Why not join the movers and shakers?

If your granny told you she was joining a hip-hop dance class you would probably choke on your cup of tea and biscuit with laughter.

But the reality is, increasing numbers of wannabe-movers of all ages and abilities are taking to dance floors across Edinburgh in their droves - often signing up for the most unlikely of classes.

There is an ever-growing dance trend to have hit Edinburgh in recent years, so strong that even tutors have been taken by surprise.

"The demand for classes in Edinburgh is incredible at the moment," says Felicity Drever of the Edinburgh Dance School, on Captain's Road.

"I opened my school a year ago and the response has been massive - unbelievable.

"There is certainly no stereotype when it comes to the type of dancers we get either - anything from children to older people."

So strong is the demand for dance training in Edinburgh that the Grassmarket's Dance Base, the National Centre for Dance, opened a new studio in Leith last summer to cope with numbers.

The centre has just launched its summer programme and has already been overwhelmed by the number of people wanting to sign up for tuition in everything from tap to ballroom, salsa to "dirtee pop".

"I think there are a lot of different factors behind why people are choosing to dance," says John Lyndon of Dance Base.

"Right now I think it is a relatively cheap and easy way to have a good time. If you are struggling for cash, you can have a fantastic time dancing with your friends, as well as increasing your fitness."

And there is no question that television programmes such as Strictly Come Dancing, So You Think You Can Dance and Britain's Got Talent have helped boost enthusiasm for dancing, inspiring hopefuls across the city to follow in the footsteps of those talented movers on the screen.

"For a relatively small city we have a strong selection of dance classes across Edinburgh," says John.

"Even compared to London, we still have pretty strong resources and I am proud of that.

"Some of our most popular classes include ballet, jazz and belly dancing, with hip hop really taking off over the last few years. And yes, we have had older people on those classes as well."

So if you want to get your groove on and learn to dance like the graceful professionals on the stage and screen, here is a selection of places across the city to make your mark.Dance For All

More than 70 classes are available for adults and children at this dance school, including tango for beginners (68 for eight classes).

• St Stephen Street (www.danceforall.co.uk)

Edinburgh Swing Dance Society

This society runs informal classes for dancers of all abilities. Sessions include those for beginners and improvers, from 4 each.

• Classes at Stockbridge House, Cheyne Street (www.hopscotch-swing.co.uk)

Alba Flamenca

As Scotland's only dedicated flamenco dance school, Alba Flamenca offers a range of classes for all at varying costs.

• East Crosscauseway (www.albaflamenca.co.uk)

Fly Right Dance Company

Fly Right instructors travel East Lothian to offer a varied programme of courses, including adult tap, Charleston workout and ballroom (30 for a six-week block).

• Classes at various venues across East Lothian (www.flyrightdanceco.com)

The Edinburgh Dance School

From wedding classes to musical theatre and "strictly dancing", this city school has it all. Prices begin at around 3 for street dance (suitable for eight years and under).

• Captain's Road (www.edinburghdanceschool.co.uk)

Dance Base

With a wide-ranging programme, there is something to suite every ability and taste at this national treasure. New classes include Eurotrash ("the glamour and trash of Europe"), 6.50; Gypsy Dance, 62.50 for a block course; and Dirtee Pop, 6.50.

• Grassmarket (www.dancebase.co.uk)