AS the country comes out of lockdown, dancers and coaches Amy and Alex Whyatt are keen to share the benefits of ballroom and Latin dancing with everyone – regardless of age, gender or ability.

The couple launched A Class Dance (ACD) Studios last year, offering classes in High Legh Village Hall, Knutsford, as well as Lymm and Stockport.

Lockdown was the perfect time for them to make the next step and help inspire the ballroom and Latin dancers of the future.

Amy explained: “We came to open the ACD Studios during lockdown after teaching professionally in Manchester for more than six years.

Knutsford Guardian:

“We thought that it would be the right timing to move forward in our careers and open our own business and share our passion for dance – and what journey it has been.

“We both got into dancing at age three and instantly got the dancing bug and fell in love with dance.

“I started dancing as I had lots of energy and wanted to try something new.

“Alex started dancing after seeing his big sister Lynda dancing and wanted to win trophies like her.

“Since then we have competed and performed all over the world.”

ACD studios offers multiple classes for all abilities, ranging from baby ballroom and ‘Kids do Strictly’ to Fitsteps (a fitness dance class).

There are also ballroom and Latin beginner classes, as well as intermediate and advanced courses and classes.

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Classes are all in line with coronavirus restrictions and social distancing will be in place until dance couples who are not in the same household or bubble are permitted to partner each other again.

Kids group classes are now going ahead, as well as one-to-one private lessons.

Group adult classes, which have been going ahead online, will restart in person from Monday, May 17.

Amy and Alex are keen to spread the benefits of dance to those looking for a new hobby, especially following the coronavirus pandemic.

But ballroom and Latin dancing is not all about the glitz and the glamour – it is a true sport which offers so much more.

“Ballroom dancing can not only build coordination, grace, poise, and posture, but it can also develop great core strength and flexibility,” Amy said.

“What is so great about dancing is that you’re having so much fun dancing and getting fit all at the same time.

Knutsford Guardian:

“Dancing is also a great way to improve your mental health and wellbeing, from improving self esteem, improving your mood and attitude, easing depression and anxiety and helping to improve your memory.

“Dance has been massively beneficial throughout lockdown and has helped some people to keep some form of normality and routine.

“It has also helped to keep people fit and healthy while in lockdown, and we offered a range of virtual classes throughout.

“Dancing is a great hobby and great way to meet new people so why not give it a try.”

But dancing is not just for children or those who have previous experience.

As the BBC programme Strictly Come Dancing has demonstrated, the art form is accessible to everyone of any age.

Amy added: “Strictly Come Dancing and shows like this have massively helped to promote ballroom and Latin dance from both a male and female perspective.

“It promotes dance to everyone, regardless of age or gender.

“Our mission at ACD Studios is to provide students of all levels with more than just dance classes, but a unique experience in which the student can grow both mentally and physically as a dancer and as a person.

Knutsford Guardian:

“We have a wealth of experience in teaching and performing various styles and disciplines.

“We see ACD Studios as not only a place to dance, but a friendly, kind and caring environment to nurture budding dancers.”

Students with ACD Studios also have the option to enter competitions, ranging from local team events to the most prestigious national championships.

But for those interested in purely social dancing, there is no pressure to compete.

You do not need to have a partner to come along and find out what it is all about.

If you would like to find out more about the dance school or ballroom and Latin dancing, you can contact Amy and Alex by emailing aclassdance1@gmail.com.