Try Ballroom and Latin in a land of luxury

Words Helen Brown

It?s January and, somewhat depressingly, it?s time to start thinking about working off those mince pies. But a health kick shouldn?t involve a slavish slog in the gym if the very thought fills you with dread. Instead, the Karen Hardy Dance Studios, positioned on the elegant waterfront of Imperial Wharf, offers one of the most exhilarating and effective ways to gain fitness and lose weight. Established in 2008, by Karen Hardy and husband, Conrad Murray, the studio greets you with luxury and glamour the moment you walk through the doors.

The venue is completely unique. ?There is no other studio like us,? Karen explained, ?We?re the only private members club of it?s kind. There?s a champagne bar where you can relax and then we invite you onto the dancefloor. And hopefully you?ll enjoy the experience,? she said.
Karen recognises that people have increasingly busy livelihoods today and consequently the studio does not run the standard group sessions. ?It?s all private and bespoke. People book lessons one on one,? Karen said, ?We can move as slow or quick as anyone wants to go.?

You need only look at the incredible transformation effect Strictly has on its contestants to see that the benefits of dance are endless. A quick-footed Latin routine can burn around 300 calories an hour as well as working all of your major muscle groups. Whe...