Who would have known that so much activity would have arisen from so much sitting down! 
I am astonished that the 'bright idea' that I had all those years ago has been picked up and taken forwards by so many- including the fabulous Angela Rippon. 
My work is but just one small cog in a huge project, but I am exceptionally proud to be that one small cog surrounded by the many important parts that make up 'Let's Dance'. 
We wanted a day for dance- but had been told it was practically impossible to organise a National Day for dance- but Angela Rippon did it! 

​And so, the week before the biggest dance event we could have ever dreamed of, I am preparing my own local classes- nothing huge- just a celebration of 'what we do' and the fun, friendship- and health benefits that dancing and moving together brings us. 

​The school holidays are coming to an end.
The garden has been looking so lovely and my husband remembered to water the pots while I was away, so I came home to a kaleidoscope of colour and not shades of brown.
My week away (Norwegian cruise) was just what the doctor ordered. Norway was beautiful, and we had blue sky every port day and just 10 minutes of rain! You either love or hate sea days (we had just two) and you need to be super organised to allocate several consecutive hours to relaxing and have strong will power to keep away from the cocktails and cakes! There is nothing quite like watching your favourite film under the stars snuggled under several blankets with a hot chocolate and popcorn.
 
However and wherever you spent your summer day, pottering about in the garden, strolling around the park exploring or having a mad adventure- with ice creams or scones, I hope you see everyone back at class sometime soon.

I am very fortunate to be able to spend time in the garden, but it takes a certain type of dedication to allow yourself go out and actually sit and do nothing other than read or watch the bees buzz. 
All that bending and stretching to reach the weed behind the bush beneath the stone, and the carrying of the watering cans adds to my steps and my watch tells me I have been active all day! Of course I can reward myself with a cup of tea and a book in my reading corner, while watching  the my new rose bush come into bud. 
Physical activity means different things to different people, as does rest and reflection. There is nothing better than watching my class participants grasp a new movement, create pattern, collectively start after the introduction and end together on the same note.
​Watching your class it is like watching seeds germinate, the shoots peep through the soil and the reward is a huge show stopping flower, and they all know they are show stoppers! 
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Mental awareness week.
This year's theme is 'movement: moving more for our mental health'. I am not going to describe the mental value of getting up off the chair, talking a walk or joining an exercise class- because as in the same way we all have our preferences for a cup of coffee, tea or jam sandwich- we all find remedies for our mental wellbeing in different places and different times depending upon a multitude of factors.
I have to explain to people, that while being active helps us mentally- I can not plan a class for mental wellbeing- I can not pencil in the exact time the class will smile, a share a joke or dissolve into laughter - these things happen because we are enjoying a once in a moment 'moment' that can not be replicated! All I can do is be welcoming, smile, pick good tunes and make sure the class isn't boring!
Sometimes just sitting in a different spot in the garden is enough, chasing a butterfly with your eyes, or taking out your anger on an ants nest, enjoying your mug of tea at the perfect temperature or people watching.
Wherever you may be, in your favourite spot, enjoying an activity or 'moment in time', look after yourself and those near to you.

It has been wonderful to welcome back three ladies, who for a multitude of reasons have been unable to get to class. 
Taking the first step to attend a class is brave- but going back is just as nerve racking.
Will there be new routines?
Will I keep up...and will the teacher be kind? 

Yes - there were new routines - but with careful teaching they 'got them' first time.
They did keep up and adjusting the class to incorporate their favourites (which I remembered) they didn't feel as if they were starting at the very beginning. 
​
It was lovely to see them again- and having them back was like welcoming a long lost friend back into the 'gang'.