Littlehampton firefighters prove they are hot stuff

Eight fully-dressed firefighters, from the Littlehampton station in Maltravers Road, took part in the 15-minute dance workout, along with 30 other, more regular zumba fanatics.

The firefighters certainly proved they could get down and jiggy with it as they sweated it out under the exuberant instruction of Littlehampton zumba instructor, Dani Heppenstall.

The event was all part of a national competition set up by the Zumba International, which sees clubs up and down the country competing for a £500,000 cash prize to record the most innovative, and original zumba session.

Instructor Dani, who regularly teaches classes in Littlehampton, Ford, Climping and East Preston, said: “The firefighters were brilliant.

“They brought out all their trucks and really got involved.

“They were great sports and threw themselves into it.

“The funny thing was the reaction of the general public.

“Some jaws definitely dropped when they saw the firefighters outside dancing away.”

Littlehampton crew manager, Dean Puttock, 36, helped to arrange the zumba session, known as a “flash” class, and also took part in the dance routine.

He said: “My wife is part of the zumba class and she was asked by her instructor if they could hold the dance at the station. So I got roped in to help her.

“The dancing was brilliant. All of us had a great time, although I’ve got to say, I don’t think any of us will be leaving our day jobs any time soon.”

The dance routine, called “Pause,” was recorded as part of Dani’s entry into the competition, which sees zumba classes being held in less conventional spots.

This is the first time the competition has been held in the UK, following a successful tour in the United States.

The video’s cut-off date is at the end of the month.

For Dani to win the competition, and the £500,000, she needs to get the most video uploads in a month.The video will soon be hosted at www.zumba.com under the name, Dani Heppenstall.

Dean added: “We wish Dani all the best. You never know, we might even bring some zumba lessons into our physical training sessions.”