Can't stop the dance

Correspondent • Published 10 Aug 2011 09:30

Waiting in the Penta Hotel in Reading's Oxford Road for Ian Waite, I had no idea what to expect. Part of me was expecting the 6ft 5in diva from my Saturday night television screen, covered in fake tan, glitter and that blue outfit from series two, but when Ian arrives - he is down to earth, charismatic and truly charming.

Straight off the bat, with not a moment's hesitation, Ian grabs me by the hand and starts to teach me some of his favourite Zumba moves. The Reading-born ballroom-trained dancer has been teaching this blend of Latin-infused aerobic exercise at Bearwood College in Winnersh since May and it is clear why the classes have been such a success. His natural flare for rhythm and movement mean he easily skips from a static Merengue, (no that isn't a desert) to a side kick and a sequence of fancy footwork, making it look as effortless as he does on our screens.

Combining moves of samba, rumba and cha cha to funky Latin American music, Ian makes me feel completely comfortable - even when I know I'm not doing it right - and I soon stop feeling self-conscious and start to enjoy myself. Between moves, I asked what Ian thinks is the beauty of Zumba. "I think Zumba appeals to a lot of people because so many people just love dancing and you can dance for 45 minutes and get fit," he explains. "Rather than a work out, it just feels like a long party, which has brilliant benefits."

The nation's resurgent interest in and love of dance has turned him into a household name, with seven out of the eight Strictly Come Dancing series' under his belt. Ian explains. "It's such a great experience to meet the celebrities who you know from the telly and it's always a surprise who you get."

Clearly not at all deterred by the frills and the sequins that he is squeezed into every week, Ian, who lives in Woodley, Reading, plans his life around the demanding schedule of the show. He said: "I tend to spend most the year training at the Nivana Spa in Wokingham and eating a lot with excess to burn off when Strictly comes back on - ready for those outfits!"

He added: "I think my most notorious costume was that blue baby grow outfit in series two, but you know its Strictly and the more rhinestone and colour, the better. I can't complain, I'm very lucky."

Ian's Zumba classes will start up again in September [check this nearer print date] and anyone interested should....

By Laura Routledge

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This article appeared in Reading Chronicle 01 Aug 11

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