In old movies, you always see couples glamorously whirling along polished floors in elegant suits and beautiful dresses, with their hair done up perfectly, gazing into each other’s eyes. The good news is that people are still doing it–ballroom dancing is making a bit of a comeback! From 2001 and 2011, about 35% more people taking ballroom dancing lessons across the United States. Dancing is still a good thing to know today, whether it be for your wedding dance or you just want to show that you can move a little. Participating in dance classes has also shown multiple health benefits as a form of exercise, and there are many dance classes for kids offered in a range of styles.
Things to Know About Ballroom Dancing
Before you start something new, it’s always good to know a few of the facts. Ballroom dancing takes its name from the Latin word ballare , which means literally “to dance.” Specific rules were created during the rules of Louis XIV in the late 17th century. He founded the Academie Royale de Musique et de Danse and helped perfect the form. Today, it’s considered an Olympic sport (so don’t let anyone tell you it’s not real exercise!). Some of the oldest and most practiced forms include the waltz, tango, Viennese waltz, foxtrot, quickstep, samba, cha-cha-cha, rumba, paso doble and the jive.
What Health Benefits Are Associated With Ballroom Dancing?
You may want to get in a dance studio for numerous reasons. Firstly, dance classes have been shown to strengthen an individual’s bones and muscles, improve posture and balance, and increases flexibility. A dance class will usually be a few times a week, which also means you’re engaging in regular aerobic activity, which can help you maintain a healthy weight and good cardiovascular health as well. It also provides individuals with a fun group environment where they can enjoy themselves while also exercising.
If all that weren’t enough, the New England Journal of Medicine ran a study that stated partaking regularly in dance classes might help someone improve their memory and even lessen the risks of dementia. Other studies, like those run by the Journal of Applied Gerontology suggest that regular dance classes can help reduce stress levels and reduce or help symptoms of depression.
How’s that for a great sport?
Where Can I Sign Up?
If you live in a more populated area, there’s sure to be posters or notices about dance classes around, especially if you have a few dance studios in your area. Often gyms or workout centers will offer dance classes and there tends to be a good number of dance studios available where there are small children. You can also go online and search for nearby dance studios to your neighborhood and check out the closest one. If there’s nothing around, you might consider trying to start one yourself!
Couples often take ballroom dancing as a fun way to rejuvenate their spark or do something together on the weekends. Considering all the health benefits and skills you gain, trying ballroom dancing is definitely something you should do at least once in your life!
