Cambridge Cruisers Rock ‘n’ Roll club is a fun night out.
Always keen to try new things, Claire Castle went to rock ‘n’ roll last week, and nobody was injured in the process.
I was a bit nervous heading to rock ‘n’ roll. I’m not world famous for my dancing ability, but I needn’t have worried. The atmosphere at Cambridge Cruisers Rock ‘n’ Roll was welcoming, and there was no judgment as I continuously managed to foul up my footwork. The lovely Eden Chappell, a 17-year-old with a love of rock and roll and the outfits that go with it, patiently showed me how to do the basic steps and bore with me as I struggled to count to four and move my feet at the same time. My dance partner, Paul, was likewise very kind and I was relieved that I didn’t step on his feet and even managed to twirl around without wiping anyone else out. There was plenty of good music, and as fellow newcomer Amy said, “It’s great music, even if you can’t do the dance”. She was right, it was good. Towards the end we did some group dancing, including something called the Boot Scoot. I managed to scoot my boot for a bit but then retired to the sideline in the interests of public safety, but I was pleased to be able to use the grapevine move that many of us will no doubt remember from aerobics in the 90s. All in all, it was a fun way to spend a Thursday evening, and if you have been thinking about it then next Thursday (February 22) is the ideal time to head along, with the next round of beginners’ lessons kicking off. If you are going, make sure you take a water bottle, hand towel and suitable shoes. I wore running shoes, which were too “grippy” to twirl around successfully (that’s my excuse and I’m sticking to it) – you really need totally flat-soled shoes. And they head off for a cup of tea in town afterwards, which is nice as well.
Cambridge Cruisers Rock and Roll meets Thursday nights at St Andrew’s hall on Hamilton Rd from 6.45 – 8.40pm. Senior members $5, junior members $2; senior non-members $10, junior non-members $5. Parking at the rear of the building, please don’t park on the grass.
