Week three. Missed the class on Wednesday as I went to see Singing in the Rain. Lots of singing and dancing, all very good and two numbers in the rain. Did not learn any new Latin dance steps that night but had a great time wagging dance classes. By Thursday I was feeling guilty about wagging class and rang up RioRhythmics to confess. The nice people let me come along on another night to make-up the class I had missed.

I rocked up on Friday having drunk about 3 litres of water before going to class. To tell the truth it was more like 3 schooners of beer and 1 black russian. I was feeling really good and I think my hips had started to articulate or at least my legs were wobbly. Class was about to start so I ducked into the toilet and standing in front of the stainless I reflected on notice posted by the Dance Doctor.

It read ...

Dancing is contact activity so ensure...

1. You wear deodorant

2. You have a clean shirt

3. You brush your teeth

I stood there pleased that I had, without prompting, managed complete all three items on the checklist. Although I must admit I only brushed my teeth to disguise the smell of the alcohol.

We started the class in the usual manner with warm ups and then a few basic steps. The steps are coming easier now and require very little explanation before we start into a routine. This week we learnt how to twirl our partner, simply extend the arm up and over your partner’s head and she turns. Sounds easy but try doing it while concentrating on your feet at the same time. I think I managed two twirls and neither of them was very elegant. Oh well eight more weeks to practice.

Brisbane was very hot and humid that night. I tried my best to stay in a spot directly in front of one of the big fans. At the end of the class I caught sight of myself in the mirror. I had two large wet patches under the arms of my light coloured dance shirt. Next week I shall use the modified Dance Doctors advice...

1. Wear a clean shirt - preferably one that doesn’t change colour when drenched in sweat.

2. Use a super strength anti-perspirant - like the ones the tennis players use.

3. If you forget to brush your teeth - help yourself to the mints found at the front left of the class.