EVER watched enviously from the sidelines as others jive the night away? Well, put on your dancing shoes and make your way to one of the classes in Gwent which will help you get into the swing.

Lyn and Gerry Crossman teach jive - or, more correctly, the lindy hop version of the dance - at three venues.

Complete novices are welcome to sessions and should find it easy to pick up, according to Lyn.

She said there was no age limit and a partner was not required. "A lot of people come for the exercise and the social life," she said. Between classes dancers can have a cup of tea and a chat.

In the sessions they jitterbug the night away to the music of Glen Miller, Duke Ellington, and Benny Goodman as well as rock and roll.

Classes are taught at three levels from beginners to advanced and dancers can practise their techniques at the many dances held every weekend around the area.

There is no need to dress up for the classes - and you don't have to worry about being thrown around the room.

"People think the jitterbug is acrobatic stuff but we don't teach that - it's not very sociable on the dance floor - although Gerry and I do it in shows and we've even been on television."

The classes, especially for beginners, are very well attended. "One of the reasons it is so popular is that in the lessons everyone has to dance with everybody, they don't stick to one partner." She added it was also great fun.

The couple's classes are held in Llanarth Village Hall on Tuesdays, and in St Briavels and Brockweir on Wednesdays. Lessons start at 7.30pm and cost £3.50 each or £5 for two. For more information contact Lyn and Gerry on 01594 833765. Jane Helmich