Angela Rippon says you don't need sequins to dance

Veteran broadcaster Angela Rippon has been encouraging people in Jersey to get active by joining dance classes.

The former Strictly Come Dancing competitor said she felt the physical, mental and social benefits of dancing regularly while competing on the BBC show.

She said the experience inspired her Let's Dance campaign which aims to make movement "joyful, accessible and inclusive".

Rippon said people did not need a sequin costume or technical perfection to reap the benefits of dance: "All exercise is good, but not everybody wants to go to the gym or do a Parkrun. Dance is something you can do at any age, and at whatever level you choose."

Rippon put on a special dance event alongside former Strictly professional Ian Waite at Jersey Opera House.

Waite said the islanders taking part were "overflowing with enthusiasm".

"A lot of people danced for the first time today and they absolutely loved it. It's really important to get active and get moving," he said.

Children as young as four were bouncing along to the music, while at the other end of the age scale was James Williams, aged 90, proving that dance really can be for life.

Williams said: "When I was 15 in London we used to be taught ballroom dancing once a week at college and, every so often, the girls college came to dance with us."

"Dancing is fun, and when you get to my age, it keeps the mind active doing steps and keeps the body active as well. There's been a whole cross-section of people here, which is great."

Rippon said people did not need a special outfit or technical perfection to reap the benefits of dance.

She said: "Dancing gives you great joy. You have a lot of fun, you meet a lot of people, and it's great for tackling isolation and loneliness."

"When you get to my age, it keeps the mind active, learning the steps keeps the brain going, and at the same time it keeps the body active."

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