Tattenhall couple promote tango classes at The Groves as part of dance4life campaign

Jul 30 2009 by Claire Devine, Flintshire Chronicle

A couple are urging people to dance their way to good health.

As part of the Government’s change4life campaign, under the sub category dance4life, husband and wife duo Alexandra and Anthony Davis are inviting people to try out the tango.

Anthony, 40, said: “For the most part, tango is a gentle dance that anyone of any age can learn.

“In the class everybody interacts and dances with each other, regardless of age and ability.

“Anyone can learn to tango, even those who claim to have two left feet. If you can walk you can dance!

“Learning to tango is a wonderful experience, not only is it a real challenge that affects every part of your life, it is very sociable and can be addictive.

“Being good gentle exercise, it encourages a wide range of movement which is beneficial to all.”

Alexandra, 41, who is also a Pilates instructor, compares the dance to Pilates calling it ‘vertical’ or ‘moving’ Pilates.

She said: “It requires good posture, lots of core control and balance.

“Unlike Pilates, which is predominantly isolated exercises performed by one person, tango is Pilates in motion where you learn to move with a partner.

“These movements are performed in a controlled but relaxed way which allows free movement within the body.”

The couple, who live on their narrowboat on Tattenhall Marina, teach the tango at The Groves in Chester.

The classes take place every Monday and Wednesday evenings.

They are two hours long, start at 8pm, and are suitable for all levels from beginner to advanced.

From 10pm there is an hour’s practise session. They also run a social tango dance (Milonga) on the first Friday of every month at The Groves, as well as occasional dinner dance nights at The Groves’ Argentine-themed restaurant, La Boca.

Anthony has been teaching tango in the region for about five years and met Alex while teaching on a dance holiday in Greece.

They were married last year in Chester and had their wedding reception at The Groves.

Alexandra’s background is in the fitness industry, as well as having spent many years as a recreational and commercial scuba diver.

She specialises in Pilates, yoga, dancercise and step.

For more information go to www.carryontango.co.uk or go online to see our multi-media presentation at www.chesterchronicle.co.uk.