If you're looking for a fun and sexy way to get fit, try the Latino rhythms of salsa and tango.

DANCING the tango and the salsa is exciting, challenging, passionate, sexy and good for your mind as well as your body - according to one Southampton woman.

Tracie Gooch holds classes in the Latino rhythms that have recently had a resurgence of popularity thanks to the likes of singers, Ricky Martin and Jennifer Lopez.

"Salsa is a great way of letting go of any inhibitions, and if you have had a bad day at work or you're feeling low, it will lift your mood," says Tracie.

Not only is it an enviable skill to impress your friends with at parties, but tango or salsa dancing is a good way to burn calories while having fun and socialising.

"It's a great opportunity to meet new people. You can attend classes alone and come away having made friends," says Tracie.

"We have a big family atmosphere at our classes in Southampton and we socialise outside of salsa and tango, with cycling, sailing and other events."

If the thought of dancing with a partner conjures up images of stiff ballroom sequences a la Come Dancing, you'll be pleasantly surprised.

"While ballroom tango can be very rigid, at TLC you learn a version called Argentine tango, originally a folk dance from Buenos Aires, where the partners (called leaders and followers) can improvise," says Tracie.

"Salsa originated in Cuba, but was imported to New York and developed into the salsa we know now in the early Seventies. It is actually a fusion of a number of Cuban and Latin American rhythms such as mambo, bolero, cha cha, rhumba, jive and twist," says Tracie.

Tracie first encountered salsa in London eight years ago and she says she's been "hooked on the buzz" ever since.

"I was looking to break free from the restrictive style of dancing I was doing - you may have seen it in the film Strictly Ballroom. Then my aerobics instructor introduced me to salsa and I immediately became addicted," she says.

Although a trained ballet and ballroom dancer herself, Tracie says you don't need to have any particular talent to learn the moves of either salsa or Argentine tango.

"After just two lessons in one evening, beginners can pick up the basic steps, then you can progress at your own pace," she says.

"On Wednesday nights at TLC we have two dance floors, six teachers and three classes going on at the same time, so there is something for everyone.

"Also, we have a very good group of advanced students - many joined the classes back in 1996 - who have become co-teachers.

"This is a dance that has been learnt by hundreds who thought their hips would never wiggle and were convinced they had two left feet!"

Unlike many other forms of exercise, there is no need to splash out on expensive equipment or clothing.

Says Tracie: "Anything goes, even jeans and t-shirts are allowed, but no trainers because you wouldn't be able to turn your feet on the polished floor."

"The classes are a great workout for legs, bums and tums, and where else would you burn calories, experience no pain and have an evening filled with fun and laughter - certainly not at the gym!"

TLC classes in tango are held at the Ex-Servicemen's Club, Archers Road fortnightly from yesterday, and advanced salsa is fortnightly from next Tuesday.

All levels of salsa can be danced at the BTC Club, Canute Road, every Wednesday and Boomerangs, Hamble, every Thursday. For more information about times and admission fees, call Tracie Gooch on 07889 288368.