The Paradise Guide to Better Yourself

The Paradise Guide to Better Yourself

28 July, 2008
by: Sherbet

London really does have something interesting to do every minute of every day. There's never an excuse for staying home on a Monday night, falling asleep on the couch with crumbs on your shirt and reruns of 'I Dream of Jeannie' on the telly. Embrace the chance to learn a new skill or to enhance those dance moves normally reserved for weddings and Bah mitzvahs.

Hidden among the kebab and takeaway chicken shops and rundown boozers of Kensal Green, right by St. Mary's Cemetery, is a welcome retreat for fashionable North Londoners. At first, the décor is slightly off-putting, with plush furnishings, ornate chandeliers lighting every room and framed portraits of lost gentry; you can't quite work out if you're meant to be sipping a high end glass of champers or if you're a guest at a private party, where you know no one's name. Intricate detailing to keeps eyes (and hands) wandering throughout the multitude of rooms including a library.

As we climb the winding staircase and wander past the roof terrace filled with smokers grabbing a breath of 'fresh air', we find a different activity in each of the nooks upstairs. Tonight is the launch of The Paradise Guide to Better Yourself series where you will be able to sign up for a variety of dance-orientated or creatively-themed classes rotated every Monday.

Creating an ambience of decadence (or perhaps hedonism), the music room, where the dance classes will be held every week, consists of a three by four metre stage for demonstrations, a cocktail bar offering every spirit imaginable, and a projector silently screening a timeless classic, 'Breakfast at Tiffany's'.

Kicking off a demonstration of what's on offer on the rotating calendar, the crowd are treated to a display by two salsa dancers, making every step and spin seem effortless. You wonder whether within a few weeks, you'll be the envy of the floor. Here's dreaming. Run by experienced teachers that live for their style, you can decide to stick to one technique and go once a month or join the different classes each Monday and see what takes your fancy. You might be surprised by the slow and sensual steps of tango, or the thrilling tease of Burlesque. It's a buffet of classes for your feet.

For those of us more useful with their hands rather than their feet, a private section adjacent from the Music Room offers the chance to create a bag in one three hour session. Great for those tightening their belt due to the credit crunch but also wanting to keep up with the latest fashion, more classes will be added in the following months such as jewellery making and wine tasting.

Imagine if there is a recession, clubs will close down, alcohol prices will rise but there's always the chance to dance, even in the dark. And those sewing skills might come in handy too.

It was just a shame an offer to give it a try was never made, as guests sat around imagining themselves upon the dance floor. I guess that's the point, it's a teaser of what you could do if you sign up for next Monday's class.

Keen for more? See more about:

London Dance Classes
London Art
London Events

Sherbet