Strictly ballroom on the South Bank

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Hundreds of dancers performing foxtrots, waltzes and jives took to the floor to celebrate the re-opening last night of one of London's most popular ballrooms.

The multi-million-pound refit of the Clore Ballroom at the Royal Festival Hall saw professional dancers in white ties and ballroom gowns, mingling with enthusiastic amateurs who had come straight from the office to sashay across the new dancefloor.

Southbank chief executive Michael Lynch said the unveiling of the ballroom was an important night for the venue and paid tribute to Dame Vivien Duffield, who personally gave £5 million to transform the Royal Festival Hall.

The Clore Ballroom is dedicated to Dame Vivien's father, Sir Charles Clore, a businessman and philanthropist who made a fortune running Selfridges before setting up a charitable foundation bearing his name.

Dame Vivien said: "I just hope my father, wherever he is, will be happy with a ballroom named after him.

"I think it is the most wonderful use of the space and when the Southbank board meets next I am sure we will try to think of ways to make sure this venue is used as much as possible."

The Royal Festival Hall, which originally opened its doors in 1951 during the Festival of Britain, was re-opened in June after a £115 million makeover.

The Clore Ballroom is sure to be a huge hit. The craze for ballroom dancing has been sparked by the remarkable success of BBC's Strictly Come Dancing.

The latest series comes to an end at the weekend with singer Alesha Dixon and EastEnders actor Matt D'Angelo competing for the title. Last night was the first chance to put into practice at the Clore Ballroom some of the moves previously only witnessed on television.

Veronica Campbell, 26, from Finsbury Park, said she was walking past with a friend when she heard the music and wandered in.

She said: "I couldn't believe it when I saw everyone dancing. My friend and I aren't much good but we have had a couple of salsa lessons and watched Strictly Come Dancing so hopefully we weren't too bad."

Tessa Swanson, 30, from Brixton, said: "Ballroom dancing had a really stuffy image until Strictly Come Dame along. Now it's cool. To see hundreds of people doing the foxtrot was just amazing."