In another of our Grass Roots features, highlighting the many local grassroots groups and volunteers making a difference in our community, we go Jiving with Borderlands Jive.
Borderlands Jive was formed in 2022 by two cousins from the Eden Valley, Sally Shaer and Angie Sheridan. Each of them have over 20 years experience of dancing modern jive and they wanted to create somewhere local to dance. Modern jive is a low impact dance that is done with a partner to most types of music. Borderlands particularly prides itself on the variety of music it plays, old, new, fast, slow and many different styles.
As well as being somewhere to dance the cousins wanted to create a group that is friendly and inclusive. There is no need to bring a partner as throughout the lesson dancers change partners every few minutes. This rotation is a great way to get to meet the other people in the class and actually helps dancers improve more quickly.
The group is currently small, with around 20 regular attendees, so everybody gets to know each other. About half come with a partner and half without.
New members will be very welcome to attend and join in with the group.
Dancing has many benefits for all from the social interaction through to helping improve and maintain positive physical and mental health and giving a sense of well being.
Sally said “It takes a few months to build confidence and a repertoire of moves, but you will be able to dance some moves immediately after your first lesson.”
Here are what some of the members of Borderlands Jive have to say about the group and what it means to them:
I first came to Jive not knowing any of the steps just a basic love for dance and music. Nearly 2 years on and I absolutely love it! Sally is a fabulous dance instructor, she teaches at a pace everyone can understand and always makes it good fun. I didn't start dancing with a partner and the way the classes are set up you don't need to come with a partner. I love how friendly everyone is, it's not a massive group, just a bunch of really lovely like-minded people who love to dance. We would love you to come join us and see for yourself - Kim
Sally and Ang have set up a great dance community in Penrith. I sometime come from Manchester to the Borderland Jive venues. I love the warm reception and hospitality shown from all who attend. A great place to meet people, learn some new moves and above all have great fun - Geoff
We were made to feel so welcome from the first time that we attended - Julie and Dave
As I hadn't previously attended dance classes I suspected that it would confirm that I have two left feet, but took the plunge and went to Borderlands Jive class.
To the uninitiated, Modern Jive could appear as a series of infinitely complicated movements but with Sally's careful and straightforward instruction I was soon able to get the hang of it . Before long I had a few moves under my belt that I could dance without thinking. And that's the point where I really began to thoroughly enjoy the dancing and also the super music, as Angie plays a variety of tracks from different decades to reflect the diverse age range of the dancers.
- Paul
Never attended a dance class of any kind before so wasn't sure what to expect. Two years on and I'm still there and loving it. Great group of people. Lessons have the right mix of skill level and technique for all and, of course, are 'fun' thanks to Sally's amazing teaching. Great variety of music from Angie too, something for everyone. Personally it's helped me grow in confidence and given me a sense of achievement. Proud to be part of the group” – Carol
The group meet for lessons and dancing every Thursday night at Penrith Cricket Club.
It costs just £6. If you'd like to know more then drop an email to borderlandsjive@gmail.com or check out the Borderlands Jive Facebook group.
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