Moray's over 55s try Salsa dancing for the first time

SOME of Moray's more adventurous over 55s took to the dance floor to try Salsa dancing at Moray Sports Centre in Elgin earlier this month.

Local dance teacher Nikki Dean led the free taster session as part of the First Time for Everything programme designed by the Royal Voluntary Service to support physical and mental health.

The programme gives people who are older or less mobile the opportunity to try something new for free in their local community.

Ms Dean taught participants the basic Salsa steps before convening for a chat over refreshments at Callum's Kitchen Cafe in the centre.

Sally Dickson was astonished to see how many steps she had racked up over the course of the session.

She said: "I've danced over 5000 steps on my fitness tracker."

Another participant, Liz Stewart, added: "I loved very minute of it."

Sharon Finlay, Royal Voluntary Service activity co-ordinator for Moray, said: "What fun we had at this dance class. Participants asked for another class so I'll be arranging one soon, and some wanted to join a more regular class with Nikki, our fantastic instructor.

"It was very rewarding to see people chatting and enjoying themselves trying Salsa for the first time. We have lots more sessions planned this year for local people to enjoy, and are extremely grateful to players of People’s Postcode Lottery for their support."

The next local First Time for Everything event will be Zumba Gold, a lower intensity version of the typical Zumba class, designed especially for older people, on Friday January 28 at 1pm at Marine Park Pavilion, Lossiemouth.

For more information about First Time for Everything activities in Moray, contact Royal Voluntary Service activity coordinator, Sharon Finlay, on tel: 07974 415713, or email sharon.finlay@royalvoluntaryservice.org.uk.

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