A TALENTED Largs dancer is looking to get the town moving out of lockdown with free online fitness classes for all ages.

Rachel Ashmead, 21, has been performing since she was three years old and recently graduated with a degree in dance.

She says leading classes are a good way of giving something back with people struggling for cash as the recession bites hard.

Rachel said: “I want to offer these free classes as I know how hard times are for everyone.

"Being able to cheer everyone up with a dance fitness class seems a perfect way to put a smile on people's faces and help at the same time.

“Even if it is in my kitchen and gives me some experience of teaching too."

Rachel says that although lockdown has been tough for everybody, getting up and doing a bit of exercise can be beneficial both mentally and physically.

She said: “These past months have been extremely difficult and it’s tough to stay motivated but simple things like just going out a 15-minute walk can make you feel a thousand times better."

Although the dancer would love for her classes to be face to face, she believes that the Zoom platform can work just as well.

Rachel said: “The classes will be around 45 minutes long and will be through Zoom. I will send out a link and password to those interested so that they can access the class.

“On Zoom, everyone will be able to see me and what I am doing so that they can follow along.

“I know some people do not feel comfortable with being seen on the screen and that is absolutely fine, all you need to do is turn your camera off."

Rachel is keen to stress that the classes can be for everybody and will always be based on a comfortable level for all ages and levels of experience.

She said: “These classes are open to anyone of any age and they will be dance based with cardio, toning and stretching.

“My mum has been roped in to help me out by demonstrating the simpler modifications for people to follow.”

The graduate says she has been surprised by the response from locals keen to sign up.

She said: “I was absolutely blown away by the feedback I got when I floated the idea on Facebook. It is extremely encouraging.

“I’m actually in the middle of an online training course to become a personal trainer so hopefully when gyms reopen I can sit my final exams.”

During lockdown, Rachel has been busy preparing for her future career, with plenty of options available to her.

She said: “I’m hoping to work as a dancer on cruise ships, pantomimes, resorts or in places such as Universal Studios or Disneyland.

“Since lockdown I’ve decided to use this time to do some online training courses which I’m hoping to finish by the end of this year such as personal training."

Anyone looking for more information or to register for the classes can contact Rachel at rlashmead2505@hotmail.com.