The history of tea dance – or ‘thé dansant’, French for ‘dancing tea’ – can be traced back to Victorian times, when such gatherings were popular in suburban towns. Accompanied by tea, coffee, ices, Champagne or fruit cups, plus a fine spread of sandwiches, cake and biscuits, a live band or orchestra was always an essential element in the proceedings.

The tea dance’s heyday was between the 1920s, when flapper girls danced the Charleston, and the 1950s, before the 60s nightclub overshadowed it. At today’s tea dances, you are more likely to find oldtime records playing, but the atmosphere is just as welcoming and sociable.

For Marilyn Sylvester who appears in Wiltshire Farm Foods’ latest Foxtrot television advertisement, tea dances have become a fantastic pastime for her and her husband, particularly during the winter months when it’s hard to otherwise get outside and stay active. They’re also a great way to build a new circle of friends as everyone has a shared interest.

“We took up dancing when we turned 50, and it’s changed our lives,” says Marilyn. “Initially we had lessons and went five times a week, but now we go just a couple of times a week.

“We’ve made a whole new circle of friends and we always say it’s good exercise, good for the brain as you have to remember the steps and it’s a fun opportunity to get dressed up. We’ve been married 52 years, and in all that time we’ve never had a hobby together but going to tea dances has made a big difference to us.