My interest with dance began when as a child.
I would sit with my sister and watch black and white movies featuring such stars as Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers.
These films oozed glamour and sophistication and totally captivated my imagination.
What made Fred Astaire so special was that he was very exciting to watch plus his dancing had such wit and flair.
He was known to put in a punishing sixteen-week rehearsal period before the start of any film.
Fred Astaire's initial screen test report for RKO Pictures stated "Can't sing, can't act, balding but can dance a little".
Goes to show you can't always get it right.
I've always loved the cinema and theater but didn't care much for ballet.
I couldn't see the point of it and found it rather boring and what's with the cod piece!I remember taking my little girl - who was having ballet lessons at the time - to Sadlers Wells.
Unfortunately, neither of us were impressed and we left the theater feeling even more disenchanted.
So how did this transformation come about?My son who is an ardent ballet enthusiast, had a spare ticket for 'Cinderella' at the Royal Opera House and asked me if I would like to join him.
I can't say that I was ecstatic at the offer but decided I would go to keep him company and I have to admit that I wanted to see the inside of the 'House'.
This time it was pure joy as I loved the splendor of the theater and the ballet was enchanting.
The costumes, scenery and dancing were dazzling.
Now that my son had me in his clutches, he wasn't about to let go so he decided I should see some contemporary work that included Wayne McGregor's award winning 'Chroma' which comes in three parts.
The stage was completely white and Zen-like which gave it a sense of purity from which the dancers added relief.
I loved it!Seeing that I was enjoying contemporary work in a big way, my son introduced me to a French dancer called Sylvie Guillem.
Sylvie initially trained as a gymnast, which is evident when you see her dance.
She is known for her amazing flexibility and controversial high extensions which some conservatists feel ruins the line of classical ballet.
To my mind her flexibility allows her to perform both classical and contemporary roles in an individualistic way whilst at the same time pushing boundaries.
It is said that ballet began in Italy during the 1400's and was staged by Balthazar de Beaujoyeulx, a gifted musician.
His first ballet 'Comique de la Reine' was commissioned by Queen Louise and took place in 1581 in honour of the royal wedding of Marguerite de Lorraine to the King's favourite Anne, Duc de Joyeuse and lasted five hours.
It was a conscious effort to blend verse, music, dance, scenic elements and costume into a theatrical statement that would be harmonious and understood.
I have only recently got caught up in the dance frenzy that is sweeping the country with such shows as 'Strictly Come Dancing'.
In fact I was having dinner with friends the other evening and the producer of the now touring show was one of the guests.
He very kindly invited me to see the show at the O2 Arena and I was fortunate to have a front-row seat.
The show has the same format as on television with eight celebrity couples competing.
At the end of the show the audience get to vote via their mobile phones.
It's a huge hit.
I particularly enjoyed Vincent and Flavia dancing the 'Tango', which simply sizzled and left me shivering.
It was full of passion with well-executed high kicks.
The audience were enraptured.
So where does that leave me?Well all I need is a tall, dark, handsome Latin type to teach me the 'Salsa' and then I'll be ready to strut my stuff.
Any offers?