[ad_1]
You've probably seen the very popular BBC television program Strictly Come Dancing, in the USA it was called Dancing with the Stars. If you're wondering what all the fuss is about look no further because here's a beginners guide to the top ten reasons to love ballroom dancing.
One – The Music
Ballroom and Latin dance music is quite simply fabulous and it makes you want to dance. I defy anyone to listen to 'Shout It Feel It' by the Count Basie Orchestra and not want to at least tap their feet! Dancing as there has been a resurgence in interest in jazz and swing music, Michael Buble and Jamie Cullum being two modern exponents of the genre, and this has only helped dance to once again capture the public imagination.
Two – It's Up Close and Personal
Before the recent interest in ballroom dancing people used to laugh when I told them I danced. They saw it as a strange thing to do. I never quite understand this as in the words of George Bernard Shaw dancing is the "vertical expression of a horizontal desire legalized by music"? Surely a reason to love ballroom dancing.
Three – Health Benefits
According to researchers social dancing provides the body with many health benefits. It may help reduce stress, increase energy, and improve strength, muscle tone, and co-regulation. Dancing can also burn as many calories as walking or riding a bike. One of the best aspects of ballroom dancing is the fun you can have while you're doing something great for your body.
Four – The People You Meet
Like most walks of life dancing attractions all kinds of people but by far the majority of dancers are really nice people to know and great fun to be with.
Five – You Get to Dress Up
It's fair to say that ballroom dancing went through a phase where the ladies wore some quite strange outfits. But today layers of petticoats and lace have given way to flowing gowns and glamorous figure hugging designer chic. Of course the men still wear their tail suits but even here heavy fabric has given way to much lighter and cooler alternatives. Usually of course tail suits are not worn but everyone loves the chance to dress up and wear nice clothes and what better occasion than a ballroom dance!
Six – You Can be Competitive
We humans are a competitive lot and dancing is no different. There is a vibrant and active competitive circuit at all levels of ballroom dancing from professional through to beginner. Even if stepping out with a number pinned to your back is not appealing you can still join in and shout your support from the wings. Contrary to popular belief competitive ballroom dancing is not a genteel pastime, quite the opposite and anyone attending a competition for the first time might be surprised by the experience. Competitions are definitely a reason to love ballroom dancing!
Seven – You Can Do It All Over The World
Ballroom dancing is popular the world over and if you travel you will find kindred spirits in all four corners of the globe. Some countries are more actively involved in dancing than others but you will seldom be far from a dance hall or studio where you may roam.
Eight – You Can Make People Envious
Nobody likes a show off but there's a fine line between showing off and simply doing something you enjoy. There are many social situations where being able to dance is a positive boon and many people have taken up dancing after being at a wedding and watching people who can dance take to the floor wishing it was them. So another way of looking at this is if you dance at a social event you may well be encouraging others to take up dancing too!
Nine – It's Hard
I play golf. Golf's hard and week after week I go back to the course and week after week the course beats me. Dancing is hard too. Week after week I go to lessons and come away safe in the knowledge that there is still much to learn. But this is not a bad thing. Learning and perhaps mastering things that are hard is part of the human condition and dancing will present you with a lifetime of learning opportunities and the associated feeling you get when you master just one small part of it. Like golf, dancing is rewarding and fun because it's hard.
Ten – It's just fun!
What ever the level of dancing you achieve you will have fun. From the beginners taking to the floor for the first time, often with a terrified look on their face, through to seasoned professionals strutting their stuff at a dance demonstration dancing makes you feel alive and it makes you smile.
That's my top ten reasons to love ballroom dancing. If you want to try dancing consider a dance holiday or if you need a partner check out one of the many dance partner websites and get started.
[ad_2]
Source by David A Robinson
