Helen Cheesworth, a pupil with the Conor Academy of Irish Dancing was invited along to join the cast of Riverdance, by the 'M-Health' editor of the Daily Mirror to examine the methods of 'keeping fit' with the shows. A cast member from Riverdance - the show, says "Some Irish dance steps are very complicated but we might have as many as 32 people in the line-up so we have to keep our moves fairly simple. They have to look sharp and sound absolutley in time to have the proper impact. Three of our key moves are called cuts, clicks and up-jumps. We might have 60 cuts in a minute so the dance is very physically demanding and puts real pressure on the calves, quads and hip-flexers. It definately makes a good workout. Helen said, "After a two-hour class at the Conor Academy, I feel nicely tired rather than exhausted - about the same as if I'd been swimming. Later on I feel an ache in my calf muscles, because I've been on my toes so much, and also in my stomach muscles from holding myself up so straight". Helen, pictured centre on stage with Riverdance Photograph Copyright © 2002 - Daily Mirror Bridie Willis (TCRG), Artistic Director and Tutor of the Academy said "I constantly remind my pupils, at every class, the importance of warming up, stretching and cooling down. Irish dancing provides a good all round aerobic exercise and is particularly good for toning the legs". Helen says, "I've now got very strong, toned calves." Helen appeared in the Daily Mirror on Thursday 13th June in the M-Health section on page 34. If you ask your local newsagent, they may still have a copy.