MARIE McCahery is on a mission to develop Bradford's lindyhop scene.

Her grand ambition is to take the dance into the original ballroom in the city's former Odeon Cinema.

Previously known as the New Vic and the Gaumont, the building at the junction of Thornton Road, is said to boast a maple ballroom floor known as a 'Valtor' floor providing a traditional style in a modern process of 'sprung floor.'

"I would say my ambition would be that Bradford Lindy becomes established in the lindyhop scene enough that we can hold events and have dances in the wonderful art-deco ballroom of the Odeon.

"I've heard it's hardly damaged and the sprung dancefloor is still operational," explains Marie, who believes it could even put the city on the lindyhop map.

"I think such a venue would attract lindyhoppers from all over Europe!"

Marie is currently liaising with staff at Bradford Picturehouse with the hope they may show the new film "Alive and Kicking."

The documentary, giving viewers an insight into the world of swing dancing, is due out next month.

To coincide with the potential screening, Marie hopes to organise a major swingdance flash mob in City Park to help raise the profile of lindyhop in Bradford.

"Most universities and cities in Europe and the US have a Lindy scene so it's about time Bradford joined in," says Marie.

Marie hopes it will also encourage lindyhop fans from other Northern cities to participate in the flashmob which they hope to film.

"It is going to be a major swingdance event and will really put Bradford on the map - the city of film and the new city of swingdancing!" adds Marie.

For her, the interest in lindyhop was a progression of her interest in all things vintage.

Marie's daily runabout is a 1939 Morris 8 - her partner, Martin Campbell, a medical engineer, is a restoration fan - the couple also have a Sixties Vauxhall Cresta and a Bedford camper which they take on outings to vintage shows and events.

Incidentally, the couple met at a dance at the Victoria Hall in Saltaire six years ago - and have been lindyhopping ever since!

The dance suits Marie's vintage-inspired style - she loves the 1950s flowery tea dresses for summer and furry coats from that fashion period for the winter.

But what is so appealing about the dance? "It is the best of the swing dance and it keeps you fit as well," explains Marie.

"Everyone is really nice and I like the ethos of it. It is always very enjoyable."

Marie says Bradford is also the perfect place to take up swing dancing because of the vintage-inspired events regularly taking place around the city and district. The availability of swing dance classes also makes it a popular pastime to pursue.

"This area has one of the best vintage scenes in the country and we don't celebrate it enough," says Marie.

She says vintage events have been running for some time in places such as Haworth.

"People like dancing and people seem to like going out dancing. They do like dancing in this area - and dressing up and dancing, what is there not to like?" she asks.

Presenting 'Vintage Spotlight' on the local BCB community radio station has also helped Marie to develop her interest in the era.

"It all happened by accident really," she explains,

"I've been keen on the vintage scene for many years and started presenting a radio show called 'Vintage Spotlight' a few years ago on BCB, playing vintage dance music, doing interviews and giving out information on the vintage dance scene.

"I was in the radio studios one day and Mary Dowson, the manager, said someone was looking for ideas for events. I suggested lindyhop. The next thing I knew I was organising it!!" recalls Marie.

Popularity and demand prompted the search for larger premises - but with a special requirement - a wooden dance floor.

In February Bradford Lindy relaunched at the Stein Bierkeller in Randall Well Street, Bradford, where Marie helps to run weekly classes on Tuesday evenings for beginners and improvers with teachers Damien and Rebecca Mason-Harding.

"Damien and his wife Rebecca are great teachers and really make the class fun and the floor is fantastic," says Marie.

Originally from Manchester, Marie's introduction to Lindy came when she used to go to Manchester Lindy. "The age range was vast but Lindy has the ethos that you can best develop if you dance with a variety of partners," explains Marie.

"Lindy can be fairly energetic and I used to get apprehensive when one of the youngsters asked me to dance, but it was always fun!"

Marie explains the freestyle nature of the dance keeps participants on their 'mental toes.'

"You don't know what the next move will be. There are studies that show that this style of dancing is great for well-being, both physically, mentally and socially."

According to Marie, the history of lindyhop is rooted in the late twenties when Charleston dancers began swinging out. The dance comprises charleston and 50's jiving.

Marie hopes to run other forms of swingdance classes too such as balboa on Thursdays at the Stein Bierkeller, Bradford.

"Stacy and Jade at the Brewhaus have been very helpful and we are also planning to have Sunday events from May with workshops vintage stalls and a tea dance," adds Marie.

For Marie, and the many more Lindy fans, it is the perfect way to socialise.

"You are getting a workout as well, it is keeping you physically fit. You meet a lot of people because of the dancing.

Now Marie hopes to pass on her enthusiasm for the dance to others - particularly the younger generation - and literally put Bradford on the lindyhop map.

Her ambition is to create a lindyhop community within Bradford "and that Bradford becomes part of the European lindyhop community," adds Marie.

Bradford Lindy meets at The Stein Bierkeller, Randall Well Street, Bradford every Tuesday from 7.15pm for beginners and from 8.15pm for improvers.