WE were under no illusion the going would be easy when we signed up to Prospect’s Let’s Dance challenge.

We were psychologically prepared for adversity.

We knew our lack of co-ordination, poise and rhythm could pose some issues.

But we never ever imagined we would struggle as much as we have over the past four weeks.

The moment we heard Salsa was one of three dances up for grabs, my partner Sean Cameron and I stupidly punched the air: “Hurray, an easy one.”

We were put in our places for our shameful naivety.

Salsa is many things, but easy is not one of them.

My biggest fear was losing patience, lashing out at Sean for stepping on my tiny feet and crushing my toes, and for holding me back.

In this imagined scenario I was not, of course, a smooth dancer but I still showed up my clumsy partner.

We crossed that bridge within the first 10 minutes of the first Salsa rehearsal, minus the ‘holding me back’ part.

Yes, Sean is incapable of shaking his hips and instead furiously thrusts his shoulders as if he is being tasered.

But I was as much of a car crash as he was.

I have learned a few things about myself; chiefly, that I cannot follow basic step-by-step instructions, and the connection between my neurons and my unyielding legs and feet is non-existent at best – when it comes to ballroom dancing anyway.

Our poor teacher, who I am sure will prefer to remain anonymous, is despairing but keeping up a good front, considering.

And the dreaded bickering during lessons has become a constant. But as we are both extremely short-tempered it was to be expected.

As you can easily glean, I do not cope well with failure.

Despite the downs, and they are numerous at this stage, we are rejoicing the small victories – emphasis on small. The day Sean made me twirl without twisting my arm street-mugging style was a good one.

And the time I finally relinquished control and stopped inadvertently trying to lead was I am sure a well-earned victory for Sean.

And we do have fun – when we allow ourselves to take a step back and enjoy the moment.

Every Wednesday evening as we approach Dorcan Academy for rehearsals I feel my stomach drop.

But I am also filled with excitement and probably misplaced hope that through sheer hard work and dedication we will be stage-ready.

The prospect of humiliation at the big showcase on November 28 is still very much on our minds, however.

But as my high school English teacher used to drill into us, ‘positive thinking is the key to success’.

So I’m attempting to keep my self-doubts, whining and the bickering to a minimum.

So far not so good. But surely the only way is up from where we are.

To sponsor us go to www.justgiving.com/Marion-Sauvebois.

Tickets to the big competition are available via www.prospect-hospice.net.