With its genteel ambience, a tea dance makes MARC WEST yearn for the age of elegance and bygone days

There’s something about a tea dance that is so perfectly quaint and utterly lost in time that it made me feel as if I’d slipped through a time portal back to an era of between-the-wars hope and prosperity.

This is clubbing from the ol’ school and just goes to show that going out and about is an activity to be enjoyed and shared by people of all ages. In fact, I was quite taken back by the youthful spirit of this friendly and inviting bunch of elegant dancers – in fact, I’ve never been asked to dance so much in all my days.

According to organiser Mo Tweney, some of those sashaying across the floor have been coming to the beautiful Grade II listed building since they were my age (27, honest) back in the swinging ’60s – further proving the admirable longevity of this genteel pastime.

Keyboardist Mick White conducts the couples about the floor with tune upon tune – to which the great many respond with surprising agility and impressive synchronicity. Then, the quicksteps, tangos, waltzes and charlestons all pause halfway through for a raffle with a nice cup of tea and, of course, a piece of cake – a cherry Bakewell being my personal favourite.

Back on the floor once more, one dance in particular tickled my fancy, the Taxi Quickstep – in which the women line up along one side of the floor as the men go to the front, pick up a partner, whirl her about, before depositing her at the back of the queue again – a bit like speed dating, I suppose.

So, whether you’re 18 or 80, there’s always fun to be had, and I’ve no doubt that Oxford’s younger movers and shakers could definitely learn a thing or two from these true originals.

Mo’s lovely afternoon events take place at Oxford Town Hall in St Aldate’s every other Wednesday from 2-4.30pm. It’s only £2.50 on the door and that includes the refreshing brew and yummy cake too.

Cowley-based documentary photographer Kirk Ellingham has been snapping these events throughout this year and his stunning black-and-white work can be seen at kirkellingham.com – be sure to check it out!

If, however, you fancy something a little more energetic, why not try Zumba every Monday from 12-1.00pm.

You’ll shake you hips, shimmy and smile an hour away, and burn up to 1,000 calories in just one class – all for just £3. The moves are simple to learn and the music’s great, believe me.

  • For all information visit oxford.gov.uk