A SWING dancing society has appealed for more members to join them in learning moves from the past.

Members of the Oxford Swing Dance Society meet once a week in Barton Community Centre, in Underhill Circus, Oxford, to practise their moves.

Beginners learn the basics of swing dancing before moving on to try three of the most popular dances of the swing era - the Lindy Hop, Charleston and Balboa.

Co-organiser Richard Stanczyc said: "It's great exercise, and it's a nice way to meet people and to socialise.

"We're not looking for anything special.

"The idea is for people to enjoy themselves. We try to engender a friendly have-a-go atmosphere.

"There is no kind of marking or exams - you just come and do your own thing."

Swing dance was born in America in the jazz era of the 1920s and 30s and the group practise to tunes by artists such as Glenn Miller and Blue Harlem.

The Lindy Hop took the UK by storm in the Second World War and the group often find themselves performing in charity shows such as the Fly to the Past festival at Blenheim Palace.

Mr Stanczyc said up to 50 people attended the Wednesday night sessions, with an age range between 30 and 60.

He added: "You don't need to bring a partner along - we're happy for you to come along and we just rotate who you dance with.

"We usually get a few more ladies than we do guys. Guys are a bit more reluctant to come on their own to learn to dance, which is a shame because they would have a lot of fun."

Alastair Graham, 32, from Eynsham, who has been attending classes for five years, said: "It's a really fun dance to really good music.

"It's something anyone can get involved in - you can pick it up quite quickly and really progress.

"And it's a chance to learn something that everyone always goes 'What's that?' when you say I am doing the Lindy Hop."

Anyone interested in joining can call 01844 291514 or go to oxfordswingdance.co.uk