‘It’s a dream come true’: Dunstable dance academy celebrates book release

Peter Barber, who is known for his books about life in Greece, splits his time between the Mediterranean island and Dunstable.

But he was inspired to write his latest book after Peter Barber going to one of his wife Alexandra’s Zumba classes, led by Havva Ali. Peter sat in the corner of the Dunstable Ladies Dance Academy class and took notes about the close-knit community he saw.

He explained: “I saw not just dancing, but I just saw the companionship and the joy of the whole place. It doesn’t matter how old you are, where you come from, what colour your skin is - they’re all like sisters.”

The classes have not only helped women with their health goals, but have created a safe space for them to come together.

Peter said: “The support network they have between them, it’s amazing. They babysit for each other, they take care of each other when they’re ill, they give each other lifts to hospital and back.”

The book, which includes stories from the women, was shared for the first time during a fun day held at the Luton Town and Indians Cricket Club at the weekend.

Alexandra, who has been going to classes for years, said: “It’s a dream come true. It’s something that we never believed could happen. Seeing our stories written in a beautiful pink book… we know the book is going to last forever.”

Copies were signed by the ladies, who also performed during the day, with Peter making sure that the whole ‘cast’ put their stamp on the books.

He said: “I’ve insisted I won’t sign the books on my own… Everyone has to sign them. The book becomes more personal that way.”

Havva hopes the book will get more women involved in the dance classes.

She explained: “Our class is different from others. It’s not just you coming together once a week… it’s the friendships. We become a family.”

The book is available in Kindle, paperback and hardback formats, with an audiobook also coming soon.

People can click here to find the book on Amazon.