A WEAPONS engineer at RAF Leuchars is swapping jets for jiving as he takes on a new challenge at the Space in Dundee.

James Lees and partner Melanie Hutton will be teaching a 12-week course on modern jive every Tuesday evening, starting next week, at the dance, theatre and conference centre.

The duo come fully armed in terms of dance experience, having gained a string of competition titles over the past two years.

James (28), originally from Staffordshire, and Melanie (29), from Dundee, became dancing partners two years ago when Melanie, who had already taken part in dance contests, tried to persuade James to be her partner.

James said, “Having trained with St Francis ABC at one time, I was involved in boxing training with my colleagues on the base and jokingly told Melanie that I would learn to dance if she would come to the boxing class—and she did!

“I had to keep my end of the bargain and took up dancing with Melanie.

“My friends on the base thought it was a great joke and took the mickey out of me but we have been quite successful winning competitions, so they know I’m really serious about it.”

Now the duo are keen to pass on some of the steps they have mastered.

James and Melanie have some teaching experience and are fully qualified and certified by the Ceroc Teacher’s Association.

Catherine Cassidy, dance development officer at the Space, said, “What James and Melanie are offering is an easy access programme delivering clearly taught moves with a dynamic edge.

“Men and women taking part will be dancing by the end of the first session.”