Essex Chronicle reporter Clare Berrett has been taking to the floor to learn the classic of all dance forms – ballroom.

Clare, a reporter for the Chronicle’s Go! supplement, said: “Having seen ballroom dancing on television where people always look so graceful, I imagined myself gliding across the floor in a swirl of elegance – but unfortunately this wasn’t quite how we started out.

“It takes some practice to learn to keep in step with your partner. It’s not simply a matter of moving with the music.”

During her dancing lesson, Clare attempted the fox trot, quickstep, waltz and tango.

She said: “Our first attempt was the fox trot and – despite its alarming name to a beginner – once we got the hang of it, it turned out to be quite a nice dance.

“Once you’ve mastered the basics, it’s not that difficult to learn, it’s a good way of keeping fit and it’s always useful to know a few steps, just in case you are ever invited to the social “do” of the year.”

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