This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Health & Fitness

7 Reasons to Learn How to Ballroom Dance

If you're looking for a fun new activity to do with your spouse or significant other, ballroom dance lessons are a great choice.

You’ve heard about ballroom dancing; why not take a few lessons?

If you’re looking for a fun new activity to do with your spouse or significant other, ballroom dance lessons are a great choice.

It provides you with the chance to learn a new skill while getting a little exercise and socializing with a new group of friends. And there’s no need to feel self-conscious, as everyone else is just starting out just like you are.

Find out what's happening in Vernonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

1. It’s a reason to hold your spouse

I’m not saying that after 32 years of marriage that the magic’s gone, but we certainly don’t carry on like teenagers any more (much to our kids’ relief).

Find out what's happening in Vernonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Ballroom dancing, unlike more modern dances, requires the partners to hold one another close while they dance.

There’s a lot to be said for the intimacy you feel by getting to hold each other and look into each other’s eyes during the lesson.

2. We guys get to lead

Okay, this one’s a little sexist, but “let the man lead” really is something you hear a lot when taking dance lessons.

Most of the transitions between moves are based on the man pushing, pulling, and otherwise directing the woman which way to go.

…Good luck with that.

3. It gets you out of the house during the week

As you get older, there are always things you ‘have’ to do, and appointments you ‘have’ to keep, either for the kids, the house, or your job(s).

Taking dance lessons provides you something you ‘get’ to do once a week.

It’s nice, for once, to have a standing date to go out and do something just for ourselves.

4. Dogs, tricks, etc.

Learning new stuff is fun, and studies have shown this also keeps the mind active. However, as we get older we seek out fewer opportunities to learn new skills.

Ballroom dance isn’t just cutting loose on the dance floor; it requires focus, practice, and a certain amount of skill.

It will also give you a sense of accomplishment knowing you’ve improved yourself by learning something new.

5. It’s actually a workout

I consider myself to be in pretty decent shape, normally running and lifting weights 6 days a week.

Dancing requires balance and movements that you’re probably not normally used to doing.

I was surprised to find out how stiff and tired I was after an hour long dance lesson.

6. It’s fun because everyone’s a beginner

The common theme in the dance class is just the fun of learning a new skill.

All the couples are just starting out, and are constantly bumping into one another and making mistakes.

As we’re all at the same level of competence (pretty much zero), no one is embarrassed or pointing fingers.

7. You can show off at the next wedding reception

Of course, at some point you’ll want to show off your new moves, right?

Be sure to throw the band or DJ a couple of bucks to play a Waltz or Foxtrot at the next wedding reception, and see if you can wow the crowd.

Summary

Hopefully, the info above will give you some incentive to go and checkout dance lessons for you and your spouse.

Give it a try, and I’ll bet you’ll keep going back!
Check out your local ballroom dance studio www.SouthWindsorDanceStudio.com

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?