JOY Maddison is so in love with salsa moves that she has transformed her living room into a dance floor.

Joy, 40, from Grange Park, first started salsa dancing as a hobby five years ago. Now a professional teacher, she decided to make her home salsa-friendly and lay a wooden floor.

She said: "I fitted it myself and can now practise salsa to my heart's content."

Despite working as an office administrator, Joy still manages to squeeze in up to 30 hours dancing a week. Besides running classes at The Litten Tree pub, she also gives private tuition and is invited to salsa events across the region.

"I never get tired of dancing. It gives me a buzz and is a great way to meet new people," she added.

And Swindon's self-confessed salsaholic is determined to convert left-footed locals.

Attracting people of all ages and professions, Joy claims salsa is suitable for everyone.

And she has set up her own website to spread the word.

She said: "Anyone can do it. Simply relax and let the music lead I even have science boffins on my books."

Willing to give it a whirl, electrical engineer Shaun Durbridge, 33, also became hooked on the hobby.

He said: "I attended a class for a laugh last year, having never danced before in my life. But it really is addictive and I do it twice a week."

Shaun now works as a salsa DJ at the Litten Tree every Monday night, helping Joy teach beginners, improvers and intermediates. Proud of his progress, Joy believes Shaun is a budding salsa star.

"He is dancing proof that anyone can do it. Enthusiasm and a bit of rhythm is all you need," Joy added.

As for finding romance, salsa is not a bad way to start looking. Although single, Joy has met countless prospective partners thanks to her happy feet. Too busy practising and giving lessons, Joy has yet to explore these possibilities.

She said: "Salsa really boosts your confidence. It certainly has passionate potential. But at the moment my schedule is too hectic for love."

www.salsaswindon.com