A NEW line dancing club has launched in Basingstoke, bringing high-energy classes for all ages and abilities.
"At the start of the year, teaching line dancing wasn't on my bingo card," said founder Vanessa French, 44.
"My friend started teaching line dancing in the New Forest, and I thought I'd go along to a session to show support for her, and I got really into it.
"I told her she needed to bring it to Basingstoke, but she is far too busy. Instead, she said, 'You do it'. And here we are."
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Mrs French, a fitness coach and influencer who lives in Hounsome Fields, set up Country Heat Line Dancing, teaching classes in Kempshott Village Hall every Thursday evening, with sessions at 7pm and 8pm.
Sessions cost £7 and can be booked by visiting: https://country-heat-line-dancing.sumupstore.com
"It's been wildly popular," she said, "It's a great way to bring people together, get fit, and have fun.
"With country music being super popular right now and no longer just for 'old people', I'm bringing high-energy classes for complete beginners, men and women."
With music from classic country artists like Dolly Parton and more contemporary ones like Luke Combs, Vanessa assures there is something for everyone.
She explained that line dancing is "universal" and that "if you learn with me, you could then go to a bar in Nashville and join in with a dance there, because everyone will know it too."
Vanessa has been working as an online coach helping women in their 40s get into shape for more than a decade, but explained she was looking for a new "side quest" to meet people face-to-face and get involved with the community.
Those interested in joining Vanessa for a class need not worry about wearing a cowboy hat and boots, although it is recommended.
She said: "I tend to come fully kitted out in my cowboy hat and boots, but you can just come along wearing trainers, it doesn't matter.
"I'm trying to get more guys involved, but they are too shy at the moment," she said, "I have always been more female-based with my clients, but I would love to have more guys come along and join us."
Readers who are further afield and those who cannot make Thursday evenings can also join Vanessa for classes in Abbotts Ann Church of England Primary School in Andover on Monday nights.
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