If you’ve been anywhere near a television, computer, or phone within the past few weeks, you’ve most likely heard of the movie that swept the Golden Globes and captured the hearts of millions in all areas of the country: La La Land. The beautiful film starring the even more beautiful Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone, was not only a love letter to L.A but an amazing promotion for ballroom dancing. Displaying elements of the Viennese Waltz, the Foxtrot and traditional jazz, it has inspired many across the nation to enroll in ballroom classes with hopes of unlocking their personal potential and creating their own La La Land.
I’ve been a competitive ballroom dancer for almost four years now and it’s the best decision I’ve ever made. The typical reaction to hearing that I’m a ballroom dancer is, “When are you going to teach me?!” I always urge those around me to try dancing but seldom ever do despite the genuine interest. If falling in love with La La Land wasn't enough of a push, here are a few more reasons why you should ht the dance floor.
- A work-out that doesn’t feel like a work-out
If one of your goals this year is to exercise more but you get discouraged at the idea of dragging yourself to a gym to run in place for an hour or climb enough stairs to get to heaven, then dancing may be for you. Dancing is not only amazing cardio, but a great core, leg, back, and butt workout. Most of the time you don’t even notice that almost every muscle in your body is being engaged. You won’t be as sore as you would at a gym, but you still reap the same benefits. Plus 45 minutes of dancing is way more enjoyable and goes by faster than staring at the screen of your phone counting down the minutes until you can stop.
(Ladies, four weeks of dancing in heels can shape your legs just as good, if not better, than any machine).
2. Ultimate stress relief
If you’re highly stressed like I am, or just deal with a normal amount of stress, ballroom dance is a perfect relief. It’s basically like a highly physical form of meditating. It’s easy to get lost in the beat of the music and the moves of your body. There’s no time for thinking about work, bills, or school when you’re focusing on your partner and the music. The exercise and great conversations with my partner and the friendly staff and students ensure that I never leave the studio stressed or unhappy.
3. Improving coordination
I’m not graceful in my everyday life. I knock over things constantly, but dance has improved my balance, posture, and poise and even my rhythm. There is a myth that you need to have natural rhythm to start dancing. Let me be the first to assure you this is not true. This is a lie we tell ourselves to stay in our comfort zones! With a good teacher and a desire to learn, anyone can develop some rhythm.
4. Improving/developing communication
You can’t get by in ballroom without strong communication. Don’t fret if you start out a clumsy mess stepping all over your partner (I have hit mine in the face, knocked him over, and scratched him up). It’s all part of the experience and the fun. After hours of dancing attached to each other, you and your partner will develop strong verbal and physical communication. You’ll understand body language better and how to effectively communicate and problem solve with another person to reach a common goal. This type of self-reflection and growth will transpire into your personal ife and relationships as well.
(Pro tip: Try taking classes with your significant other to gain some communication skills, have fun trying something new, and spark up that intimacy!)
5. Playing dress up
This doesn’t apply just to women! When you look good you feel good, so putting on that slimming suit or that gown can be beneficial and it’s definitely a lot of fun. Dancing is your chance to be that suave, good-looking, well-dressed, sought-after gentleman or the Disney princess or sexy woman we all have inside us. No two dresses or suits are alike so have fun with your personal style and flare knowing you’re one of a kind!
6. Unleash your inner confidence
Do you consider yourself shy? Could your self-esteem need a little boost? Get to dancing. Everyone who starts feels shy at first, which makes every student you meet at a studio very friendly and welcoming. Private lessons or beginner group classes are great places to start. In a beginner group class, everyone around you is the in the same boat so it’s less intimidating. During a private lesson, a teacher is working with only you which accelerates learning and helps you improve on things that are specific to you and your needs. Being able to say you tried something new and stepped outside your comfort zone is a confidence booster in itself. But performing in front of others, making new friends, being able to impress your family with your new skills will ensure that confidence spills over into other areas of your life.
(Guys: being able to spin a lady around a dance floor no matter what your age is great for confidence and yourdating life!)
