HALLIWELL is a hub of historical dancing

Each week the Leap To Your Feet dancers meet to perfect their Appalachian Dancing steps.

The traditional dancers are joined each week by their house band Soya, who provide musical accompaniment to their practices.

Jean Weatherall, one of the founding members, said: “It’s a mixture of influences. From the Irish and English who went to America. It’s Irish step dancing and English clog dancing and an American style which can be called flat footing. And there’s an African influence.

“It’s very percussive.”

Mrs Weatherall has been with the dancers since they were founded 26 years ago.

She said: "None of us were tap dancers before we did it and it's very easy to pick up the basic steps.

"It's very friendly and it's a good way of exercising without feeling like you're exercising."

Leap To Your Feet meet every Wednesday at 7.45pm at the Theatre Dance Studios, Halliwell Business Park, Rossini Street.

New members are always welcome, call Mrs Weatherall on 07816011252 for more information.