By Jane Elliott BBC News Health Reporter

Tango can improve posture

Usually associated with smart suits and sexy dresses, the Latin-American dance form is proving a hit with the new dancers, who say it has left them feeling more positive, confident and healthy.

Tutor Lorna Stewart said the dancing is providing physical and mental stimulation - and improved posture - for those taking it up.

The people taking part are so enthusiastic that Laura said they are practising their steps at every opportunity and are now even trying to cobble together outfits so they can dance at cheap venues throughout the city.

Benefits

Although the classes, at Crisis' Skylight Centre, have been running for just over a month, Laura said she can already see the health benefits.

"It is about having pride and gaining nice posture and about fitness.

They say that after the class they feel much more calm and less anxious Markus graves, yoga teacher

"It is going down very well. We were worried that it would take a while for people to come, but I have about 12 or 14 people coming regularly.

"They seem really positive. The fact that they keep coming back is a good sign.

"They do not have anything and it is so lovely to be able to give them something like tango. It is a beautiful dance very sensual and elegant.

"We teach the classes simply so that everybody achieves.

"We teach for an hour then afterwards we have a 'practica' where people can study and so we can help them with what they have learnt."

The benefits the activities bring are often the hardest for those living an uncertain life on the streets to attain.

They include relaxation and suppleness, and improved mental and spiritual wellbeing.

Improving the posture is of particular benefit, as it helps to minmise many of the normal aches and pains caused by sleeping rough.

Classes

June Blout, medical services manager for Crisis Open Christmas, said the centre, which offers a range of other activities including tai chi, Alexander technique and yoga, was proving a great success.

She said the centre had opened up activities to the homeless that were normally only offered in gyms, out of the financial reach of those living on the streets.

"These are things that can help benefit people physically, and spiritually the people get more self esteem. I can't see any downside.

"I think it is important to look at a person as a whole. Homeless people are the worst off and most disadvantaged people.

Yoga helps relaxation (Crisis/Michael Grieve)

"If you have somebody who is in a terrible way physically, with something like tuberculosis, then something like meditation can make them feel better inside."

Yoga

Yoga teacher Markus Graves agreed that there were a number of positive mental and physical benefits from the classes.

"I work a lot with belts and blocks to maintain the posture which is ideal for this group of people.

"They tell me that the class is very beneficial and relaxing. They say that after the class they feel much more calm and less anxious.

"Having worked in fitness centres it makes you feel quite humble, because they are so appreciative here."

"There are a lot of side benefits from doing it. When you have done the class you just feel better, more calm. You just feel very positive."

Benefits

Dawn Prospran lost her flat and job through a downward spiral of drugs. She lived on the streets before getting a place in a hostel.

Now she is back in a flat and getting her life together again, and she credits twice weekly yoga sessions for her new lease of life.

"It really helps me in every way. I feel so much more positive.

"It has just changed my idea of life. Physically and mentally I feel better. Before I could not talk to anyone and now I can be myself.

"I am now even thinking of giving up smoking.

"I would go into the sessions completely depressed, but after the session I would feel so much better. It also helps relieve my back and shoulder pains.

"Yoga gives me a positive energy and you see everybody else trying and being positive too. It makes you feel so much better.

"Now I can't imagine life without it. I can see all the people around me smiling and with big shiny eyes."