Vale MP Alun Cairns took to the dance floor in St Donats last week to celebrate 15 years of the Cowbridge Dance School. The school, set up by former NHS manager Alan Taylor, runs 7 regular classes in locations throughout the Vale with more than 100 local people attending.
The Tea Dance in the Arts Centre at Atlantic College in St Donat’s is one of the more popular locations for the school with dancers flocking from Llantwit and the Western Vale.
The school teaches ballroom and sequence dancing, meaning there was no risk of Alun Cairns attempting latin hip movements with the same panache as his erstwhile parliamentary colleague Ed Balls on Strictly. Mr Cairns’ dancing efforts were limited to trying to hold his partner correctly and put one foot in front of the other.
After watching the class at the St Donats tea dance, the Vale MP was able to appreciate the skill involved in ballroom dancing and was full of praise for those taking part.
Mr Cairns said, “I had little understanding of the complexity involved in ballroom dancing before now. I am in awe of the ability of the dancers to remember so many steps and execute their moves so quickly and seamlessly.
“My own attempt was more than a little lacklustre – I doubt I’ll be getting an invitation for Strictly any time soon.”
Alan Taylor, who organised the Tea Dance, said, “Teaching local people to dance is a great joy, there are so many keen learners throughout the Vale who are such fun to teach.
“The dance lessons are always a social occasion with beginners and advanced dancers sharing tips and stories.”
Mr Taylor is organising a Tea Dance at Penarth Pavillion on Remembrance Sunday from 2pm to 4pm for the Royal British Legion. If you would like to attend please contact [email protected].