Putting a fun modern twist on traditional dance classes for couples to enjoy together – join up now

When Malcolm Follos and his partner Sandra revived their love of dance, they wanted to help other couples to share the experience and connect on the dance floor. Their new approach with a modern twist on traditional dance classes has created a professional and fun adult dance club, which any adult couple can join.
Ad Feature by Strictly Starters
Published 31st Jul 2023, 11:47 BST
Updated 31st Jul 2023, 12:41 BST
This is the class to enjoy if you want to have fun while learning a new skill together. Submiited pictureThis is the class to enjoy if you want to have fun while learning a new skill together. Submiited picture
This is the class to enjoy if you want to have fun while learning a new skill together. Submiited picture

A growing number of couples in their twenties to their eighties are sharing a fun new pastime with their partners, as Strictly Starters is planning to expand across Northumberland.

This is no traditional tea dance or professional ballroom hothouse – but instead, an adult dance club for couples who want to learn new skills while enjoying music, fitness and having a laugh together.

Fun Salsa and Argentine Tango

Strictly Starters is planning to expand across Northumberland. Submitted pictureStrictly Starters is planning to expand across Northumberland. Submitted picture
Strictly Starters is planning to expand across Northumberland. Submitted picture

From Len Goodman-style ballroom to Salsa, Latin or Argentine tango, their classes offer the opportunity to laugh, learn and exercise your body and mind in a relaxed social environment.

Malcolm Follos explains: “My parents were dance teachers and Sandra’s grandmother was a dance champion – so we both learned to dance almost before we could walk and qualified as dance teachers by our teens. When we started dancing when we got together 11 years ago, we realised that the traditional image of dance schools was in need of a refresh.

So Malcolm, a business consultant and leadership development coach, and Sandra, an employment law specialist for the NHS, decided to take on that challenge.

Malcolm says: “A couple who lived in our village asked if we could give them lessons to learn how to dance ahead of a holiday they had planned. They brought some of their friends along and we stumbled across this niche of retired professionals and ‘empty-nesters’ who wanted to do something fun together with their partners.

If you would like to join the many couples who are already making the most of Strictly Starters classes then register your interest. Submitted pictureIf you would like to join the many couples who are already making the most of Strictly Starters classes then register your interest. Submitted picture
If you would like to join the many couples who are already making the most of Strictly Starters classes then register your interest. Submitted picture

“Dance is one of the few sports or pastimes which couples can enjoy together while learning a new skill, as well as making the most of the health benefits and becoming part of a social community group.”

More new classes

Strictly Starters now offers an expanding range of classes in village halls at Stannington, Ponteland and Morpeth throughout the week.

Strictly Starters has been selected for the #ChallengeNorthTyne Accelerator Programme, as an innovative business which can help improve health across the region by expanding its dance classes across the North East.

Get involved – new dancers and Dance Leaders needed!

If you are interested in becoming a Dance Leader for Strictly Starters, you just need to have a partner, dance well and have an interest in teaching. Get in touch at www.strictlystarters.com

If you would like to join the many couples who are already making the most of Strictly Starters classes then register your interest or find out more by visiting their website at www.strictlystarters.com .

Malcolm says that the hardest step is the one that gets you on the dancefloor to get started, which is why they make classes fun and relaxed for everyone.

You only need an hour a week, which gives you time to clear your mind and learn some dance routines. We are open to all couples and do take into consideration any medical conditions you may have..

If you want to give dancing a try, a ‘pop-up’ Taster Class is available at Westfield School in Newcastle on Friday, September 22. Also, our Sunday afternoon Feeder Class can help build your confidence to join a main class.

For more information about classes, or to join, visit www.strictlystarters.com email [email protected] or call 07768 596380.

Related topics:DanceNorthumberland