Anyone who has seen Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers do their thing knows how complicated dance can be. It feels like an activity reserved for those who can follow a beat and know how to move their feet. However, people forget that dance comes in so many styles. The more forgiving ones are ballroom dances.
What is Ballroom Dancing?
It is a set of social dances for couples. They are commonly used in formal events where social dancing is required, like weddings, charity events, and parties. There are two types of ballroom styles: American Smooth and International Standard. American Smooth includes the waltz, tango, foxtrot, and Viennese waltz. International Standard also has the same four dances, waltz, tango, foxtrot, and Viennese waltz, in addition to a fifth dance, the quickstep.
There are several key differences between American Smooth and International Standard. The American style of ballroom dance is generally more open in its dance position with couples switching from one side of their partner to another and uses underarm turns. Dips, turns, and side-by-side moves are also accepted. It’s generally more informal and is mostly used in social situations.
Here is a video of American Smooth Waltz at a world competition level. Note the ‘open’ steps and use of side by side or hand to hand positions which you would not find in International Standard.
International Standard, on the other hand, is all about the closed hold and common centre. Couples who dance this style have a consistent frame throughout the dance and never break. You’ll find this type of dance in the competition circuit, both on the national and world stage. However, it does make its appearance in social events across Australia as well.
Here is a video of an International Standard Waltz competition. Note that couples are almost ‘glued’ together the entire time.
Ballroom dancing has been a staple for years and is considered a life skill. Even those with two left feet may end up dancing a waltz or two at a wedding or business function. But social conventions aren’t the only reasons why you should learn ballroom dance. There are physical, mental, and emotional benefits as well!
Physical Benefits of Ballroom Dance Classes
Exercise
Ballroom dance is a low-impact activity that could be a part of your weekly fitness routine. Adults are encouraged to have 150 minutes of moderate physical activity and two days with muscle-strengthening activities. You could take a dance class twice a week for your high-intensity workout and pair it with regular walks. Or you could practise a short choreography every day and pair that with lifting weights.
Better Posture
Ballroom dance requires proper posture. When you practise regularly, you end up correcting the slouch developed from desk work and have a straight back. If you’ve seen other ballroom, Latin, and ballet dancers, you’ll know what I mean.
Note that the changes aren’t just mental. Dancing helps loosen your hip flexors and upper traps while strengthening your back muscles. These changes make it easier for you to hold your corrected posture.
Improve Flexibility
Ballroom dancing might not have splits or other tricks, but it still requires proper stretches and warm-ups. It’s common to include static and dynamic stretches, which could improve your flexibility long-term.
Tone Muscles
Dancing doesn’t just work out one group of muscles like leg days or arm days in the gym. It’s an activity that requires your whole body, from the top of your head down to your toes. You improve overall muscle tone.
Read More: Discover the Truth: Is Dance a Sport or an Art? | QuickSteps
Emotional Benefits of Ballroom Dance Classes
Mood Booster
Dancing does a lot to help regulate your emotions. It does this by way of hormones. Dancing reduces cortisol, the stress hormone, and releases “happy” hormones like dopamine and endorphins.
For those who need a refresher, dopamine is the reward hormone. It comes about when you learn something new and participate in activities you enjoy. Endorphins are natural pain relievers that are released when you experience stress or strain. Your endorphin levels increase during physical activities like workouts and dance.
Enhanced Confidence and Self-Esteem
Dancing requires you to put yourself out there. Your body has to occupy space. You have to perform in front of a group of strangers. You need to learn to move with a partner. These are all things that beginners feel shy about. You might stumble the first few sessions, but over time your mind adjusts. By the third lesson or so, dancing with a partner feels less scary and becomes more exciting.
Much-Needed Socialisation
Humans are social beings. Ballroom dance classes are a great opportunity to make new friends and interact with people on a regular basis. Group classes can prevent feelings of loneliness and reduce the risk of depression and anxiety disorders.
If you have a partner, this could be another way to spend time together and improve your intimacy. Most couples who dance together feel more secure about their relationship and keep the romantic spark alive. It wouldn’t be excessive to say that it makes you love more.
Read More: Create Unforgettable Moments with these Romantic Dance Styles!
Mental Health Benefits of Ballroom Dance Classes
Reduce Stress
Experienced dancers can enter into something called the “flow state.” It’s a time when your mind is focused on a single task or activity, and lets go of mental and emotional burdens. Being in a deep flow state brings about good feelings and offers a temporary high. Pair that with decreased levels of cortisol, and you have better mental health.
Active Mind
When you do ballroom dance, you aren’t just exercising your body, but your mind as well. Learning to dance enforces the mind-body connection. Trying out new choreography allows you to stay in a learning mindset. Performing a dance routine exercises your memory. Moving on the dance floor with your partner improves spatial recognition. Studies have shown that dancing prevents neurological illnesses that come with age.
What to Expect in Ballroom Dance Classes?
There are so many benefits to taking ballroom dance classes. Ready to take it on? Here are some things you should expect:
- You won’t get things right on the first try, and that’s okay!
- Classes can take a lot out of you! Especially if you haven’t been active in a while.
- You don’t have to come to class with a partner in hand. (But you could if you want to!)
- Your studio may ask you to swap partners in group classes. However, this isn’t the case here at QuickSteps. We give students the option to dance with the partner they came with or partner up with someone new in the class.
- The choreography you’ll learn is adapted to your level. So don’t expect to learn fancy tricks if you are a beginner. You need to learn the basics before you can sweep the dance floor with all the flounces and flourishes.
- There’s a basic etiquette you should follow. You can read more about it here.
QuickSteps has classes for dancers at all levels, so you don’t have to worry about being too advanced or lagging behind. Besides learning from our experienced instructors, we also have events like the Ballroom Blitz that will keep you on your toes.
Video: https://www.facebook.com/quickstepsadelaide/videos/618701876165223/
Choosing the Right Ballroom Dance Class
Are you ready to start your ballroom dance journey? Find the right dance class. There are several things you ask yourself before booking a trial class:
- Where is the closest ballroom dance class to me?
- Do I want private lessons or group classes?
- Should I come with a partner? Or do this solo?
- Should I dance American Smooth or International Ballroom?
- What dance should I start with?
- Do I want this to be a one-time thing? Or make it a weekly activity?
When you have your answers, QuickSteps Adelaide is ready for your first session! We have classes throughout the week and provide 1:1 and group classes. Our teachers are more than ready to guide you through your first steps in the ballroom or refine the technical skills you’ve amassed over the years.
Book your ballroom dance class today!
