Dancing Is in the Air This March
There’s a national focus on getting more people moving and rediscovering the joy of dance, inspired by Angela Rippon – with her annual Let’s Dance campaign
Here in West Sussex, helping adults build confidence through dance has always been at the heart of everything I do.
At last, the lighter days, longer evenings, and brighter moods are arriving. Many of us have gently dragged ourselves through the start of the year, navigating grey skies and wet weather, finding small ways to lift our spirits.
But now something shifts.
It suddenly feels easier to feel motivated again. You may have rested, reset, and started to feel that familiar pull to get up, get out, and try something new. The thought of dancing alongside others across the nation genuinely makes me smile.
As human beings, we need connection (even though I sometimes wish I could happily survive as a little island!). While it’s lovely to dance at home in your kitchen or living room, there’s something magical about moving in fresh air or sharing energy with others.
Dance brings physical, emotional, and social benefits — the real challenge is simply finding ways to weave it into everyday life all year round.
When A Personal Mission Is Echoed Back
As we get older, fitness often becomes the focus when we think about movement. But for me, it has always been about something more — learning new skills, improving flexibility, having fun, and connecting with others.
Most importantly, it’s about building confidence through dance.
So when I first heard about the national campaign, I had a brief flicker of frustration.
After nearly twenty years encouraging people to believe dance is for every body, I wondered if I’d simply been talking to the wrong audience. Did I feel a tiny hint of envy that I’m not a celebrity with a huge platform?
Or could I embrace it — use it as a lever — and create something meaningful within my own community?
The truth is, it feels wonderful.
Because hearing my mission echoed nationally only reinforces what I’ve always believed:
The world needs more dancing — and there is room for all of us.
Where Confidence And Connection Grow
I love seeing my students gain confidence through dance — the relief when they realise they can do it, the smiles when steps click, and the laughter when things go a little sideways.
Dance connects mind and body in a powerful way. It deepens your relationship with yourself and with the people around you.
When I create routines, I intentionally change directions and formations. This encourages eye contact, spatial awareness, and a sense of shared experience rather than standing rigidly in lines.
Whether it’s a Zumba class, flashmob, barn dance, or burlesque workshop, my aim is the same: no one should feel alone.
There’s no intense focus on the teacher. Instead, it’s about feeling the music, trusting your memory, and becoming aware of each other’s presence.
I once joined a class that felt cold and unwelcoming. I remember how small it made me feel — and I promised I would never create that experience for someone else.
My classes are safe spaces. Places where everyone deserves their place on the dance floor.
Because no one is better than anyone else. We are all here to feel good and reconnect with our bodies.
When The Crowd Becomes The Dancers
Feel Good Flashmob was created to build body confidence and spark joy through movement.
I carefully choose music that draws people in and lifts the energy of a space. Performing is thrilling — but witnessing one unexpectedly? That’s magical.
There’s a tingling moment when something joyful unfolds right in front of you.
One flashmob day stands out. After finishing our first performance, a group of teenagers followed us to our second location. It was Pride weekend. They asked to join in.
Some dancers worried it might “ruin the show.” But to me, that was the whole point.
People want to join in. And that should be celebrated.
My mum even handed one of the boys her scarf to dance with.
Since then, we’ve invited onlookers to join our second performance — because the real magic isn’t perfection.
It’s connection.
It’s strangers becoming part of something shared.
Check it out for yourself on YouTube
Where It All Began
As we grow, society, life experiences, and even social media slowly begin shaping how we see ourselves. Without even noticing, we can shift from carefree to cautious — from confident to self-conscious.
Watching my three-year-old at the moment has stopped me in my tracks.
She dances in front of the television exactly as I once did — completely absorbed, utterly unbothered, blissfully unaware of anyone watching. There’s no performance. No comparison. Just pure joy.
My mum always tells me she put me into ballet classes because I simply couldn’t stop moving around the house. Apparently, I was forever twirling through doorways and leaping across the living room. And if I’m honest… that never really changed.
Even as a teenager — and well into my twenties — I would still be dancing around the kitchen while my dad cooked dinner, winding him up with a cheeky, “Not touching, not touching — can’t get mad!”
That playful energy.
That freedom.
That feeling of being completely at home in my body.
I think that’s where my love of dancing in the kitchen truly began.
Not in a studio. Not on a stage.
But in everyday moments — in laughter, in movement, in feeling alive.
And perhaps that’s the real reminder here:
Before the world told us who we should be, we already knew how to move.
Why I Never Stopped Dancing
I’ve never had the “typical” ballet figure and have battled body image for most of my life. I faced bullying growing up and often felt like I didn’t belong, even at university.
But looking back, what stands out isn’t doubt — it’s resilience.
I stayed determined, consistent, and deeply passionate.
There were times when my confidence wavered, especially during pregnancies and surgeries when my body changed. But instead of hiding, I chose to keep dancing.
Dance belongs to everybody — and every body.
That’s why I share my story. I want people to know they can do the same.
Want confidence on your wedding day? You can dance.
Want to feel better in your body? Let’s dance together.
Feel like you’re not a natural dancer? None of us are until we begin.
Confidence doesn’t come before dancing. It grows step by step.
All we need to do is say yes, show up, and trust the process — because in dance, there is no judgement, only encouragement.
Take The First Step This Spring
Right now, gently pushing outside my comfort zone feels important.
And I believe it can be for you too.
Take small steps this spring. Find something that excites you. Say yes — softly, kindly — and move forward.
You don’t need confidence to begin. Dance creates it.
As adults, we hesitate because we know too much about what might happen. We overthink. We protect ourselves. But what if we borrowed a little of that childlike freedom again?
This March may be a national celebration of dance, but for me it has always been about something deeper.
Helping people feel confident, connected, and truly alive through movement — not just for a month, but all year round.
If you’re thinking of joining us, come and be part of it.
I run weekly community dance classes, social dancing workshops/celebrations, and Feel Good Flashmob events — all designed to help you feel body confident and supported.
You deserve your place on the dance floor.