MAIN PICTURE: Andy Wills in a spin. INSET: Ronald Rose gives repoter Victoria Tagg a turn around the dancefloor. Break dancing is still in vogue with the younger generation, while more traditional forms of dancing, such as ballroom, are still trying to attract more interest from people below retirement age. VICTORIA TAGG tried both for size.

Break dancing is alive and kicking in Swindon but the moves are hard to master.

Gym flares, windmills, head spins and turtles are just some of the physical feats performed by experts on the breaking scene.

Anyone who can six-step in style is called a 'b-boy', not a break dancer. Being a girl, maybe this accounts for my absolute inability to 'uprock' or 'downrock' in other words throw yourself around on all without looking downright ridiculous.

A distinct lack of upper body strength also does not help. For break dancing is a bit like boxing you need big biceps, unstinting determination and to look good in a vest.

B-boy Joel Marsh, 18, from Pinehurst, has all these assets.

He said: "I just love it. Showing off does not figure in the equation. It's a far deeper passion."

He entered the scene two years ago and is now a member of Swindon Floor Dramatics. The 10-strong group meets twice a week at the Plus One Centre, in Euclid Street, to practise and chill out with fellow enthusiasts.

Paul Payne, 19, from West Swindon, has only been breaking for four months. Yet he has already mastered the art of air flares and back flips. "I really like the atmosphere and it is great exercise," he said. Dressed in elephant leg cut jeans and a designer T-shirt, I looked the part, in spite of lacking all trace of coordination.

But Andy Wills, 17, from Watch-field, bravely offered to teach me the basics.

A builder by trade, he is not short of muscle to pull off the most impressive manoeuvres. With two years experience under his non-existent belt the lower your trousers hang the better in this business he has quite a fan base at the Brunel Rooms nightclub, where b-boys strut their stuff on Saturday night.

Chris Lawton, 21, from West Swindon thinks breaking is a serious, lasting art form, not just a passing trend.

"The media claims it is back in fashion," he said. "But it has been around for ages and is never going to stop."

For movers with more authority than yours truly, there are competitions, or rather 'battles', to enter. Besides hosting their own 'Show and Prove Jam,' Swindon Floor Dramatics travels to larger duels across the country and beyond.

They are currently trying to organise a trip to the prestigious Battle of the Year, held in Germany, this August.

Joe Dart, 19, from Kingsdown, hopes to join the party.

He said: "I've been doing it for five years. Like sport, the competitive element adds to the buzz.

"Attention from girls in clubs is just a bonus." Nathan Williams, 19, from Grange Park, summed up what drives him religiously to the dance floor every Sunday.

He said: "I don't do it for fame or vanity. It's about reacting to the music and carrying your own body, not pulling girls."

More than just a hobby, b-boying can even be a career move.

Most Wanted, a breaking boy band launched this year, boasts two Swindon members Darren Hajul, 23, and James Bruce, 21.

Darren, who grew up in Park North, said: "The Plus One Centre was my training ground before I graduated to the Rambert Dance Company in London."

After performing in various musicals, he decided to form Most Wanted.