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Evening Chronicle - Newcastle-upon-Tyne

By Craig Thompson

Trained choreographer Jill Wright has returned to her roots in a bid to help people get fit. Craig Thompson discovers how the dance floor is replacing the treadmill for North East gym fans

Street dancing is quickly becoming this year's hottest craze for people looking to shape up.

One North East fitness centre already has a waiting list for those desperate to strut their stuff while toning their tummies.

Now health club manager Jill Wright is diving in at the deep end and using her vast experience to start her own classes.

Before setting out on a career in the leisure industry, Jill trained in dancing and choreography at the London Studio Centre, a leading company specialising in dance education.

It was there she became an expert in the benefits of dance-based exercise for general health, poise and balance, as well as fitness and strength.

Jill said: "I started off in the entertainment industry, where I learnt about singing, song writing, music, acting and different types of dance.

"I then began work in the health and fitness industry, where I would teach group fitness."

Jill is now holding classes at Greens Health and Fitness, in Gosforth, Newcastle, where her moves have attracted quite a lot of attention.

She added: "What I'm basically doing is getting people to dance by using group fitness techniques and adding the stylised movements that turn a very basic step into a funky move.

"The style and rhythm are linked to R'n'B music, which we use as a soundtrack for the class, but it's actually neither dance nor pure aerobics."

And it's not just the youngsters who are flocking in.

The class has also attracted people who only previously used the gym and weight rooms.

Muscle men and women are opting to put down their weights and start shaking their stuff.

Jill added: "It seems to appeal to a broader range of people than you would normally expect.

"Recent fitness trends have been dominated by full-on exercises such as Body Pump, circuit training and step.

"These are great for many members, but we wanted to introduce more variety and bring some fun back into our classes, and that's where this class comes in.

"It's conducted in a similar way to a dance routine on video and every session is different."

The sessions begin with a 40-minute build-up to learn the moves and then finish off with a 15-minute non-stop session under the disco lights.

It is on the dance floor that everything is finally combined into a single routine.

Jill said: "That's when the lights are low enough for everyone to let themselves go."

One regular participant in the classes is ex-policeman Alistair Thompson, 32, who uses the weekly sessions as part of a wider fitness regime.

He believes the unique style of street dance and the fun atmosphere encourages many people to take part who would normally only use the gym.

Alistair, from Whitley Bay, added: "Variety is the key as far as I'm concerned. I need to do different types of exercise to keep myself motivated.

"In street dance, you can just let yourself go with the rhythm and if you make a mistake you just pick yourself up and carry on.

"Jill has obviously put a lot of her own experience and passion into developing the technique and this enthusiasm really rubs off on the participants. The full hour really does provide a vigorous workout, but everyone leaves with a smile on their face."

The current Monday class has become so popular Jill is introducing a new class on Saturdays.

She added: "I can't believe how successful the class has become.

"I enjoy it because this is a real passion of mine, which I'm able to pass on."

NFor further information on Street Dance, contact (0191) 213 0070.