I'm about to advocate a dance class. Don't run away (before you've watched below videos) because it's not naff Dad dancing or anything horrible. It's rather nice actually. It's one of those drop-in types, which makes women feel graceful and involves men twirling said graceful women around them (themselves being as stylish or unstylish as they please).
It's one of those dance trends that's growing quite well because it's pretty easy to grasp and every single session (I believe) across the country is a drop-in style. It's a mix of Jive and Salsa but not solely for 30-year-olds (ahoy stereotype).
You don't need a partner, it's most definitely not weird to arrive by yourself (friends are good regardless), you wear normal clothes, and it makes you feel fit (well feel fit, I meanwhile spend my time gobbling Snickers bars having forgotten to eat before going). Be brave and go for fun (even if the menfolk dismiss it).
Here's some videos of people dancing Ceroc, rather than cheesy photos which do little more than scare people. Ceroc, as the two videos demonstrate can be done sexily, or in shopping centres by people that might put you off dancing. Perhaps try to imagine the latter with sexy people - a good compromise.
As this does usefully demonstrate, you can dance to a lot of music with it. Which is good, because I've heard Salsa music, and I like the idea of being able to dance in some sort of organised attractive form without its presence.
Each class involves learning three or four simple moves, after which a short freestyle (or dive to the bar) occurs. Then traditionally you've got the chance to practice beginner's moves in one room, or do some intermediate moves in another (I believe this is how Brighton's Funky Fish works but I've never arrived on time, although it's a pretty standard formula all Ceroc venues keep to).
It all with a freestyle, and there's a few employed dancers to help you out if you get stuck. Interestingly the women in this case can dance both male and female parts, which is interesting not for strange leering purposes but more than they're able to help both struggling genders. (I've also seen two guys play male and female parts and pull it off astoundingly, which suprised a few in the obscure village near somewhat-conservative Guildford when it took place).
There's 55,000 people learning every month with one probably right near you if you're not local - I can vouch for Hayward's Heath being a really nice venue too, if you live more in that direction. It's a lovely hall and runs on Mondays. There's a venue search available on the main Ceroc site.
In Brighton the official venue is at the New Madeira Hotel and the classes take place in the club section (which really works a low-ceilinged room, perhaps the venue's main downside) called "The Funky Fish Club". All the information for the Brighton venue can be found on the CerocFever website.
It's all very nice and not weird. I'm a complete clubfoot and got into this when a boyfriend started learning at university, thus I followed suite. And yes, it can be done whilst keeping your dignity. So try this one. Oh, and it's for any age - the young, the old, and 'the middle'. (yes, and the odd 12 year old I've seen once). It costs £7 for members, £6 for concessions (bring a student card) and if you understand the gist or are a seasoned pro and go mainly for last longer freestyle then it's £5.50.
Please wear deodorant (or a towel if you're the easy sweating type - or a small flannel if you're the sweaty but shy type), and bring a bottle of water.
And there's some sort of "ten commandments" thing to look at for extra guidance.
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