Reporter Sejal Kapadia was captivated by the dancing skill of owner Rabea Al-Asir

THE buzz of the ballroom brought beauty, grace and colour to a dreary, grey evening in the High Road as dancers stepped to the Viennese Waltz, Rumba and Argentinean Tango. Revellers with their finger on the Kilburn s cultural pulse span in ever faster pi

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THE buzz of the ballroom brought beauty, grace and colour to a dreary, grey evening in the High Road as dancers stepped to the Viennese Waltz, Rumba and Argentinean Tango. Revellers with their finger on the Kilburn's cultural pulse span in ever faster pirouettes to the Merengue and a giant, glamorous type of Hokey-Cokey, and the Bachata. Culture vulture and reporter Sejal Kapadia, who was persuaded to boogie with some of the borough's best boppers, writes.

The lure of dance has been buzzing around the country for quite some time, but that couldn't brighten my reluctance to go to the Black & White Guest Party at recently opened Arthur Murray Dance Studio.

It was drizzling, it was colder than most nights, and it was a Thursday. But when I stepped into Rabea Al-Asir's studio, the rush of Latino percussion hit me like colour in a black and white photo.

I stood on the side, like a wallflower, and watched the students perform the Tango, Viennese Waltz, Rumba and Argentinean Tango- one by one.

I laughed and clapped like one of the performers being swung around.

Watching live dancing is unbeatable compared to television screenings of Strictly.

But the actual dance floor is where you want to be.

Rio, owner of the dance studio in Kilburn High Road, told me: "Dancing gives great happiness, confidence and life to students at any age," and this is the main motive behind his Latin and ballroom dancing school.

He saw the building last year and felt Kilburn needed something like his dance studio to accompany the cinema and theatre in the local area.

He said: "I thought I would bring the energy here."

Marcela Inserny, from Kilburn High Road, was one of the first students to walk through its doors in October.

She said: "I thought I might as well give it a try and it's great. It makes me really happy."

After the students' performances, instructors Djordje and Emma Tanasijevic ended with a stunning Argentinean Tango.

The night finished with two group dances: the Merengue, a giant but glamorous type of Hokey-Cokey, and the Bachata, where we followed the tutors through bends and spins in rows. In the end I couldn't hold back; I had to get in there and I really believe you should too.

Dancers of any level can sign up for a complimentary private lesson.

The Arthur Murray Dance Studio 242 Kilburn High Road, is open Monday to Saturday.

Telephone 020 7624 3311 or visit www.dance-arthurmurray.co.uk