Ceroc for their first time, it’s all that entering into the unknown. We have therefore taken this extract from an article written for a magazine from a journalist who went to Ceroc for the first time. 

For my second piece on dancing in the capital, I was ushered off to a Ceroc class. Having been to a Salsa class, I thought I knew what I was prepared for; another evening of shuffling around the floor, getting embarrassed and avoiding the really good dancers. However a night at Ceroc was a breath of fresh air, I never really thought I would come out after an evening feeling like I’d had a complete workout, met some really nice people and you know I think I can do this Ceroc lark.

Ceroc I found very different from other classes I had been to as the emphasis was more about just learning the dance, it was also a very sociable affair. I went with the intention of having a good time and a good time I had. In fact I would describe more as a really good night out rather than a dance class.

Mark Jenkins, a store manager spoke to me in the queue before we went in. Mark has been Cerocing for 6 weeks, it took his friends 6 months to persuade him to go, but now he really loves and he’s already cancelled his gym membership. As a self confessed slob, he finds the exercise he gets from Ceroc keeps him fit without feeling like he’s really tried. 

I was a bit late, and therefore no sooner had I got a drink from the bar, grabbed a seat than I was summoned up to the floor by the instructor. There must have been over a hundred dance hopefuls in the ‘beginner’s’ class as they call it. 

The class starts with the instructor taking to the stage and arranging the class into rows of dancing partners. Having gone on my own was no problem as it seems so did most everybody else. 

After the teacher introduced himself and the other members of the crew with the assistance of a 'demonstrator', he demonstrated the routine for the night. The routine was made up of four moves. Each move is taught individually, and everyone gets to changes partners every couple of minutes which I thought was a really great idea, especially when I landed James from Twickenham. James, an estate agent was really patient and had a strong ‘lead’ that meant I couldn’t really go wrong. 

The beginner’s class lasted about 45 minutes, and by the end of the class to my surprise I could do it! The class was loads of fun, and I really liked the idea of practicing with music throughout the class. 

After the class, there is the first ‘freestyle’ session, as it’s known. This is where a DJ takes to the record decks and you get to practice the routine of your burgeoning Ceroc skills.  

During this freestyle session, the room filled out for the next class, the intermediate class. This is for people that have mastered the beginner’s moves, therefore decided to sit this one out and watch.  

After this class, we went into the serious part of the evening where the DJ returns to his booth and plays a mixture of music for the 90 minutes of freestyle. 

Although it seemed perfectly acceptable for the ladies to approach the men, I elected to sit tight. However it was only a couple of minutes before my estate agent friend came and asked me for another dance. 

At the end of the night, I felt suitably exhausted and exhilarated. The crew were really friendly when I left asking whether I'd had a great time and parting with a “see you next week”, and see me next week they will!