NOW is the time to forget the snow on the ground and sub-zero temperatures by taking up a taste of the continental.

NOW is the time to forget the snow on the ground and sub-zero temperatures by taking up a taste of the continental.

People living in Thetford will have the chance to sample salsa, brush up on their ballroom skills and have a shot at street dance with a series of taster dance workshops.

Funded by the Thetford Healthy Town initiative, and organised by Breckland Council, weekly dance classes will be run by trained professionals and held at various venues throughout the town.

Executive support member for communities and benefits, Lynda Turner, said: “Getting fit is important for long-term good health, and can also be fun and a way of making new friends.

“There are a variety of classes on offer for all ages so I'm confident we will have a good uptake.

“As Breckland plans to continue offering dance opportunities for Thetford residents, we will use the experience and feed-back from these sessions to help us shape future events.”

No previous experience is necessary and no partner is required. Salsa, ballroom and street dance classes are open to men and women over 16, with a Saturday street dance class for 11 to 16-year-olds.

The classes will be held as follows:

t Street dance for over 16s, Thetford Leisure Centre, Monday, January 18 for five weeks from 5.30pm to 6.30pm.

t Street dance for 11 to 16-year-olds, Thetford Leisure Centre, Saturday, February, 5 for five weeks from 1pm until 3pm.

t Street dance and fitness for over 16s, Abbey Neighbourhood Centre, Monday, January 18 for five weeks between 10am and 11am, and at the sports and arts centre, Thursday, January 21 for five weeks from 1pm until 2pm.

t Salsa, Abbey Neighbourhood Centre, Tuesday, January 19 for five weeks from 10am until 11am.

t Ballroom and Latin, Carnegie Room, Wednesday, January 20 for five weeks from 8pm until 9.30pm.

All classes are �2.50 each and people should wear clothes they can move about freely in.

Trainers or pumps should be worn for street dance and any comfortable footwear is suitable for salsa and ballroom.

For more information call arts development officer Sam Dawson on 01362 656870 or e-mail sam.dawson@breckland.gov.uk