Live, Learn, Love: Taking Ballroom Dance Classes as an Adult
“When I was a little girl, eight or nine years old,” Morgana W, a Cambridge resident, said, “I wanted to be a ballerina. More than anything. I begged my Mother to take me to dance class, and finally, after what must have been weeks and weeks of begging and pleading, she took me to a local studio. The instructor took one look at me, and shrugged. ‘You’re too old!’ she pronounced. ‘If you were serious about dance, you would have been here when you were three years old!’ I left the studio in tears and never did get my tutu and toe shoes.”
Morgana’s story is not unique – and that’s what stops many adults from pursuing a life long desire to learn how to dance. Fear of being too old, too out of shape, or just ‘the wrong type of person’ has kept far too many people out of the dance studio.
No longer! Boston area dance instructors want the word to spread. You’re never too old to learn how to dance. Ballroom dancing includes the tango, rhumba, foxtrot and other dances you’ve seen on television shows like “Dancing with the Stars”. Salsa and swing dancing classes are high energy and lots of fun – no matter how old you are!
You’re Never Too Old To Learn How To Dance
Beginning ballroom dance classes are for learners of all ages. You can certainly learn to dance while you’re still in elementary school – but there are classes for the far more senior set as well.
In fact, ballroom dancing has some great benefits specifically for older folks. In addition to being a great workout – fantastic for cardiovascular health – ballroom dancing works the muscles that contribute to core body strength and balance. Additionally, taking ballroom dance classes gives older dancers a chance to meet and socialize with new people: a welcome and vital boost to mental and emotional health.
Competition Ballroom Dancing For Seniors
Competitive ballroom dancing (also known as Dancesport) is becoming increasingly popular. Senior dancers often have an advantage: being mature means they have the time to pursue dance more seriously than younger dancers who have to fit the demands of building a career and raising small children into their day. Dance competitions have a senior category. Although the rules vary by competition, generally the male partner must be at least 40-45 years old to be considered a senior pair.
The Benefits of Learning Ballroom Dancing as a Senior
“I never forgot that early disappointment,” Morgana said, “but I must say the joy I’ve found from my Cambridge ballroom dance classes have more than made up for it.” Although Morgana doesn’t dance competitively, she has enjoyed showing off her dance skills at family events and work functions. “People can’t believe it,” she said with a laugh. “They know Morgana from the front office, not dancing Morgana!” Weekly dance classes are a highlight of the week. “I didn’t go into this to lose any weight,” she added, “But I’ve lost quite a few pounds along the way. I count that as a bonus!”
We are the DanceSport Academy of New England, the
<a rel="nofollow" onclick="javascript:_gaq.push(['_trackPageview', '/outgoing/article_exit_link/4622798']);" href="http://www.dancesport-newengland.com";>Boston's hottest full-service ballroom dance studio, co-owned by New England dance champions Kari Hyytinen and Anne Heiermann.
