Dance
fitter
yourself
Being a well established
dance school, we have
had the pleasure of
witnessing first hand
the positive effects, both
mental and physical, that
dancing can have on
ordinary people.
In this article we will try and delve a little
deeper into the many different (and often
surprising) health benefits of each of the
different styles of dance we teach.
Traditionally partner dancing has not
been primarily identified as physical
exercise but as more of a social activity.
Little do our couples and singles
know that Ballroom and Latin dancing
has been stealthily improving many
aspects of their health that other forms
of ‘exercise’ cannot tap into. This, I
believe, is one of the greatest benefits of
Ballroom and Latin dancing: you spend
so much time enjoying yourself that
you hardly notice the significant effect
Ballroom and Latin dancing has on your
physical and mental health and well
being.
Let’s start with my favourite and
specialty; Ballroom Dancing (the Strictly
stuff!) and how each of the dances’
unique characteristics develop unique
types of strength.
The powerful ‘scooping action’ of the
Waltz and the almost hypnotic smooth
flight of the Foxtrot (without any
wobbling, turbulence or disturbance
of movement) requires and therefore
develops tremendous leg strength and
control through the knees, back, ankles
and calf muscles whilst creating flexibility
and functional strength of the core
muscles, vital for every day actions. From
a dancer’s perspective, these create
sway, swing and the impressive flowing
34
movements of the Waltz and Foxtrot.
Conversely, the lighting-speed
movements that reflect the big band
music of the Quickstep train fast twitch
muscle fibres. The attack and stillness
of the Tango develops a rock hard core
and has even been used to strengthen
the bones of those who suffer with
osteoporosis.
Over in the Latin, the challenging body
rhythms of the Samba engage every
muscle in your body, keeping them
flexible and using muscles you never
though you had! The strong, dominating
power and stance of the Paso Doble
trains your core harder than any type of
“sit up” or abdominal exercise.