A DANCER who used to perform professional with pop bands Steps and Five has started up Zumba fitness classes in Chelmsford.

Gemma Cook, 32, has set up two separate classes at Chelmer Village Hall on Wednesday evenings and Highwood Village Hall on Thursdays to help people lose weight and have some fun at the same time.

In the past Mrs Cook, of New London Road, has danced on world famous stages like the London Palladium with a number of stars.

However, she took a break from dancing after giving birth to her two children, Arabella, three, and Sebastian, one.

Mrs Cook, who learnt her craft at the Italia Conti school, is now returning to dance with the Zumba classes, which use Latino moves to help improve people’s fitness.

Mrs Cook said: “I wanted to go back to dancing at some stage and I have taught children before so thought it would be a good way of getting back in.

“Zumba is quite fun to do so people who are doing it forget they are working out.

“I think it’s important to have fun while working out because people stay at it for longer.”

Both classes are an hour long and cost £4.50 per session.

Dancing in Chelmer Village starts at 8.15pm while the Highwood class begins at 7.30pm.

For more details, call Mrs Cook on 07917 458958.