![Strictly for fun - tango teachers bring Buenos Aires magic to Derby]()
This is Derbyshire --
WITH Strictly Come Dancing set to return to our TV screens tonight, a Derby dance duo are encouraging people to have a go at the Argentine tango.
Husband and wife Billy and Mel Homan have been dancing and teaching for many years.
And now they are urging people to try the dramatic dance style during their new classes at Déda, in Chapel Street, which start on Monday .
Mrs Homan said: "Most people know it by watching Strictly Come Dancing but should not be put off by how complicated that can seem as a show dance on television.
"It is far simpler to learn than it looks and, in fact, if you can walk – you can do the Argentine tango."
The couple met in Argentina in 2002 when Billy, who is half American and half Argentinian, was visiting family there and Mel, who is from Derby, was travelling as part of a gap year.
Billy stayed to perform and teach tango as part of a performing arts team which took him around the world, while Mel returned home to attend university.
After a long-distance relationship, the couple married in 2007 and settled in Derby where they now have a one-year-old son and both work full time – Billy as a construction project manager and Mel as an occupational therapist.
Mrs Homan, 32, said: "We both love dancing and have been performing and teaching tango for many years, whilst both working in full-time jobs.
"We are delighted to be working with Déda, who are renowned for their high-quality and inclusive dance class programme, and are really looking forward to starting the class and getting involved in all sorts of activities to introduce people to dance.
"Argentine tango is a wonderfully passionate and dramatic dance style, which has its rather scandalous roots in the bars around the Argentinian ports. It's great fun and easy-going, with an emphasis on communication and spontaneity."
The couple will be part of a line-up of specialist teachers who will encourage shoppers at Westfield Derby to have a go on Saturday, September 21.
They will also host a "Strictly" night at Déda on Monday, October 14, when dressed in Argentine tango show outfits.
And they will be leading a Milonga tango dance party at Déda on October 19, following a performance of Tangomotion, which features two world-class tango dancers and the musicians of Tango Siempre, who have appeared on Strictly Come Dancing.
Clare Limb, Déda dance development manager, said: "We are very excited about Billy and Mel joining the teaching team at Déda.
"They are fantastic teachers and will bring the magic of Buenos Aires to Derby to hopefully inspire people of all ages to learn and enjoy this wonderfully evocative style of Latin American dance."
Former Derbyshire Strictly Come Dancing contestants have included ex-South Derbyshire MP Edwina Currie, Holby City actor Tom Chambers and former Rams footballer Robbie Savage.
Edwina admits she had a great time and would recommend it to anybody. She said: "Learning to dance on Strictly was great fun.
"I emerged much fitter and more nimble after the show.
"When you hear the music at the start of the dance it's an awesome feeling.
"As soon as I left I started dance lessons and can now do the quick step.
"I'd say to anybody of any age to give it a go because it's a great way to stay fit."
For more information visit www.deda.uk.co.uk or call 01332 370911.
STRICTLY STARS 2013:
Abbey Clancy, 27, model and wife of footballer Peter Crouch
Ashley Taylor Dawson, 31, Hollyoaks actor
Ben Cohen, 34, England rugby hero
Dave Myers, 55, TV chef and Hairy Biker
Deborah Meaden, 54, star of Dragons' Den
Fiona Fullerton, 56, Bond girl and author
Julien Macdonald, 42, international fashion designer
Mark Benton, 47, stage and screen actor
Natalie Gumede, 29, Coronation Street star
Patrick Robinson, 49, Casualty star
Rachel Riley, 27, Countdown presenter
Sophie Ellis-Bextor, 34, pop star
Susanna Reid, 42, BBC breakfast presenter
Tony Jacklin, 69, golf legend
Vanessa Feltz, 51, broadcaster and journalist
Who do you think is going to win Strictly Come Dancing? Have your say in our poll, right.
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