If you’re thinking about getting in shape, consider eschewing whatever the latest fad in fitness is; e.g., kickboxing, zumba or military-style workouts for… wait for it… ballroom dancing! Arthur Murray began ballroom dancing in 1912 and, without much change in style, his studios continue to promote this healthy activity in a positive and encouraging environment.
If you’re like me, “exercise” is little more than an hour of waiting for it to be over. Ballroom dance is a delightful way to be active while improving more than your muscle tone. Dance improves your balance, posture, mental acuity, self-esteem, and energy level. On top of that, you might also find an uptick in your social life, or if you’re dancing with a partner, a lifelong relationship.
Elena Lewis and Carlos Hernandez are the owners and instructors at Arthur Murray Dance in Georgetown and are eager to share that dance is so much more than steps and patterns.
“Many studies have been done about the therapeutic nature of dance,” Elena says. “It is a great tool to realign your mobility after an injury, or even a hip or knee replacement. It helps with cardiac recovery because it keeping your arms above your heart during movement helps your circulation. Dance is so effective, Canada recognizes ballroom dance as medical rehabilitation, which means lessons can be covered by insurance.”
Carlos adds, “Ballroom dance can also help slow the progression of neurological diseases like dementia, Parkinsons, or Alzheimer’s. Dance uses parts of your brain that are used in no other processes or activities. Adding memorization to physical movement—kinetic learning—helps with coordination and preventing the atrophy of myriad muscles we don’t use day to day.”
The studio has a client who needs a cane to walk. Her doctor said more walking would not help but she is able to dance and enjoy movement without help because her partner holds her. Carlos says, “Dance helps retrain the basics like heel-toe and right-left movement.”
The couple agree, even with all the physical benefits, dancing is so much more than exercise. “There is music and the social aspect of a partner or group,” Elena says. “Human touch is almost a necessity to good health. Studies have long-since proven that infants don’t thrive or even develop properly without human touch. We don’t lose that need as adults.” While dancing, couples do not talk, but instead guide each other with touch and movement; “It is a learning experience for young couples, or a reminder for older couples, that they are a team. There is no price tag for the rewards watching people grow with confidence and feel empowered.”
One-on-One or Group
Ballroom dance is for couples and individuals who want to rekindle their romance, empty nesters looking for new activities, or people who are retired with new, free time. Or, of course, anyone looking to impress at a wedding. Elena says, “Any of these are a good excuse to fall in love with all the things dance can do for you. It’s not about the steps, it’s about the atmosphere and benefits. And don’t stay away because you do not move well or think you have no rhythm; dance doesn’t care what your physical ability is.”
Carlos adds, “I’ve never seen a person completely unable to dance. Dancing with the Stars had a contestant who was missing part of his leg and arm and danced; and at one of our competitions I met a man born with spina bifida. He could barely walk, but he always wanted to dance and he did.”
Carlos and Elena assure us that anyone can dance, even if you think you can’t, and they are the first to tell you that it is for everyone. “You don’t have to be six feet tall and built like a praying mantis. We are real people with real bodies and authentic lifestyles.”
They also work with people who have physical challenges or need assistance to stand or walk. They can even refer potential promenaders in wheelchairs to instructors certified in special movements. “Whatever challenges or ailments a person may have, it is our job to make you feel light and balanced. The best thing about a class vs. a club is that we can teach you to use your body to your best ability, and if something we teach causes discomfort for you, we are right there to fix it.”
Carlos and Elena love to watch traditional couples who may have grown up with the idea that affection should be discreet. “Dancing allows PEOPLE to hold hands in public, become playful, and rekindle the romance, all without saying a word.”
Engaged couples can look forward to 40 minutes of teamwork when they don’t have to worry about all the stresses that come with wedding planning. It’s a good time to enjoy that first sense of teamwork and be themselves together.