A dance club is stepping out to celebrate the 20th anniversary of meeting in its home venue, Loddon Hall, Twyford.
The club, Ceroc Thames Valley, has about 120 dancers taking to the floor on Friday evenings. It was started by Bill and Becky Cooper at Reading Irish Club in 1999.
Bill, 56, explained the move: “The Chatham Street car park there closed, but we moved to Loddon Hall which has a huge car park, a stage, a bar and a kitchen.”
The actual anniversary was on Tuesday (Nov 22), but the club will celebrate at the hall tomorrow (Friday, November 25).
There will be an evening of free style dancing, plus, promised Bill, a massive birthday cake.
Friday evenings normally include classes for beginners and intermediate dancers before the free style Ceroc dancing session. Bill puts the club’s success down to its “friendly, social atmosphere”.
Becky, 50, said: “The majority of people love to come weekly to the class nights. But there are opportunities to take your dancing further, with competitions and weekenders.
“There really is something for everyone. It’s basically the easiest partner dance you can learn, the emphasis is on having fun and it’s a great way to keep fit and be social.
“Joining Ceroc costs a one-off membership fee of £3 which is valid at any Ceroc venue nationwide, then it’s £10 for the whole evening. We’re doing a special offer at the moment for new joiners which is six lessons for half price.
“No special clothing is required, you don’t need to bring a partner and there’s no need to book for lessons, just turn up and join in.”
Dancers change partners during the evening.
Ceroc is a cross between modern jive and salsa.
“The free style Ceroc sessions can be what you like. Lots of people do a bit of tango,” said Bill.
“The evenings are good from a social point of view. Lots of people have met their life partner at Ceroc. It’s a great way of getting out, keeping fit and having a nice time.”
Each week around half the dancers are men, and half women. People in their late 20s to early 70s go. The average age is those in their 40s and 50s.
More details about Becky and Bill’s Twyford club can be found at https://www.ceroc.com/24/131/ceroc-twyford?id=37
The couple live in Maidenhead.
