Don't Tell Me I Can't......Become A Ballroom Dancer

Paula Hickford answered the call of the competition glitterball

- James Hanman

Taking my partner’s hand, we get into position on the dance floor and I take a deep breath as we wait for the music to begin. Around us, a sea of faces are gazing with anticipation. My heart is pounding with nerves, but I know that whatever happens, the next few minutes will be exhilarating.

I’d never been much of a dancer and the extent of my moves were limited to a few wiggles on the dance floor at parties. And I needed a few drinks first.

A friend of mine loved to go to salsa classes and I’d sometimes watch her, though I lacked the courage to join in. It was during one of the classes in 1996 that I met Michael, then 37, who had been salsa dancing for a year. We started dating and he took me to a few salsa clubs. With a bit of encouragement, I was soon twirling around the dance floor.