All that jiving pays off

Jun 17 2010 Tara Brady, Harrow Observer

MEMBERS of a talented dance group jived their way to first prize at the UK Ceroc Championships. Club Ceroc, which has branches across north-west London, performed at The Troxy in Limehouse, east London, in the competition, which attracts entrants from all over the country.

Ceroc is a partner dance based on modern jive and salsa and dancers compete in a wide range of categories, including the team cabaret section, which Club Ceroc won.

Months of rehearsing paid off for the 10-strong team, who lifted the trophy for their stunning performance to a mixture of music by American band Black Eyed Peas.

Choreographer and team leader Tess Newell said: "The team has worked so hard for so long, and given everything.

"I am more than proud of their efforts. They do not come from dancing backgrounds, so to achieve what they have is phenomenal.

"We wanted to show people how much fun we have when we are dancing and were overwhelmed by the response from the audience on the day. We have developed a fantastic bond and can't wait to perform it again."

The winning team was made up of Tess, Julia Bennett, Katie Bennett, Anna Haynes, Carolyn Hayes, Paul Allaway, Tony Maquaire, Nigel Peaks, Michael Green and Myles Woodhouse.

Alan Maskell, Tess and Katie also entered the Double Trouble category, in which one man dances with two women, and came second.

Club Ceroc holds classes at Brent Town Hall in Forty Lane, Wembley, on Tuesdays between 8pm and 11pm; at Uxbridge Civic Centre on Thursdays between 8pm and 11.30pm; and at West Drayton Community Centre on Mondays between 8pm and 11pm. * For more details, visit www.clubceroc.com or call 020 8933 4350.