It’s my secret weapon against menopause

Jennifer Chadney, 51, is a dog trainer from London, married to Andrew, 60. They have a son, Anthony, 31.

Igot hooked on tap aged seven; it’s not as disciplined as ballet and you can throw yourself around with abandon. I continued into adulthood, until a cycling accident left me with torn ligaments.

As years passed, I practised Pilates instead, but this April, I realised my foot hadn’t hurt for ages. Lockdown had just started and I’d had to stop working, so I missed my friends. It felt like the perfect time to take up tap again to cheer myself up.

Joining an online class – streamed from Broadway in New York, no less – with 90 other tappers, I was giggly with nerves. But the class was brilliant and I was buzzing afterwards. When I woke up the next day and realised my foot felt fine, I was overjoyed.

Shortly afterwards, I discovered a surprising benefit – tap has proved a cure for the perimenopausal hot flushes, which I started experiencing this year. When I feel that familiar warmth, you’d think working up a sweat would be the last thing on my mind.

But, whether it’s down to the distraction or because dancing releases endorphins, it always makes me feel better.

Now I tap four times a week in my exercise studio – my glorified garden shed.

It’s proved a godsend during lockdown because it’s stopped Andrew and me being in each other’s pockets. To relax, he plays the piano. The fact he has his hobby and I have mine has improved our marriage.

The laminated floor muffles the sound so I don’t disturb the neighbours. I do three online classes a week, for which I always dress up – whether it’s a tuxedo or a leotard. By the final spin, I’m so elated I sometimes forget I’m in my 50s, and cartwheel into the splits then hurt my hamstring!

When the music’s on,

I feel like a teenager again.