JANUARY is the time when many of us take on a new health and fitness regime.

Gyms see a surge in membership, as exercise classes are not the only things bursting at the seams.

The popularity of ‘dance fitness’ has seen studios across East Lancashire become busier — largely boosted by the growing popularity of Zumba.

But for 2012, Bokwa is the new way to shape up, using African dance and light boxing movements to work up an intense sweat.

East Lancashire dance teacher Tina Penswick is one of just 10 people in the UK qualified to level three in the fitness routine.

“I was just reading a magazine for dance teachers and there was an article about a new style coming from Los Angeles,” she said.

“They were coming to the UK and would be doing certification for 40 instructors, and I thought it sounded like dynamite.”

Tina, 29, launched Bokwa classes at the Accrington studios of her Sparkle Academy, where they immediately took off.

Such is her success that Bokwa creator, LA-based Paul Mavi, held his latest UK training session at Sparkle when Tina became a “Bokwa Specialist” — one of the highest qualified instructors in the country.

“Paul has promised the 10 of us now at level three that no one will catch us up, and that we will be the ones to go on to become Bokwa Best education specialists if we want it,” Tina said.

“It’s really exciting to be at the starting point with Bokwa. We will be able to travel abroad doing certifications.”

Tina competed professionally at international standard in Latin and ballroom dancing until the age of 26, when she retired to start a family, with solicitor husband Stuart.

She now has a two-year-old daughter Lexie and is stepmum to Luke, 15.

Originally from Haslingden, she first ran dance classes aged 17 to help pay her way through dance training at Oldham College.

Last week, she opened a new Sparkle Academy in Rawtenstall.

“I feel lucky and privileged to have been able to do this at a time when a lot of businesses are struggling,” Tina said.

“But I am sure this is the time for me.

“I was a one-man band, and made £50 at my first class in a church hall, which went back into my dancing. Now I’ve 14 teachers across the two centres.”

Where to try Bowka

ACCRINGTON: Tuesdays, Saturdays, Sparkle Academy.

BLACKBURN: Wednesdays , Sandersons Dance and Fitness; Thursdays , Shadsworth Leisure Centre.

BURNLEY: Tuesdays, Saturdays, Sandersons Dance and Fitness; Wednesday and Thursday , Energise Dance and Fitness.

CLAYTON-LE-MOORS: Wednesdays, Conservative Club.

CLITHEROE: Tuesdays, St Mary's Centre.

COLNE: Wednesdays, and Saturdays, Intershape Fitness.

DARWEN: Wednesdays, Leisure Centre.

NELSON: Thursday, Sandersons Dance and Fitness.

RAWTENSTALL: Mondays, Thursdays, Sparkle Academy.