I've just spent a wonderful afternoon at Shakers and Movers, 'a dance show case presenting different styles from the intensity of flamenco to the allure of Arabian dance' at the Polka Theatre in Wimbledon. Talented dancers, colourful costumes and lively music provided the perfect cure for Olympics fatigue. Yes, I know we won a lot of gold medals in Beijing this weekend and I should be cheering on Team GB (I am cheering them in spirit), but this was so much more fun.

A number of different dance styles were represented including Classical Indian, Bollywood, Flamenco, Hungarian-Gypsy, Saidi, Khaleegy, Bhangra, Classical Egyptian and American Tribal. The enthusiasm of the dancers was infectious and their love of the dances they showcased shone through. I couldn't write this blog entry without listing them all, so here goes in order of first appearance:

Nancy: Romantic pastiche of the exotic East; Tangos Por Drum solo (performed with Michelle); Khaleegy (performed with Michelle)

Rakhi Sood and dancers: Kathak Medley and Bollywood Fusion

Juani Garcia of Viva Flamenco: an 'Allegrias' and a 'Sevillanas' (with Lisa)

Elisa: Turkish

Eva Green: Hungarian-Gypsy dance and classical Egyptian

Nafiseh: Saidi stick dance

Estzer: Raqs Sharqi and drum solo

The Moirai Tribal Troupe: American Tribal Style (2 dances)

Kuldip and Jyoti: Bhangra Folk dance

Samsara Dance Company: Indian/Middle Eastern Fusion and drum solo

Razia: American Cabaret style belly dance

Michelle and Ela: Arabic pop

Apologies to anyone I've missed off, or whose details I've got wrong. You were all brilliant.

The Ginger Rogers within me now wants to give Tribal, Bollywood and Bhangra a go, but the sad reality is my personal dance style has more in common with a baby hippo in a tutu than it does with the graceful dancer I aspire to be in my head. So I shall sit back and enjoy watching showcases like this instead.

Here's to the next Shakers and Movers ...