9 Great Reasons to Learn Ballroom Dancing ...

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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?