IT’S HARD to believe that it is 38 years since we saw a lithe, energetic, 23-year-old John Travolta grace the disco floor as Tony Manero in the film Saturday Night Fever.

But the message in Travolta’s iconic solo dance display to the Bee Gees’ “You Should Be Dancing” is as relevant as ever.

Dancing has been recognised for decades as a healthy social activity that offers a host of benefits. Anyone who has seen the popular TV show Strictly Come Dancing has witnessed the game celebrity contestants lose weight, get fit and soar in confidence as the competition progresses.

And a popular dance class in Worcester has now moved to a new venue, offering more local people the opportunity to put on their dancing shoes and join the fun.

The city’s Ceroc group has moved from its venue of the past 13 years – Coppertops, on Oldbury Road – to the University of Worcester Arena on Hylton Road.

Debbie Attwood, Ceroc teacher and franchisee, says she is now ready to welcome even more people to come along and enjoy the local classes.

Cerco is a modern partner dance combining salsa and jive – without some of the more complicated footwork – with a bit of hip-hop, swing and rock and roll thrown in for good measure.

It was created in London in 1980 and the name is said to derive from the French "C'est le roc" (it's rock), used to describe rock n' roll dancing in France.

Ceroc is danced to almost any music - from latest chart hits to big band music and everything between - in a wide variety of tempos from slow to very fast. It doesn't require special clothes, unlike some types of dancing.

Debbie says Ceroc is quite addictive and offers people a way to get fit and have a social life. It has the unusual label of being gender balanced – as many, if not more, men turn up to classes than women.

“Great for people of all ages, a Ceroc night offers a fantastic social evening that is an addictive alternative to what some consider a ‘lonely’ gym work out. Our venues are full of like-minded people wanting to learn a new skill and make new friends,” she says.

“In Worcester we have people of all ages from a student who is about 19 to a man in his 70s. There is a regular member aged 85 who comes along to the Kidderminster class. Age is not a barrier at Ceroc groups,” she added.

“Everything about Ceroc appealed to me when I first started and even though it is now a business for me I still get the same buzz when I’m dancing. When you look around one of our dance-floors everyone’s happy – it really is a great way to improve your quality of life.”

The classes at the University of Worcester Arena start at 7.45pm every Thursday and last for three hours. There is a teaching session for the beginners as well as an opportunity for intermediate dancers to practise before everyone can take to the dance floor and socialise.

Although up to 80 dancers – single people and in couples - can turn up in Worcester, Debbie says there is plenty of room for more people to join in. “It would be nice to get some fresh blood. The steps are simple and easy to pick up, the social scene is great, you don’t need to take a partner with you and the varied music appeals to all ages.” People don’t have to book, they just turn up on the night and join in.

Debbie says this kind of dancing is a cardiovascular, aerobic activity so is highly recommended for anyone who wants to lose weight. Just 15 minutes of dancing at Ceroc can earn two extra points at Weight Watchers and whole evening of dancing will burn around 600 calories and help people exceed their 10,000 daily paces. The best thing though is that it’s not repetitive, it’s fun and its addictive qualities helps people stay fit.

Ceroc enthusiast Roger Brent, aged 44, from Worcester, said: “As a fella it took some bottle to walk in for the first time but I was totally amazed at how friendly everybody was and how easy the dance is to pick up.

“Within a short space of time I was addicted and dancing two nights a week. I’ve trimmed up my waistline, I have more energy and found that I’m sharper and more alert during the day.

“It’s also a great stress buster for me. I’m now telling my mates about it and they are taking to it too.”

Each class normally costs £8 a night but a new member can get their first night free by taking along this cutting from the Worcester News or e-mailing team@cercogroove.co.uk for a Dance or Free voucher for classes in Worcester, Kidderminster, Evesham, Bromsgrove and Birmingham.

New members can also take advantage of an offer of six classes for the price of three and a silver membership card can be bought for £45 which entitles people to dance four times a week for four weeks at any of the franchise venues.

For more information visit www.cerocgroove.co.uk or call Debbie on 07974250885.