大象传媒

I'm always up for a challenge, no matter how hard, but when Cambridge Ceroc asked if I'd be interested in having a go at Ceroc-ing, it felt like the challenge of getting me to Ceroc 'n' roll might be more theirs than mine.

Also, my gym visits have become less frequent of late and Ceroc is, they say, a great way to get fit.

Ceroc Cambridge

I can't dance. I can't even recreate movement that would in any way reflect an attempt at dancing. I move like a drunk meerkat at Uncle Meerkat's wedding to that lady meerkat who everyone is sure is only after him for his money.

So, it was with trepidation that both of my left feet entered Cambridge University Graduate Sports and Social Club with my colleague Sam Dalton.

The good folk at Cambridge Ceroc believe that it's possible to leave your first lesson with knowledge of four basic Ceroc moves. I think they were called the First Move, The Yo-yo, The Ceroc Spin and... I don't remember the fourth - but apparently I should be able to do them.

I spoke to the teacher Becky before stepping on to the floor. She made it sound very simple: there's very little foot movement, you can do it to any music and it doesn't matter what kind of shoes you're wearing.

No chance

Suddenly, I felt more confident. That is, until the first move was displayed.

Take to the floor

It's very difficult to explain how I felt as I watched the gliding gracefulness of our teachers. I simply couldn't remember what they had done - and why should I remember? I knew where to start and where to finish but anything in-between was a distant hope.

One of the sociable - yet terrifying - things about dance classes is that they make you change partners. It's bad enough feeling like a concussed giraffe in the presence of a friend, let alone with someone you've never met before.

I couldn't help but feel like I was holding everyone back. There was actually one moment when everyone else in the room performed a move before Becky had even shown it. I stood there holding my miffed partner like she was an award bestowed upon the biggest clot in the room.

Taxi dancers

Soon enough there were some more intimate sessions with what are called Taxi Dancers. Just like a taxicab Beverly and Bob were on hand to sweep over and help anyone who looked like they were in dire straits - and what a help they were. After a lot of hard work and concentration (you can tell I'm concentrating because I stick my tongue out) it seemed like I was getting it.

All in a spin

A slightly strong discussion with Sam about how I should be spinning her, put her in her place - after all, I am supposed to be taking the lead - and before you knew it I was throwing my partner around like a human-shaped Frisbee.

So, the final test. A dance with the teacher, Becky, to see how I had come along. How did I do? I did well, I think. Becky was surprised that I had learnt all four moves. She was either being nice or had seen how ridiculously bad I had been at the beginning of the night.

Ceroc 'n' roll

After the classes there's the opportunity to ask anyone to dance with you during the freestyle session, so I took back to the floor with confidence a-plenty. As someone who has never had any interest in dance, it kills me to reveal how much fun I actually had.

It's likely that I'm going to be going back next week. I'm also told that Ceroc's great for getting fit - as well as helping those who don't have twinkle-toes to get their shoes clicking with confidence.

So, from now on, I'll be strictly stepping out with a bit of a flutter, and hopefully becoming fitter for it.