Dancing

There is a reason dance is considered to be the universal language. Everyone knows how to dance, from isolated tribes to babies who can yet walk. Dance can be the ultimate form of expression, with health benefits which outweigh any concerns about coordination. In various studies dance has been show to help with strength, coordination, increased cardiovascular health, pain relief and has even been shown to lower risk of developing dementia.

Dance is for everyone. You can dance at home, in your living room, letting the music and your body lead you. You can dance at the gym in a Zumba class, really getting you cardiovascular system circulating. You can dance in any number of formal lessons, learning one style or a whole cavalcade. The way you take up dance is completely up to you, there is no wrong way to dance. If there is music and you are moving, you are already doing it.

Average cost $-$$$

Dance only ever costs what you want it to. If you are contented dancing at home, with the music and space you already have, dancing can be completely free. There are also fairly low cost social dancing nights at a community centres and clubs, which offer dancing for the price of a meal. If you want to take on more formal lessons, these can be costly, however, they usually run for a set period of time, in terms, meaning you can prepare and budget for an upcoming term of lessons.

Styles

So, you have decided that dance is for you and you would like to take a class, but where do you start? Choosing a style of dance which appeals to you is the first step forward. Below you will find some information of a few styles of dance to point you in the right direction.

Ballet

Ballet is a dance style based in developing a thorough understanding of the basics. It focuses on strength, flexibility and execution. Ballet uses a repertoire of established movements woven together, usually to classical music, to bring to life a story. When considering ballet it is important to understand that becoming proficient can take a great deal of time, and likely those who pick it up in their adulthood will struggle to master the art form. However, ballet can be an incredibly fun and rewarding style of dance, with a focus on precision and strength it is incredibly beneficial for the body.

Ballroom dancing

Ballroom dancing is a partnered style of dance, comprised of a number of formal dances. In many cases the dances have long legacies and are danced similarly the world over. Ballroom is a technical style of dance which will test your ability to work as one half of a pair, which makes it an activity more suited to couples or those with a desire to have their pastime double as a social activity. Ballroom is also a competitive sport, which means that if you have the fighting spirit, and the drive to commit to learning to dance, you may have found your match.

Belly Dancing

Belly dancing comprises of slow winding motions, combined with faster shimmies, to move the body to the beat of the music. The focus of belly dancing, unlike in many western styles of dance, if the movement of the torso and isolation of the hips. The music used is often Middle Eastern or African in origin, with the movement of the body and extension of the sound of the instrumentation. Belly dancing also often has a body positive message, celebrating the movement of the body rather than the accomplishment of particular rule bound movement. This is a great style of movement for those who may like to feel a sense of closeness and utility of their physical form without the rigidity of a more formal style of dance.

Jazz

Jazz is characterised by its high energy. Jazz encourages the dancer to interpret the movement to serve their bodies, while executing a number of ecstatic leaps, turns and isolated moments. Jazz tends to work with upbeat music from a number of different eras. This style of moment requires a strong core and the ability to interpret moment for yourself. Although it is fast, jazz also requires grace and poise, calling on dancers to extend their bodies and take up space. Some examples of well known jazz dances include the Charleston and the Lindy hop.

Salsa

Salsa is a partnered dance comprising of Latin rhythm and close body posture. Salsa emphasises the moving of two bodies together as one unit. Movement is initiated by the shifting of weight between the feet rolling up through the body. Salsa is usually danced the music of the same name, with up tempo rhythm and beat. This style of dance is best for couples or those who do not feel concern at pressing their body to their dance partner’s as salsa requires close positioning to move about the dance floor. Salsa can be a competitive style of dance, with regular competitions held throughout the world. Salsa can also be a very social activity, with many who take it up taking up casual dancing in addition to their classes.

Tap

Made famous by song and dance movies, tap is so called due to the sound the metal plates attached to the dance shoes make when they contact the ground. Tap focuses very heavily of timing and beat, as the sound made by the shoes often contributes to the overall musical experience of the dance. Tap relies heavily of the musicality of the dancer, requiring that they understand how the music sounds, as well as feels. Some have labelled tap a dying art, with it falling out of popularity with choreographers in the traditional homes, such as Broadway. However, tap is still very much alive and kicking, with many dance studios still teaching and many still learning the style.

equipment

The equipment needed to take up dance is very dependent on the style you choose. Most styles of dance require a specialised pair of shoes, these can be expensive, though will not likely need to be regularly replaced if they are treated well and not used daily. Most dance studios will inform you up front of any specific equipment needed to take up their classes, and you can usually buy the necessary items at the studio, if you are unsure of you needs. Some styles of dance can require elaborate costumes for performances or competitions, though you will usually be informed of these requirements well in advance of the activity.

In summary

Dance is a fun, energetic and social pastime with a style for all. If none of the styles above interested you, be assured there are many, many more to choose from out there. It seems unlikely there is a hobby which offers as much fun or as many health benefits as dance does. In taking up dance you are ensuring the strength and flexibility of both mind and body. When all it takes is a little music and a little movement, it seems a shame not to enjoy the benefits.

Places to do this

Dancing

Average cost $-$$$

Styles

Ballet

Ballroom dancing

Belly Dancing

Jazz

Salsa

Tap

equipment

In summary

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