9 Great Reasons to Learn Ballroom Dancing ...

Crystal

I've always admired dancers, and after doing some research I discovered some amazing reasons to learn ballroom dancing. I wanted to try something new and dance seemed the logical choice for me. I asked instructors at several locations for some reasons to learn ballroom dancing. In a nutshell, not only is it fun, but it's insanely good for you too.

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1. Great Exercise

For many, this is one of the most important reasons to learn ballroom dancing. You'd be surprised how much of a workout it really is. From waltz to tango, it feels like every muscle in your body is working. No matter what your current fitness level, ballroom dancing is a great way to exercise without feeling like you're working out.

2. Meet Fun New People

I was afraid to take dance classes because I figured I'd look out of place. Everyone made me feel welcome and working with other beginners made me feel right at home. It wasn't long before we were all laughing and helping each other. Now, I have a new set of friends I'd never have met otherwise. If you're single, it's also a great way to meet guys, believe it or not.

Frequently asked questions

3. Improve Coordination

I'm not the most graceful person in the world. I can literally trip over nothing. My balance, poise and coordination are better than ever. You learn to trust your body more as you move around the floor. You'll find yourself walking straighter, tripping over your own feet less and less and becoming the graceful woman your mom always hoped was in there somewhere.

4. Improve Memory

Ballroom dancing isn't just physical. It's a mental exercise as well. You can't have someone calling out the steps to you all the time. You have to memorize them and learn to do them without a second thought. Not only are you improving your body's health, but your mind's as well. In fact, dancing has even been shown to help prevent Alzheimer's disease. That alone is enough to make me want to keep dancing.

5. Find Your Inner Confidence

If you're shy or have low self-esteem, ballroom dance could be the best thing to happen to you. I felt shy at first, but so did everyone else. We were all trying something new. I highly suggest starting in a beginner class or even using videos at home so you're not intimidated. After only a few weeks, I started feeling more confident. This confidence started spilling over into other areas of my life. Even my friends and family noticed the difference.

6. Control Your Stress

There's something highly relaxing about ballroom dancing. You lose yourself in the music and movements. You strike up fun conversations with your partner and other dancers. In no time, all your stress melts away. It's like a highly physical form of meditation. If stress is a problem for you, try a few ballroom classes and you will see a difference.

7. Play Dress-up

Part of the reason I wanted to learn to dance was for the costumes. From the flowing gowns to the sexy barely-there outfits, I wanted it all. I loved playing dress-up when I was little. With ballroom dancing, I could play dress-up as an adult too. While you don't have to go all out, it's fun to let the dance transform you both inside and out. Trust me, putting on the attire will definitely make you feel like a new woman.

8. Learn to Work with Others

If you're not exactly a good team player, ballroom will change that. You have to learn to work well with others. After all, you're only as good as your partner. Your communication and teamwork skills drastically improve the more you dance. You learn how to rely upon others and even learn your own self-worth in a team setting. I know I personally learned how to better communicate with my partner without every little mistake turning into an argument.

9. Ease Feelings of Anxiety and Depression

Performing may seem like the worst way to help anxiety and depression, but dancing really does help. You get to socialize in a safe place with others who are likely dealing with similar issues. Learning the dances helps boost your mood and gives you something to look forward to. As you become more comfortable and confident, you find that you're less anxious and have fewer negative feelings.

Ballroom dancing is a blast, no matter what styles you choose to learn. It's great for any age and the benefits are endless. Have you ever tried it? If so, how did it help you?

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Where Thoughts and Opinions Converge

I take classes and I love them!!! so worth it!! I love being able to show off my grace to my friends!

, I was really interested to start taking waltz classes as well, & it was available @ the time, but I have no idea where to find it now. I don't even know where to take square dancing classes (also available then & probably now) I just am not sure where to look anymore. I will look into it for sure. That is one high that may be addictive, but it is an addiction (& high) I would be greatly interested in getting back into again. :-D

I love ballroom dancing! A lot of people think they are too old to start learning how to dance, but it's never too late. You don't have to be a good dancer, you just need to be ready to have fun! Warning: dancing is really addicting, you may not be able to stop once you've started!

#2 And the ballroom community loves meeting new people!!! They are usually suuuper friendly and happy if you make mistakes or whatever. They're a bunch o' chill people.

I found the same thrill when I was going to highland dancing classes when I was a little girl & an adult, then again when I went to line dancing classes as well as two stepping. While I can't highland dance anymore (due to problems with M.S.), & line dancing & two stepping petered out & stopped being taught as well as no place to do it in the small city I live in