New Ceroc dance craze like the jitterbug with a French twist

There's a new dance craze in town and it's called Ceroc. What's that? According to one local organiser, it's a dance that's been around since after the second world war. 'It originated in France,' Sarah Burrows said. 'The GIs introduced the jitterbug there and then the French just added a bit of je ne sais quoi to it. In the 1980s a series of steps was devised and people have been doing it ever since. It's just that it's finally come to Asia.'

It seems this modern jive variation has been licensed - licensed? - for Hong Kong. The first ever evening of Ceroc - an abbreviation of the French phrase c'est Rock - was held last Saturday at Madison's, drawing a small but enthusiastic group. It's being taught by Katie Targett-Adams (right), who brought the franchise to Asia, and the former singer-turned-dance coach has been holding introduction nights, including every Monday at Sugar (1/F On Hong Building, Central) and Tuesdays at Xperience (33 Lockhart Road, Wan Chai).

We are suspicious of any dance trend that explodes so quickly. It makes us wonder whether it's more line dancing or Macarena. 'It's not at all like that,' Burrows said. 'You'd be amazed how many people have done this but it's still early days for Hong Kong. We have been accumulating dancers to dance with beginners.'

Ceroc on!