Being 6ft 2ins and rather gangly meant my only experiences of dancing were doing so very badly in nightclubs as a student.

So when I was asked to review Abbey Leisure Centre’s ballroom dancing class for the Post’s Get Active campaign, a part of me was excited – but a larger part was terrified.

When I arrived, I was greeted by about 20 other members who all seemed to be seasoned dancers.

This made me even more nervous. Fortunately the instructor, Ken Morum, was there to quickly put my mind at rest. “Everyone learns something at my classes,” he assured me.

After lining up in two groups – women on one side and men on the other – we each took our partners and tried to master the basic steps as Ken called out: “Forward, back, one, two, turn.”

Despite my first steps being clunky and completely uncoordinated, I felt as though I could get there with enough practice.

But I was also becoming slightly envious of virtually every other dancer – all of whom were moving around the floor with elegance as Ken continued to issue commands: “Slide right, close left, slide left, close right.”

This was taking a lot out of my physical and mental energy reserves – I had never taken part in an activity that involved as much thinking as this.

And yet new instructions and steps kept coming: “Remember, ladies close your feet right to left, gents left to right.”

By now I was starting to sweat and a quick water break was a welcome chance to get my breath back and organise my thoughts.

But now it was time for the finale. We were told this would mean putting all of the steps we had learnt together to the tune of Elvis Presley’s All Shook Up – how appropriate.

But I took my position on the dance floor and, I’m proud to say, just about managed to get through the song.

After the class, Ken told me he thinks the challenge is part of ballroom dancing’s appeal. “I think this form of dancing is so popular because it challenges every part of your mind and body,” he said. “Everybody who comes seems to love it – I have even started running tea dances because people are so keen.”

As I left, I was aware that I was never going to be the next Gene Kelly. But despite the physical and mental exhaustion I felt, I had experienced one of the most different and enjoyable exercise classes I’ve ever attended.

Ballroom dancing classes are held at Abbey Leisure Centre on Fridays at 1.30pm. Classes cost £7.