Samba dance and fitness classes launched at high school

Petula Dennis, who ran a group called Felicidade no Samba (means Happiness in Samba) a few years ago, helped to bring the colourful dance to Luton Carnival.

Now she has returned to the town and will be launching Happiness in Samba Dance and Fitness on Tuesday, April 12, for a free taster class from 8pm.

The classes are open to participants aged from 16 upwards with the choice of joining fun classes to keep fit while learning the dances. Students may want to take things to the next level by looking to become one of the student performers for shows and events in Luton and surrounding areas. The performances will be in costumes similar to the one pictured at the Luton Carnival.

Petula said: “However, performers would not be expect to wear costumes that they feel uncomfortable in as the overall look will be a joint decision with the performers within the group - expect to see some feathers as part of the costume! However, this is later in the pipeline and this aspect will follow after the classes have been running for a while.

“As a dancer myself well into my 40s, I refuse to accept the belief that once a dancer reaches a certain age they should pop their dancing shoes away. I still perform and thoroughly enjoy it and as such would like to offer this same opportunity to those within the Luton community.

“Dancing should be for all ages. It’s not only good for physical and mental well-being but it really does not matter whether a student is from late teens to retirement age and beyond. Just as long as they enjoy dancing, that’s all that counts!”

Classes will take place weekly, with subsequent classes priced at £5, payable in advance.

Visit www.happiness-in-samba.uk email [email protected] or call 07530 951 334 and find them on Facebook Happiness in Samba Dance and Fitness