American-style square dancing was bound to catch on sooner or later. With Western chic flooding the catwalks, no wonder the fashion pack has been the first to step up and do-si-do their pardner. Less sex-you-up than salsa (where you are always bound to have some short swarthy man rubbing against your leg), square dancing or contra, as it is known to the country cognoscenti, is still a great way to work up a sweat.

For you urban types who've never Boxed the Gnat (a real move) square dancers generally partner up and stand facing each other, in groups of eight or ten. The music starts and the caller shouts out a series of complicated moves. Do it well and it's a graceful collective effort, not unlike beer bellied ballet. Add alcohol and you can have a human traffic jam on your hands.

Rumour has it the Primrose Hill set has been donning crinoline and cowboy boots and promenading down to Cecil Sharp House for the Saturday Dances. Kate Moss recently took it one step further by actually buying a country "farm" in the Cotswolds. Proving, it seems, it IS hip to be square.

London Barndance Company - 01628 633 962
Cecil Sharp House, 2 Regents Park Road, NW1
Next event 8-11pm Saturday Sep 11 - £8 entry

EC