'Strictly' set to fuel dancing boom in UK

The ongoing success of 'Strictly Come Dancing' coupled with tough economic times is likely to spark even more of a surge in dancing in 2012, experts are predicting.

The latest series of the reality TV dance show, won by McFly's Harry Judd, drew more than 12 million UK viewers - the main programme drew an average 12.2 million while the later results show was seen by 11.8 million.

Figures were down slightly on the previous record-breaking year, when around 13 million viewed both shows, but were way up on the 2009 final which drew 10.1 million and 10.3 million for its shows.

The show's popularity is keeping the dance world buoyed, according to experts, with more and more people seeking lessons.

As households continue to feel the pinch, the affordability of dance as a hobby makes it even more appealing, said British Dance Council president Bryan Allen.

"This series has been phenomenal. There's been some beautiful dancing to watch, it's been a joy by any standards. The quality they produce has been unbelievable.

"Dancing is booming, absolutely booming, which is wonderful news for everyone involved in the dance business.

"From the public's point of view it's glamorous, it's challenging, you get people who have no dance experience progress to these levels.

"It's not expensive pro rata. Two people can go to a dance class and probably pay between £5 and £10 (€11.98) each - for a whole evening that's not bad if you look at what they charge for football matches.

"You can pay about £20 (€23.96) for a couple and have a wonderful evening with nice people in a safe environment.

"It's great, particularly in these economic times when people are a bit worried.

"It's like in wartime, if people are under stress, they would dance, it's a release. Dancing is a form of escapism."

Former dance champion Mr Allen, who has been teaching dance in Leicester since 1978, is expecting a busy start to 2012.

"New Year is always a good time, a lot of people come in the New Year anyway but I am looking forward to being extraordinarily busy and I am sure all my colleagues will be saying the same thing."

He said the physical, social and mental benefits of dance are also a draw: "People start to dress up, their posture is better, their breathing is better."

And despite some decline in ballroom or partnered dancing in previous years when styles like disco were more popular, Strictly has helped bring a comeback of couples' dancing, he said.

"I think Strictly brought it back with an absolute explosion.

"I had a feeling about two years ago it might be coming towards an end but this series has been absolutely brilliant.

"We have always had one or two inquiries about people who wanted to do a dance at their wedding, now we're getting more and more."

And the success of male stars on Strictly Come Dancing is helping encourage men onto the dancefloor, he said.

"All the guys they are all the same, they feel they can't dance, but once you show them a few dances, say 'you are in charge, she dances with you', they begin to feel a bit macho.

"Its suddenly the 'in thing' to do, you've got people like Darren Gough, Mark Ramprakash, and now Harry Judd."

But despite an increase in numbers of people wanting to learn to dance, it remains to be seen if that will lead to an increase in those competing, said Dr Rachelle Stretch, vice president of the English Amateur Dancesport Association.

"I think Strictly Come Dancing has raised the profile of ballroom and Latin in recent years and helped to improve its image - the general public is much more aware of what ballroom dancing involves now compared to 10 years ago," she said.

"Many dance teachers have also experienced an increase in attendance at their beginners classes since Strictly began.

"I hope that Harry winning will prompt an increase in the number of men and boys who are interested in trying dance classes.

"However, the increase in number of beginners has not yet translated to an increase in those competing - only time will tell if more children starting lessons today will result in more competitors and maybe another British world champion in the future?"